Size Guide
Size Guide
Vintage clothing is sized differently from modern garments sizes have changed significantly over the decades. Use this guide to find your best fit before purchasing. When in doubt, always go by measurements rather than the tagged size.
How to Measure Yourself
Use a soft measuring tape for the most accurate results. Measure over light clothing or bare skin.
- Chest / Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level under your arms.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Length (tops): Measure from the highest point of the shoulder down to the hem.
- Inseam (bottoms): Measure from the crotch seam down to the ankle.
Vintage Tops & Outerwear — Size Conversion
Vintage sizing typically runs 1–2 sizes smaller than modern sizing. A vintage Large often fits like a modern Medium.
| Vintage Tag | Modern US Size | Chest (inches) | Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | XS / S | 32–34" | 25–26" |
| S | S / M | 35–37" | 26–27" |
| M | M / L | 38–40" | 27–28" |
| L | L / XL | 41–43" | 28–29" |
| XL | XL / 2XL | 44–46" | 29–30" |
| XXL | 2XL / 3XL | 47–50" | 30–32" |
Note: Measurements listed are the garment's actual measurements, not body measurements. For a relaxed fit, choose a size with 2–4" of ease over your chest measurement.
Vintage Bottoms — Waist & Inseam
Vintage denim and trousers are often cut with a higher rise and may run true to the tagged waist size or slightly small. Always check the actual waist measurement listed in the product description.
| Tagged Waist | Actual Waist (inches) | Modern US Size |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 28–29" | 28 / XS–S |
| 30 | 30–31" | 30 / S–M |
| 32 | 32–33" | 32 / M |
| 34 | 34–35" | 34 / M–L |
| 36 | 36–37" | 36 / L–XL |
| 38 | 38–39" | 38 / XL–2XL |
Sneaker Size Conversion
Sneaker sizing is generally consistent across eras, but older Nike, Adidas, and New Balance styles may run half a size small. Deadstock pairs may also feel slightly stiffer until broken in.
| US Men's | US Women's | UK | EU | CM (foot length) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24 cm |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6 | 40 | 25 cm |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7 | 41 | 26 cm |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8 | 42.5 | 27 cm |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9 | 44 | 28 cm |
| 11 | 12.5 | 10 | 45 | 29 cm |
| 12 | 13.5 | 11 | 46.5 | 30 cm |
| 13 | 14.5 | 12 | 48 | 31 cm |
Tip: If you're between sizes in vintage sneakers, we recommend sizing up half a size.
Vintage Era Sizing Notes
- 1960s–1970s: Sizes run very small by today's standards. A tagged XL may fit like a modern M–L.
- 1980s: Sizing begins to approach modern standards but still runs about 1 size small.
- 1990s: Closest to modern sizing, though boxy cuts mean fits can vary widely.
- Single Stitch tees: Typically pre-1994. These are often shorter and narrower than modern tees of the same tagged size.
- Deadstock: Unworn vintage with original tags. Sizing follows the era it was made in.
Still Not Sure?
Every product listing includes actual garment measurements in the description. When in doubt, measure a garment you already own and love, and compare it to the listed measurements. You can also contact us and we'll help you find the right fit.
