Accurate body measurements are the single most important tool for buying vintage clothing online. Here is exactly how to measure yourself for every garment type.
| EU | US | UK | USSR/RU | Chest cm | Chest in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | XS/34 | 34 | 44 | 88 | 34.6" |
| 46 | S/36 | 36 | 46 | 92 | 36.2" |
| 48 | S/38 | 38 | 48 | 96 | 37.8" |
| 50 | M/40 | 40 | 50 | 100 | 39.4" |
| 52 | M/42 | 42 | 52 | 104 | 40.9" |
| 54 | L/44 | 44 | 54 | 108 | 42.5" |
| 56 | L/46 | 46 | 56 | 112 | 44.1" |
| 58 | XL/48 | 48 | 58 | 116 | 45.7" |
| 60 | XXL/50 | 50 | 60 | 120 | 47.2" |
| 62 | 3XL/52 | 52 | 62 | 124 | 48.8" |
What You Need
A soft fabric tape measure (not a metal builder's tape), a friend if possible, and a notepad. Measure over fitted underwear or a thin base layer, not over bulky clothing.
Bust / Chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the bust/chest, keeping it horizontal and parallel to the floor. Do not pull tight — keep one finger's slack. Write down the number in both cm and inches.
Waist
Measure at the natural waist — the narrowest point of your torso, usually 1–2 inches above the navel. Do not suck in. Vintage garments use the natural waist, not the hip waist of modern jeans.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of the hips, usually 7–9 inches below the waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Inseam
Stand with feet slightly apart. Measure from the crotch seam down to the floor (or to your preferred hem length). This is your inseam length.