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Beyond Retro Size Guide

Beyond Retro garments are vintage items (unless stated) and can vary from the standardized clothing sizes of today. Our garment measurements are taken in inches with the item laid flat to make sure that when they reach you, they fit you like a charm!

As it is essential that you know your measurements, please see below our top tips for getting your particulars right.

Sizing Tips

Standardized measurements of clothing have altered over the years. Please do not be put off by the sizing label on vintage garments; this will most likely be completely different to today's sizing and the item could still be the perfect fit!

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 the page to get the correct sizing.

Beyond Retro Women's Size Guideline
UK	6		8-10		12-14		16-18		20
	Inches	Centimetres	Inches	Centimetres	Inches	Centimetres	Inches	Centimetres	Inches	Centimetres
BUST	31	78	32-34	81-86	36-38	91-98	40-43	101-108	45	116
WAIST	23	60.5	24-26	63-68	28-30	73-78	32-35	83-90	38	98
HIPS	33	86	34-36	88-93	38-40	98-103	42-45	108-116	48	123

Beyond Retro Men's Size Guideline
	XS		S		M		L		XL
	INCHES	CM	Inches	Centimetres	Inches	Centimetres	Inches	Centimetres	Inches	Centimetres
CHEST	34-36	86-91	36-38	91-96	38-40	96-101	40-42	101-106	42-44	106-111
NECK	14.5	37	15	38	16	41	17	43	17.5	44

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

Garment Measurements: These are the actual measurement of the garment.

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

Garment Measurements: These are the actual measurement of the garment.

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.

How to measure vintage dresses

Jumpsuits / Playsuits

Garment Measurements: These are the actual measurement of the garment.

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

Garment Measurements: These are the actual measurement of the garment.

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

Garment Measurements: These are the actual measurement of the garment.

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

Garment Measurements: These are the actual measurement of the garment.

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

Garment Measurements: These are the actual measurement of the garment.

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.
Buckle Belts - Measured from the point of the buckle to the middle hole.
Clasp Belts - Measured from clasp to clasp.
Belts with no buckle whole - Measured from buckle to the furthest point the belt can comfortably do up.

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

Beyond Retro Vintage Care Tips

Washing clothes is a controversial subject in vintage. People endlessly debate the merits and dangers of washing vs. dry cleaning, however, here are our tips:

Always hand wash pre 1960s vintage, rather than machine washing and drying it. If you are really concerned, as the fabric is very old or delicate, consider not washing it at all: a good airing can often work just as well for removing odour without damaging the garment. This is what Issey Miyake does and if it's good enough for him; it's good enough for us!
To keep your precious clothes in good condition, wash them less. Repeated, vigorous washing can damage the fibres of vintage clothes (and new clothes too). Washing (machine-washable) clothes at 30 instead of 60 degrees will also prolong their life, and is much more eco-friendly too.
Never wash embroidered silks or satins, ever!
If you want to dry clean specialty vintage items that are durable enough for it, then use a reputable dry cleaner that you can build up a relationship of trust with. There's nothing more stressful than leaving your special finds in the hands of strangers. It's good to use someone that you trust to know what's best for your clothes and will take as much care of them as you would.
If you're unsure, you can get dry cleaner cloths for home use, in your own dryer. You can clean up to six items with one cloth.
With all vintage clothing and shoes, try not to wear the item two days in a row without airing it. This will give it time to breathe and will restore it for the next wear.

We are here to help

Please note that the above size chart is a guide and may vary slightly. If you would like assistance, please contact us here.