Sizing

Clothing sizes have greatly varied though time, and so have the trend in styles of undergarments...often vintage clothes had different cuts and silhouettes, so we have take this into account when sizing our garments for todays market, sometimes the measurements are all perfect for one size but the shoulders are too small or vice versa, so we have taken this into consideration.

This means size on the label may not be the equivalent to todays fit. So here at Threads and Frocks we offer estimates in sizes, as a rough guide, and then actual measurements for you to check against your own to ensure the garment will fit you. It is sometimes better to measure a piece of clothing that firs you well, flat.
We want you to love the garment as much as we do, and find the perfect fit, so please do take these measurements into account for your own perfect fit. Also feel free to email and ask any specific "fit"questions before you buy.

We measure the actual size of the garment:

For topwear, the garment measurement is likely to be bigger than your actual body measurement as many garments are not designed to fit tightly to your body.  

For bottomwear we measure the waistband all the way around. This should match your actual waist measurement.


We suggest you measure yourself to find out your size:

Chest/bust: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest/bust. This is usually just under the armpit. Measure all the way around in inches. 
The garment will probably measure more than your chest measurement.  For example, if the garment measures 2 inches more than your body size, it will fit you quite tightly. Or if the garment measures 8 inches more than your body size it will be quite a loose fit.
Alternatively, find a topwear garment you own which has a fit you like. Lay it flat and measure straight across just under the armpit. Double this amount to get the full measurement. If the garment you want to buy has the same measurement, it will fit you in a similar way.

Waist: Wrap the tape around your body at the point at which you normally wear your jeans or trousers. The garment you want to buy should have the same waist measurement.
Alternatively, find a bottomwear garment you own which fits you well. Lay it flat and measure straight across the top. Double this amount to get the full waist measurement. The garment you want to buy should have the same waist measurement.



Size Guideline

These are only an estimate to what size you might be, please check your measurements with a tape measure as described on this page to get the correct sizing

 

The Top Half - Shirts / Blouses / Vests / Knits / Sweatshirts / Jackets / Coats / T-shirts 

 

  • Bust - Measured from armpit to armpit across the front of the garment and doubled. 
  • Length - Measured from collar or top of shoulder to the hem of the garment.
  • Sleeve Length - Measured from shoulder to cuff.
  • Shoulder - Measurement taken from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
 Shirts Size Guide

 

Dresses 

Bust - Measured from armpit to armpit across the front of the garment and doubled. 

  • Waist - Measured from the narrowest part of the waist, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
  • Hips - Measured the fullest part of the hips, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
  • Length - Measured from the highest point of the garment to the hem.

 

Jumpsuits / Playsuits

 Bust - Measured from armpit to armpit across the front of the garment and doubled. 

  • Waist - Measured from the narrowest part of the waist, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
  • Hips - Measured the fullest part of the hips, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
  • Length - Measured from the highest point of the garment to the hem.
  • Bodice (this measurement will ensure the length in body from the crotch is not too short!) - Measure from the top of strap (if strapless, measure from highest point) to crotch gaining body length measurement.
jumpsuit size guide

 

Skirts

 

  • Waist - Measured from one side of the waist band to the other, and then double this measurement for correct sizing.
  • Length - Measured from the top of the waist band to the hem.
 Skirts Size guide



The Bottom Half - Trousers / Jeans / Shorts

 

  • Waist - Measured from one side of the waist band to the other, and then double this measurement for correct sizing. Elasticated waist measurements are given with the waist stretched in proportion to the garment.
  • Leg Length - Measured from the top of the inside leg to the hem.
Trouser Size Guide

 

Lingerie

 

  • Bust - Measured from armpit to armpit across the front of the garment and doubled. 
  • Length - Measured from the highest point of garment (not including straps) to the hem.
  • Hips - Measured from the widest part of the hips, then doubled.
lingerie size guide



Bags

  • Width - Measured the side of the bag seam to seam.
  • Height - Measured from the highest point of the bag to the base (not including the strap).
  • Strap Height - This is half the length of the entire strap, from the clasp to the highest point of the strap. Double this measurement to get the full strap length.

 

Belts

  • Tie Belts - Measured from tail to tail.
 tie belt size guide
  • Buckle Belts - Measured from the point of the buckle to the middle hole.
 buckle belt size guide
  • Clasp Belts - Measured from clasp to clasp.
clasp belt size guide
  • Belts with no buckle whole - Measured from buckle to the furthest point the belt can comfortably do up.
no holes belt size guide

 


Headwear

  • Hat Circumference - This is the measurement taken inside the hat for fit.
  • Height - Taken from the base of the hat to the highest point.
 hat size guide