An Introduction
Imagine scouring the web and finding the most adorable Victorian dress. The white lace embroidery and ruffles are so romantic and perfect for your first date. When you see that it’s your size, you order almost immediately. You’re so excited for how cute you’ll look on Saturday, but when it finally arrives in the mail, it’s too small and it’s too late to shop for something else. How aggravating!
 
Sizing is often a problem with shopping for vintage online. There can be a myriad of reasons why this is true, from an inadequate amount of sizing information to inaccurate information. Vintage sizes also vary widely from modern sizes. However, the most common problem we run into is sizing confusion, especially for a new vintage shopper.
 
Finding your measurements can be a very confusing task because there is no set way of measuring. Each vintage site may measure its clothing differently so it is important to check out every sites personal fit guide. At FDL Vintage, we try to minimize confusion and disappointment by educating our fellow vintage lovers on our precise methods of measuring. We believe in providing you with the knowledge to cure bad vintage buys and increase satisfaction. When you’re happy, we’re happy.
 
You will need:
Before we get started, you will need a measuring tape. If you don't own one, do not use a ruler! Using a ruler will not allow you to measure around the contours of your body or across a garment accurately. Instead, use a piece of string or yarn, then use a ruler to calculate your true measurements. 
 
The Two Methods:
There are two basic methods you can use to take your measurements,  flat measuring and body measuring. Using these methods, we will go over the common measurements websites normally provide in their descriptions and important measurements you should know. 
 
Flat Measuring
For the purpose of vintage shopping, we recommend flat measuring, as it provides the most accurate measurements. For this method, you will need to select an item that is similar to the one you want to purchase in style as well as material. To begin measuring, take the garment and lay it out on a flat surface. We will be measuring across the garment in designated areas. 
 
Bust: from armpit to armpit, then this measurement is doubled to find circumference (tops/dresses)
Waist: where the natural waist would fall, normally the smallest part of the dress. Double this measurement (bottoms/dresses/tops)
Hip: natural hip fall dub skirt dress
Length: top of shoulder to hem or top of skirt to hem
Inseam: measured from crotch along inside of leg to hem
 sleeve length is measured from shoulder to wrist hem.

Armhole :
 Shoes: measured lengthwise across the top of the shoe from the heel to the toe, and the width is measured across the sole at the ball of the foot.

Body Measuring
Body measuring is just measuring your body. This can be tricky because some measurements cannot be done alone and you will need a friend to help. To measure, wrap the measuring tape around your body at the designated area. Remember not to pull taut. You want the tape to fit just snugly across your body. However, be careful not to pull too tight. This will skew your measurements and make them smaller than you actually are.
 
Bust: fullest part of your bust
Waist: Measure around the thinnest part of your waist. This is usually about two inches above your hipbone. If you are still unsure, bend towards one side and measure where a crease is formed.
Hip: fullest part of bottom
Sleeve length:
Armhole:
Inseam: Stand tall with your legs shoulder width apart, measure from crotch to ankle.
 
We hope you found this guide helpful!