Most vintage was not tagged with sizes and even if they are they do not match modern sizing making it tough to define vintage by sizes! So what is a girl to do? I decided the best way around this dilemma is to measure the GARMENT not the girl. This way you can take my measurements and compare them directly against something you already own that fits you. Just grab your favorite dress and measure it flat across the back from seam to seam in the same basic spots as my measurements. And remember that you can have items tailored once they arrive. Many items made before the 1960s where made specifically for one individuals measurements so they do not necessarily follow ANY set measurements so there is no harm in you tweaking something so it is perfect for you! Just find a really great tailor ot seamstress you trust.

So where do I measure?

All measurements are taken flat across the back of the garment from side seam to side seam. I will often measure coats and jackets the same way but INSIDE the garment so you don't take the bulk of the coat into account. Any construction notes that might effect this method of measurement taking are noted. When you compare the bust remember most garments have cup size built into the front so make sure the back measurement matches up with your own dress and then if you are not sure if the cup part will work - just email and ask! Some items will have a bit of stretch to the fabric but are measured in their un-stretched shape or a range of inches are given to help you know how big it can go. And at worse I do take returns so you are safe no matter what!

SO here are the points to check against when you measure your comparison garment

The Waist is at the natural waist unless indicated as empire. An empire waist is measured at the seam just under the bust line.
The Hips are measured across the widest point of the hip area from side seam to side seam. Its taken approximately 10" down form the waist seam.
If it says this measurement is free or open that means its going to fit no matter how big your butt is as long as the other measurements fit.
Shoulders are measured shoulder seam to shoulder seam flat across - if it has shoulders and no measurement is given its usually because there is no defining seam so it will work on a variety of sizes as it will drape where it needs to.
The Bust is taken under the arm at the seam to under the arm. Again, this is done on the back and there will be extra fabric built in for the bust area on 98% of garments
Shoulder to waist is taken from the front of the garment at the approximate mid-point of the shoulder to the waist seam. If there is a large banded seam at the waist this will be provided separately
Waist to Bottom Hem is taken at the mid point of the front waist to the bottom hem
Total Length of a garment is taken if there is no defined waist seam. Its done from the mid point of the top of the back at the neck, to the bottom hem

All that being said - I was asked over and over to sort items to modern day sizing. So I did my own customized chart that does this to help give you a general idea of what size each item is. The size is also listed on each product page. All you have to do is click the What Size Am I link found in each item description and you can then keep the pop up open on your desktop while you shop if you need to. A link to this chart can also be found on the left navigational menu on every shopping page through the entire site. We have also sorted all the garments on the site by their approximate modern day sizing

Remember when in doubt - grab a measuring tape and measure something you own that fits you well and compare!

Shop knowing our garments are chosen based on the Shrimpton Couture Standard of Excellence - meaning each item has been professionally cleaned and pressed and are only posted on the site if they are in excellent to mint condition.

The only exceptions to this rule are pieces that are very old or very delicate. These are sent with as much care as I can personally give to them but may still require specialist cleaning. This is noted in the listing. Future cleaning requirements are now noted in all of the garment descriptions. Some items may only be spot cleaned.

Again, I only post items that are in pristine or close to pristine condition. Vintage does mean pre-worn and loved so you cannot expect items to be perfectly new, but my items get pretty close. If there are flaws that go outside of the normal part of aging, they are described. I give you my personal guarantee that what you see is what you get. It's clean, it's in great condition and it's strong enough to wear. And you can send it back with no hassle at all if you don't agree!