Size & Condition
SIZE: Since most vintage clothing does not have a listed size, we take great care to measure each garment by hand in order to recommend a size. Still, these are just recommendations. Please refer to the measurements provided in each item's description to determine best fit. You may find it helpful to take your own laid-flat measurements and compare them to ours. To do this, take a garment that fits you well, and lay it on a flat surface. Holding the garment taut but not overly stretched, measure from seam to seam or side to side for bust (armpit to armpit), waist (skinniest part), and hips (widest part, usually located 9-10" below the waistline). Compare these measurements to those we provide.
Over time, you may find that comparing your laid-flat measurements to those provided will prove a more accurate determination of fit than modern-day "sizes", since sizes tend to vary from store to store and tend to be more random numbers than actual measurements of fit. As a general rule of thumb, your best fit will be 2" larger than your *actual* size. For example, if your actual hip measurement is 38", you might look for a garment with a laid-flat hip measurement of 40" to allow for comfort and movement. For coats and bulkier items, you will likely want to add at least 4", allowing for clothing underneath the coat layer. If you have any questions regarding fit, please contact us.
Note: We sometimes clip garments to the model in order to best show how the garment should fit someone of the appropriate size. We will note whether the garment is clipped in the item's description.
CONDITION: Vintage clothing has had a previous life. Even vintage "deadstock" or "unworn" clothing which retains its original store tags has been around for 25 or more years (most of the clothing we offer is 50 or more years old). We take care to dry clean, hand wash, or launder most items. We still recommend that our customers clean items before wearing. We would be happy to recommend the best cleaning method for your garments.
We professionally repair most flaws. Each item is thoroughly inspected by 2-3 people, and flaws that remain and that affect wearability will be mentioned in the "Condition" section of each item's description. Occasionally, we may miss a small issue. If flawless condition is of utmost importance to you, please contact us with your needs before placing an order. Returns are not accepted if a small issue is missed.
In general, we grade the condition of items as follows:
Excellent - No flaws; or, minor flaws that do not compromise an item's wearability
Very Good - Minor notable flaws; Wearable with care or after light repair
Good - Notable flaws; Wearable with care or after more significant repair
Fair - Numerous notable flaws; Possibly repairable
As Found - Beyond probable repair; Valuable study, display, or design piece
