Thrifting post pandemic is a gamble. Most shops have indefinitely closed their change rooms and have a no returns/exchange policy. The upside to shopping thrift online is we do the grunt work for you! We meticulously measure each item so you know exactly the size of what you're buying.
"But how do I know it'll fit? Who actually keeps their measurements?"
I don't know, psychopaths probably. But here's the trick: Measure your favourite garment the same way we do (see below) and match your numbers up to the product you want to buy. Bodies are weird and change shape constantly, but that t-shirt that's been washed in hot water a million times doesn't (anymore).
Inspired by Cats Like Us, here’s how we do it:
- Lay It Flat: The garment goes on a flat surface.
- Tools: Measuring tape (textile or construction, either works) or if all else fails: a string and a ruler
- Measure: Shoulder to shoulder, sleeves, bust, waist, hips, collar to hem, and waist to hem.
- Make it a double: Double each number (for bust, waist, hips - anything that goes around your torso)
Example: The middle of your shirt is 23 inches across? Double it and you have the waist of your shirt- 46 inches.
Smart Shopping: Measure your favourite article of clothing and note those measurements the same way we do. Match your numbers with the largest garment measurements we provide and that item will fit you perfectly! No dimly lit change rooms required!
Decoding Sizes:
- Size: Label size like "Small," "Medium," or "Large." (Please NOTE: there are NO industry standards on clothing sizes and vintage clothes run small. Don't let an item tagged as "small" deter you. Check our measurements against your own.)
- Shoulders: Shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
- Sleeve: Shoulder seam to cuff.
- Bust: Armpit to armpit, doubled.
- Waist: For pants & skirts, top doubled. For shirts & dresses, 5-8 inches below armpit, doubled.
- Hips: 5-8 inches below natural waist.
- Collar to Hem: Back collar to hem.
- Waist to Hem: Natural waist to hem.
Happy measuring! 📏
Love,
Kiera & Meaghan
Opal & Ember
Still have questions? We're basically pros at this point so shoot us a message on instagram @opalandembervintage