FIT GUIDE


VINTAGE SIZING

Sizing across different eras and brands is inconsistent. To find the best fit, we recommend that you compare our listed measurements to those of a similar garment you have at home. You can also use the search function (top right corner) to find items in your general size by searching for the terms XS, small, medium, large, XL, XXL, etc.


HOW TO MEASURE—IN GENERAL

We take all measurements of the item laid flat; we recommend you do, too. Please reference the illustrations below to see exactly how we measure all kinds of garments.


HOW TO MEASURE—DENIM

A) The denim we sell is 100% cotton. To accurately obtain your measurements from an existing pair of jeans you already own (and love and want to find something similar to), PLEASE USE A 100% COTTON PAIR. Even 1% of stretch in the denim makes a world of difference in how the jeans fit/slip onto the body! Once you find a pair to measure...

B) Lay your denim flat on the ground (as it likes to naturally lay). DO NOT pull the waistband taut.

C) Follow steps 1–6 below. Be sure to measure all categories (waist, rise, inseam, hip, thigh, and ankle) to ensure the best denim match.

D) Remember that length can be adjusted so measurements 1–4 are the most crucial.

E) This method of measuring has worked well for years when performed consistently. Remember that ALL SALES ARE FINAL (no returns or exchanges) so please take the time to gather each measurement. We want you to be a happy and satisfied customer in your (new) vintage denim!

F) Questions? Don't hesitate to contact us!


FIT NOTES FOR VARIOUS DENIM STYLES

Levi's 501

Regular fit with a straight leg, also known as the “original fit”. Button fly. Mid to high rise. The 501 back panel is cut wider than the front panel, which is meant to flatter one's backside. 501 has more coverage in the butt, is smaller in the waist, and roomier in the thighs. Works with many body shapes and sizes, which is why it's been the OG of denim for decades (and counting). The 501 rise is cut in a straight line (as opposed to curved), which is known as "anti-fit." The overall leg is considered straight but keep in mind that vintage straight tends to slightly taper at the bottom. See ankle measurement for more info.

Levi's 505

Straight leg, zip fly, mid to high rise. The 505 front and back panels are equal in width (unlike the 501), providing a tailored look. This means the 505 hip and butt tend to fit narrower than the 501. The straight leg of the 505 is roomier in the thigh and slightly tapers towards the ankle.

  • 1) WAIST: Measure straight across the back of your waistband (do not pull the waistband taut). This is your "lay flat" number. Double that number to find the actual waist size. For example, a 15" lay flat measurment equals a 30" waist.

  • 2) RISE: Measure from the top of the waistband, down the fly, to the crotch intersection.

  • 3) HIP: Measure across the widest part of hip/butt (usually at the bottom of the fly).

  • 4) THIGH: Measure from the crotch intersection to the outer seam/edge (on the outer seam, try to hit the widest part that you used to measure the hip).

  • 5) INSEAM: Measure from the crotch intersection along the inner seam to the inner bottom hem.

  • 6) ANKLE: Measure the ankle opening of the bottom hem.

  • 7) SHOULDER: On the back of the garment, measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

  • 8) CHEST: On the front of the garment, measure from armpit seam to armpit seam. Double the lay flat number to find the chest size. For example, a 20" lay flat measurement equals a 40" chest.

  • 9) LENGTH OF SHIRT/DRESS: On the front of the garment, measure from the highest point of the shoulder (where the collar meets the shoulder) to the hem.

  • 10) SLEEVE: Measure the outer edge of the sleeve from the shoulder seam to the wrist.

  • 11) LENGTH OF SKIRT: Measure from the top of the waistband to the hem.

  • 12) BELT: To determine the fit range, lay belt flat and measure from the base of the buckle prong to the first hole and then to the last hole. Those two numbers are the range (i.e. 28"–32").