Buying Vintage clothing: sizing, know your numbers.

Ive been selling vintage clothing for a number of years now and a common misconception is sizing on items. People put back amazing items that would probably fit them all because of a number! Vintage sizes differ so much from modern sizes i find it easier to ignore the label all together. One girl refused to try on a tiny 50's dress with an original label that said it was a 16 as she said she was a 8 and it would be too big for her. Sad thing is it would have most probably fit her perfect!
 One of the most useful things you can know when vintage shopping is your measurements. Bust, waist and hips. Sellers at vintage fairs normally know their stock inside out and will be able to tell you roughly what size an item is or will measure it for you and help you determine whether it will fit.

Because i'm lazy i normally carry a tape measure with me when vintage shopping and before i even try anything on i measure the bust and waist and judge whether it would fit me. Only then i take it to the changing room. Sometimes if the measurements are correct i buy it without trying on. This 1950's dress i bought whilst i was trading at the classic car boot fair. There wasn't time/facilities to try on so i whipped out the trusty tape measure, handed over the money and it was mine. Mind you i am a sucker for a novelty print!