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Garment sizing

All of our stock at Seamster Vintage is preloved clothing so please bear in mind that size label definitions have varied from decade to decade and also from brand to brand. All of our individual item listings will come with specific garment measurements to help you find your perfect fit, but if you are still unsure below is our guide to these measurements.

Women’s Sizing Guide

 

We use a standard in house letter size guide for consistency across all our products women’s, men’s and unisex. Below is an approximate conversion table to the average UK numerical women’s sizing.

 

Letters

Extra Small XS

Small

S

Medium

M

Large

L

Extra Large

XL

2 Extra Large

XXL

Numerical

6 - 8

10 - 12

14 - 16

18

20

22

 

TOP TIP – If you already own a garment which you love the fit of, measure it up for a reference point when shopping for second hand online

 

Pit to pit – Across the chest from armpit seam to armpit seam when the garment is laid flat.

The pit to pit measurement x2 is the garments chest measurement, but remember to leave an inch or 2 for a comfortable fit   e.g a shirt with a 21” pit to pit measurement would be a snug fit on a 42” chest and a more relaxed fit on a 40” chest.

Length – When we measure the length of a top it is what is referred to in tailoring as the Front Length; taken from when the shoulder seam meets the collar straight down to the hem when laid flat.

Waist – Measurement taken from one edge of the garments waistband to the other when laid flat, then doubled e.g a pair of jeans that measures 15” across is a 30” waist

If you a looking for a more relaxed fit just size up 2” i.e if you have a 30” waist go for a 32” waist pair of trousers

Hips - Measurement taken approximately 10” down from the waistband depending on garment length; and is from one edge of the garments to the other when laid flat, then doubled e.g a skirt that measures 20” across is a will fit be a 38-40” hip measurement

Inside Leg – Taken from when the inside leg seam meets the body rise.

The inside leg measurement determines how the trousers will look while worn.  If you would like them to look smart then go for your exact measurement, if you would like to go for a cropped look then go a bit shorter or for a baggier more grunge style go longer.

 

If you have any questions or additional measurement requests about specific items in our store, just give us a shout via our ­contact page.

Mens Sizing Guide

 

Jackets, Shirts, Tees & Jumpers

Pit to pit – Across the chest from armpit seam to armpit seam when the garment is laid flat.

The pit to pit measurement x2 is the garments chest measurement, but remember to leave an inch or 2 for a comfortable fit   e.g a shirt with a 21” pit to pit measurement would be a snug fit on a 42” chest and a more relaxed fit on a 40” chest.

Length – When we measure the length of a top it is what is referred to in tailoring as the Front Length; taken from when the shoulder seam meets the collar straight down to the hem when laid flat.

 

TOP TIP – If you already own a garment which you love the fit of, measure it up for a reference point when shopping for second hand online.

 

 

Jeans, Trousers & Shorts

Waist – Measurement taken from one edge of the garments waistband to the other when laid flat, then doubled e.g a pair of jeans that measures 15” across is a 30” waist

If you a looking for a more relaxed fit just size up 2” i.e if you have a 30” waist go for a 32” waist pair of trousers

Inside Leg – Taken from when the inside leg seam meets the body rise.

The inside leg measurement determines how the trousers will look while worn.  If you would like them to look smart then go for your exact measurement, if you would like to go for a cropped look then go a bit shorter or for a baggier more grunge style go longer.

 

TOP TIP – If you love to rock a turn up then this is a great way to give a vintage pair of jeans or a short sleeve shirt a more fitted look.  Fold an even turn all the way around the sleeve or leg, the length of this is down to your personal preference, and then fold again at the same length.  You can also iron them in if you want to look extra sharp!

 

If you have any questions or additional measurement requests about specific items in our store, just give us a shout via our ­contact page.

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