Men's Measurement Guide
How to Take Your Measurements
For the best fit, measure yourself wearing only lightweight clothing or undergarments. Use a soft measuring tape and keep it snug but not tight.
Chest Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor and under your arms.
Waist Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.
Hips/Seat Measure around the fullest part of your seat, approximately 7–9 inches below your natural waist.
Inseam Measure from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle along the inner leg.
Outseam Measure from your natural waist down the outside of your leg to your ankle.
Thigh Measure around the fullest part of your upper thigh.
Knee Measure around your knee with a slight bend.
Calf Measure around the fullest part of your calf. Important for boots.
Shoulder Width Measure from the edge of one shoulder seam to the other, across the back.
Chest to Waist (Jacket Length) Measure from the base of your neck down to your natural waist.
Sleeve Length Measure from the center back of your neck, across your shoulder, and down to your wrist with a slight bend at the elbow.
Upper Arm Measure around the fullest part of your upper arm. Important for fitted jackets and shirts.
Wrist Measure around your wrist just below the wrist bone. Useful for shirt cuffs.
Neck Measure loosely around the base of your neck. Essential for dress shirts and collared jackets.
Men's Vintage to Modern Size Conversion Chart
| Vintage Size | Modern US | Chest | Waist | Hips/Seat | Shoulder | Sleeve | Neck |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | XS | 34" | 28" | 34" | 16" | 32" | 14" |
| 36 | S | 36" | 30" | 36" | 16.5" | 33" | 14.5" |
| 38 | S–M | 38" | 32" | 38" | 17" | 33.5" | 15" |
| 40 | M | 40" | 34" | 40" | 17.5" | 34" | 15.5" |
| 42 | L | 42" | 36" | 42" | 18" | 34.5" | 16" |
| 44 | L–XL | 44" | 38" | 44" | 18.5" | 35" | 16.5" |
| 46 | XL | 46" | 40" | 46" | 19" | 35.5" | 17" |
| 48 | XXL | 48" | 42" | 48" | 19.5" | 36" | 17.5" |
Trouser Measurements by Size
| Vintage Size | Waist | Inseam | Outseam | Thigh | Knee | Calf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 28" | 30" | 40" | 22" | 15" | 14" |
| 30 | 30" | 30.5" | 40.5" | 23" | 15.5" | 14.5" |
| 32 | 32" | 31" | 41" | 24" | 16" | 15" |
| 34 | 34" | 31.5" | 41.5" | 25" | 16.5" | 15.5" |
| 36 | 36" | 32" | 42" | 26" | 17" | 16" |
| 38 | 38" | 32" | 42" | 27" | 17.5" | 16.5" |
| 40 | 40" | 32" | 42" | 28" | 18" | 17" |
A Note About Our Product Measurements
At HudsonFlowVintage, every item is measured flat and listed individually in the product description. Because vintage clothing was made before modern sizing standards, we always recommend comparing your body measurements to the item's listed measurements rather than relying on the size tag alone.
Here is what to look for in each listing:
- Chest — the flat measurement across the chest, doubled for the full circumference
- Waist — the flat measurement across the narrowest point, doubled
- Hips/Seat — the flat measurement across the fullest point, doubled
- Length — measured from the highest point (shoulder or collar) straight down
- Sleeve — measured from shoulder seam to cuff
- Inseam — measured from crotch seam to hem on trousers
When in doubt, size up — vintage fabrics have little to no stretch and alterations are always possible. If you have questions about a specific item's fit, feel free to contact us before purchasing.
Note: These are general guidelines based on standard vintage sizing. Measurements vary by decade, designer, and garment construction. Always compare your measurements to the individual item's listed measurements.