Online shopping and sizing

[MidnightBlue]

Apologies if this has been posted before, but a brief search didn't bring up what I'm asking

With two little people I'm getting less and less chance to go out shopping for vintage clothes (have to travel to London as there's nothing locally) so I'm starting to be brave and try ebay and Etsy. My first purchase went well, but as it was a swirl I wasn't so worried about getting the sizing perfect as I knew there'd be some 'give'. That said it fits beautifully

My question is when you buy from auction sites how much extra do you look for on top of your own measurements? eg. a skirt with a 32" waist if you're a 30", or less, or more? Also does this allowance change depending on what you're buying? Summer cotton day dresses compared to wool suits?

Of course, I'm guessing sometimes things just don't fit. Is it worth buying something bigger in the first place and finding a good seamstress to get that perfect fit?

I'm 39 bust, 31 waist, 41 hips (and very sad everything I've spotted and loved today has a 28" waist) what am I looking for?

Thank you ladies in advance

Keri

 

[December]

I'm not the best person to advise on this as I just go "meh, it's near enough". I thought I was a 40-30-40, and I was buying clothes with 39 inch busts. Turned out I was actually a 42, but so far they've all fit me fine.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but it also seems that a lot of sellers are inaccurate with their measurements.

I'd say go an inch or two bigger. Rather too big than too small.

 

[Elaina]

Well, it depends on how you like your garments to fit. Here is a list of terms for them, and styling ease. Since there's about 2" you get an idea of what you want. Then you need to take into consideration foundation garments as well, since some of them can significantly alter your measurements and the ease in which their worn.

That said, I prefer garments I wear to be close and fitted. So I add anywhere from 1/2" to 4" of ease, depending on the garment. If it is casual, I go on natural measurements and if it's dressier, or I wear foundation garments, I go off that (and there is about a 3" difference in them). If it is a garment that can be either or, I go with the larger measurement.

Clothing I wear around the house, and things I can go to the store in but might not, I get about 4". Clothing I wear out for dates has very little, and sometimes negative ease (like pencil skirts, since I'm trashy and like them tight. The one I posted will be worn with foundation garments and a slip, although the picture I took was without them hence why it looked worse then it will when worn right.) Alterations have been around forever, so it is an option if you choose it.

Some of this is your own comfort too. You have to wear it, and what I like isn't what someone else would like. Here is basic info on ease in the 40s, although if you dance and are very active in a dress, the needs might change.

It's like dancing. While most of my skirts/dresses are tight, when I go dancing, I have to allow for the movement in the garments I choose. Instead of a skin tight sheath, I may wear one with a slit in the back, and give myself over all closer to 4-5" of ease (semi-fitted in this case) so as not to damage the garment and be able to dance. If I go out for music and drinks, and therefore will be sitting and talking, my choices are less limited. Going to the park with my child can render a garment fitted (capris) and semi-fitted (blouse) for ease to "play" with him. When he was much younger, my clothing was looser to allow for the lifting up of him, and the necessity of easier movements.

Too big rather then too small is a good set of advice. Ease, however, really is a personal choice.

 

[swingkitten85]

Elaina had some great information on selecting garments based on ease. Personally, I tend more towards sticking close to my actual measurements. I tend to prefer things fitted, and usually can get away with a waist/bust measure that is right on or very close to my actual measure. However, with hips/butt, I tend to give myself a bit more ease, since I carry quite a bit of "junk in my trunk". lol. I think it's key to know how your body is shaped and have a sense of what works based on the garments you already own. Best way to figure out what measurements to go by is raid your wardrobe for the items that you love the fit of, and just take a tape measure to them. That way you know easily what the "perfect" fit/ease ratio for you is.

 

[texasgirl]

I am about the same measurements as you. I look for about 42-32-42 or so depending on the dress- if it's got stretch, etc. Also, if it's supposed to be a loose style, I get a little bigger. But if it's a fitted, ya know. Just make sure to give yourself some room to move around. And if you have something that fites great, measure it and use those measurements to compare.

 

[Foofoogal]

Best way to figure out what measurements to go by is raid your wardrobe for the items that you love the fit of, and just take a tape measure to them. That way you know easily what the "perfect" fit/ease ratio for you is.

Exactly. Lay the item of yours down and take measurements laying flat. Then double. This is usually how the items will be shown to purchase.
Vintage sizing is very, very different.
As I am a general dealer and do not only do vintage clothing I am sure a member of the Vintage Fashion Guild will come along on here.
They have a chart I believe and as I am not a member I am not sure I can post it. Maybe you can search online. foofoogal.

http://sandysfancypants.blogspot.com/

 

[SayCici]

I probably shouldn't be replying either as sometimes I go smaller than my measurements.. I'm 34-24-35, but one of my best fitting dresses has a 33" bust and I shop down a size in vintage patterns, as well. Similarly, skirts with 25" waistbands won't sit high enough on my waist and will sink down, so shirts never look right tucked in. Anything bigger than a 35" bust is baggy on me.

I think everyone before me has spot on advice - take the measurements of garments that fit you especially well, but also know your body and what kind of ease will achieve the fit you want.

 

[MidnightBlue]

Thank you everyone, you've been so helpful. I was worried this may have been a topic that's come up many times before. I know there's nothing that can compare to trying an item on, but then the price tag in shops also often reflects that.

I'm now suffering from that awful thing where when you have no cash you want every dress you see, then when you get some pennies you're really cautious and dither over everything!

 

[December]

I'm now suffering from that awful thing where when you have no cash you want every dress you see, then when you get some pennies you're really cautious and dither over everything!

Haha I'm exactly the same at the moment!

 

[Elaina]

I'm now suffering from that awful thing where when you have no cash you want every dress you see, then when you get some pennies you're really cautious and dither over everything!

This is exactly why I learned to sew!

 

[Goldfish]

Which are the garments that are easy to alter for a seamstress?
Like, can I get a night gown which is 3 or 4 sizes too big and have it altered to fit my shape?
Which clothes in general are easy to get altered??
Which should I only buy if the measurments fit?

What are the clothes you would never buy online because you can only get the fit right through trying it on in real life?

 

[Elaina]

This is my opinion only

Which are the garments that are easy to alter for a seamstress? Typically any garment can be altered by an experienced seamstress.

Like, can I get a night gown which is 3 or 4 sizes too big and have it altered to fit my shape Yes and no. You can, but more then 2 sizes and it requires almost always a remake of the entire thing. It can, and is, done, but it is very costly.

Which clothes in general are easy to get altered?? Clothing with simple shapes and seams to do so with. Princess seams and garments with some details as a focal point can be difficult. (Not impossible.) The clothes with the simple styling is the simplest to get altered. A lines, straight, full, etc. Since these only have few seams, it's easier to alter/add darting to it.

Which should I only buy if the measurments fit? Beaded, sequined, leather or velvet goods. All of these are a pain in the neck to do, and can cost you dearly for the inconvenience.

What are the clothes you would never buy online because you can only get the fit right through trying it on in real life?I don't like used clothing, but typically, if you shop you have an idea of what styles would be best suited for this. Since we all are shaped different, this requirement can change.

Typically, a good seamstress can alter anything, but be aware these can become very costly. I know nothing about where you live, or the quality of the alterations you can get, but it's best to know before handing over a garment.

 

[swingkitten85]

I'm now suffering from that awful thing where when you have no cash you want every dress you see, then when you get some pennies you're really cautious and dither over everything!

I know exactly how that is! I take forever to make a decision about what to buy when I've got a little extra pocket money for clothes or shoes. lol!