Magpie's Old Clothes



Answers to your measuring questions


Please note when considering the fit of garments or shoes. Sizes indicated on the garment can be misleading,
vintage sizes are not the same as modern sizes. The best way to determine the fit is to compare the measurements, provided in the item's description, with the measurements of a similar garment or pair of shoes you currently own.

It is also important to measure from the same points and in the same manner. Be sure not to stretch the garment when taking measurements. Measurements are taken by laying clothing flat on a hard surface. This is how we measure the following items:




Dresses

Bust is measured across the front from under arm seam to under arm seam.

Shoulder measurement is taken across the back between the top of the two shoulder seams.

The length is from shoulder to waist and waist to hem.

Sleeves are measured from the top of shoulder seam to the end of sleeve.




Blouses, Coats, Jackets & Sweaters

Bust is measured across the front from under arm seam to under arm seam.

Shoulder measurement is taken across the back between the top of the two shoulder seams.

Sleeves are measured from the top of shoulder seam to the end of sleeve.

The length is measured from top of shoulder to hem.


Pants

Waist measurement is across the front from the top of waist. Multiply the number by 2.

Inseam measurement from the inside seam of the pant leg down to the end of pant leg.

Outer seam measurement is from the outside seam of pant leg. From waist down to the end of pant leg.


Shirts

Chest is measured across the front from under arm seam to under arm seam.

Shoulder measurement is taken across the back between the top of the two shoulder seams.

Sleeves are measured from the top of shoulder seam to the end of sleeve.

The length is measured from top of shoulder to hem.



Skirts

Waist measurement is across the front from the top of waist. Multiply the number by 2.

Hip measurement is from waist, eight inches down and across. Multiply the number by 2

Length is measures from top of waist to the hem


Shoes

Length - From the inter toe to the heel (inside of shoe).

Width - across the widest part of shoe. (inside of shoe).