Even experienced vintage buyers make sizing mistakes. Here are the most common errors — and exactly how to avoid them.
| EU | US | UK | USSR/RU | Chest cm | Chest in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | XS/34 | 34 | 44 | 88 | 34.6" |
| 46 | S/36 | 36 | 46 | 92 | 36.2" |
| 48 | S/38 | 38 | 48 | 96 | 37.8" |
| 50 | M/40 | 40 | 50 | 100 | 39.4" |
| 52 | M/42 | 42 | 52 | 104 | 40.9" |
| 54 | L/44 | 44 | 54 | 108 | 42.5" |
| 56 | L/46 | 46 | 56 | 112 | 44.1" |
| 58 | XL/48 | 48 | 58 | 116 | 45.7" |
| 60 | XXL/50 | 50 | 60 | 120 | 47.2" |
| 62 | 3XL/52 | 52 | 62 | 124 | 48.8" |
Mistake 1: Trusting the Label
Never base a vintage purchase solely on the size label. Always request garment measurements (bust/chest, waist, hips, length) from the seller. A 1965 size 12 is not a 2025 size 12.
Mistake 2: Forgetting Natural Waist
Vintage trousers and skirts sit at the natural waist. If you measure your hip waist (where jeans sit) and order by that, the garment will be too small.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Stretch
Vintage knitwear and some jersey pieces stretch significantly with wear. A vintage sweater that measures 36" flat may comfortably fit a 40" chest after gentle stretching.