Vintage Handbag | 1950s Vintage Compact Handbag with Bakelite Handles

At My Vintage, we take time to carefully measure each item of vintage clothing so that you have the best chance of ensuring a good fit whenever you buy from us. We measure the clothing laid flat as the diagrams show below and for bust, chest, waist and hips we double the measurement. For example, if the waist measures 17" across when laid flat then this would equate to a 34" waist (17 x 2 = 34)

We use the measurements we collate to assign each item of vintage clothing with an approximate modern-day size. For example, a dress with a 34" bust, 28" waist and 34" hips would normally equate to a current UK size 10. The labels on vintage clothing can vary massively depending on country of origin and date of manufacture.  Clothing sizes have changed over the years and from decade to decade we see alternative types of sizing as well as variations on the way measurements equate to dress sizes.

We always recommend that you double-check the measurements of the vintage clothing item you are interested in, ideally by measuring an item of clothing you already own and that fits well, and comparing these measurements. There can be variations due to the desired fit, shape and fabric of an item but our size guidelines are normally very accurate and take the stress out of buying vintage online.

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