Reference Guide
Size Guide
Vintage sizing runs differently from modern standards — a vintage French 40 is not the same as a contemporary US 10. We encourage all our clients to measure first and trust the tape, not the tag.
How to Measure
Use a soft measuring tape. Measure in inches.
01
Bust
Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Keep arms relaxed at your sides.
Wear a non-padded bra or your usual undergarments for the most accurate result.
02
Waist
Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, typically about an inch above your navel. Do not suck in.
Many vintage pieces have a defined waist seam; compare your measurement to the listed garment measurement, not a modern size label.
03
Hips
Stand with feet together. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and seat, approximately 7–9 inches below your natural waist.
For trousers and skirts, hips are the most critical measurement.
04
Inseam
Measure from your crotch seam to the floor while standing in flat shoes. A friend's help gives the most accurate reading.
Vintage trousers can often be hemmed but rarely lengthened — err on the side of longer.
05
Shoulder Width
Measure across the back from the edge of one shoulder seam to the other. This is especially important for blazers and structured coats.
Shoulders are the hardest seam to alter in vintage tailoring — prioritize this measurement for outerwear.
06
Sleeve Length
With your arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder point down to your wrist bone.
Sleeves are relatively easy to shorten on most garments.
Size Conversion Charts
US · FR · UK · IT · EU equivalents
| US Size | FR Size | UK Size | IT Size | EU Size | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 34 | 6 | 36 | 32 | 31–32 | 23–24 | 33–34 |
| 2 | 36 | 8 | 38 | 34 | 32–33 | 25–26 | 35–36 |
| 4 | 38 | 10 | 40 | 36 | 33–34 | 27–28 | 37–38 |
| 6 | 40 | 12 | 42 | 38 | 35–36 | 28–29 | 38–39 |
| 8 | 42 | 14 | 44 | 40 | 36–37 | 30–31 | 40–41 |
| 10 | 44 | 16 | 46 | 42 | 38–39 | 31–32 | 42–43 |
| 12 | 46 | 18 | 48 | 44 | 40–41 | 33–34 | 44–45 |
| 14 | 48 | 20 | 50 | 46 | 42–43 | 35–36 | 46–47 |
| 16 | 50 | 22 | 52 | 48 | 44–45 | 37–38 | 48–49 |
A Note on Vintage Sizing
What you should know before purchasing
Still unsure?
Ask your Wardrobe Concierge
Our stylists can advise on fit for any piece in the collection — just reach out before you buy.
Contact the Concierge