Article # 8...Proper Measurements
Buying Vintage clothing online is a unique
experience. The customer is asked to trust
that the item is honestly represented and
needs as much information as possible to
help in their decision in making their purchase.
Being sure the garment will fit is the biggest
concern I hear, and for good reason. Just
because your measurements correspond to those
of the garment that does not always insure
a proper fit. Most of us are familiar with
the three basic measurements bust, waist
and hips. However not every one knows the
proper way to take these measurements or
that there are other measurements you may
need to consider.I have added an illustrated
guide to taking measurements on the site.
click here Along with this guide here are some important
fitting issues.
1.We have all heard the terms short or long
waisted. This is determined by the length
of the upper torso from the base of the neck
down to the natural waist (the smallest part
of the waist). If a garment has a defined
waist (think the forties and fifties) then
this could very much affect fit. If a garment
falls in the average range I do not mention
it but I do if the waist of the piece is
on the short or long side. Most people I
know are aware if they have a short or a
long waist. They have either had problems
with the waist always riding up (long) or
the bodice bunching in an unsightly manner
above the waistline (short). If you are concerned
about this take your measurement from the
base of your neck to your natural waist and
send it to the shop owner. I have found the
average to be between 15-16" The shop
owner should be able to tell you if the item
will fit properly.
2. Wide or narrow shoulders. Once again most
people are aware if they have wide or narrow
shoulders. This measurement is very important
in the more tailored garments suits, coats,
shirts and some dresses. To properly take
this measurement, from the back, find the
bone of the shoulder just inside the shoulder
roll. Measure from shoulder bone to shoulder
bone. This is your shoulder measurement.
For Women the average usually falls between
15" and 16". If you are over or
under this number and the item does not give
a shoulder measurement e-mail the shop owner
and tell them your measurement, they should
be able to tell you if the item will fit.
3. Hip line. This usually applies to pants
although it can also affect the fit of a
very fitted skirt. Your hip line is the measurement
taken on the side of the body from the natural
waist to the widest part of your hip. The
generally accepted standard for women is
7". However if your hipline is shorter
(petite) or longer this can be an issue.
Once again know your measurement and ask
the shop owner. With pants in particular
this one is important.
4. Height is an important factor in how a
garment falls on the body. Your measurements
may be a perfect match but that does not
mean the item will hang well. Some pieces
just work better on a shorter or a taller
frame. When posting an item, if I think this
is a concern I will mention it. If you are
petite or tall it is good to mention it to
the owner and ask them if they think it will
affect how the garment looks.
Of course there are other considerations
such as sleeve length (don’t forget a lot
of vintage has ¾ length sleeves which were
designed to end somewhere between the elbow
and wrist). On occasion upper arm and thigh
measurements are needed. People work out
more now so we tend to have more muscle mass
than our previous generations and there are
some pieces out there with VERY narrow sleeves
and pant legs. You may want to think about
your neck measurement if the item has a close
neckline or mandarin style collar. I guess
the best advice I can give is to know your
measurements and take the liberty of asking
the shop owner any questions you have regarding
fit.
I try every garment on a couple of dress
forms before it goes up on the site. Having
been a custom dressmaker for many years I
try to mention any issues that might be important
regarding fit. I am very familiar with how
a garment should fit and the pitfalls involved.
If a piece is better suited for a taller
person I will tell you. If it would be best
on a petite body I will tell you as well.
At Tangerine Boutique the extra attention
we pay to fit has resulted in very few returns
which is good for everyone!