When shopping vintage the size on the product label is quite often not true to current UK and international sizes, this is because manufacturer sizes vary and vintage items are usually smaller than modern clothing.
How do I know if it’s my size?
We measure garments carefully across the chest, waist, hip, back, inseam and length so that we can do our best to ensure you have all the information about the fit of an item before you buy. The measurements for each item are listed under the product description section of each individual product page. In addition we have compiled the measuring guide below so that you find your own measurements.
Measuring guide
At Rag & Magpie we measure items laid flat. To determine if an item will fit you well you must compare the measurements of the garment to you own measurements. Don’t know your measurements? No problem, here’s a handy guide to finding out. Before you start make sure you have a pen and paper handy along with a measuring tape. We recommend finding an item that fits you very well from your wardrobe and measuring it laid out on a flat surface. Be aware that measuring your body directly may give you misleading results.
Bust or Chest: Ensure the garment is flat and lay your tape measure across the front from underarm to underarm and double the result.
Waist: Each garments size and fit chart lists the items natural waist, this is the slimmest part of your torso. To find the waist measurement, lay your garment flat and measure the smallest part of the waist across the front and double the result.
Hips: To find the hip measurement lay your garment flat and measure the widest part across the front and double the result. For A-line or full skirts and dresses measure the hip approximately 8 inches below the waist.
Collar: This usually only applies to men’s shirts but it may be of some use to all. Open the shirt buttons and lay the collar flat measuring from top buttonhole to top button. If there is no collar button measure from end to end of the collar stand.
Inseam: This is the vital information required to find the right length of trousers for your legs. Measure the inside of the leg from the crotch to the bottom of the trousers at the ankle. This is also referred to as the inside leg measurement.
Length: Knowing the length of a a garment is useful in understanding how short a dress, coat or top it will be when worn. Always measure from the nape of the nape of the neck or top of the shoulder to the hem. Note that a length description may vary in fit depending on your own height, for example, a ‘knee length’ dress may appear shorter if you are very tall.
Gloves: Measure around the widest part of the hard just below the knuckles (excluding the thumb). The circumference in inches is equal to the glove size required, e.g. if your hand is 6 inches around, you will need a size 6 glove.
If you have any questions please refer to our frequently asked questions page or contact us.