Women'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.
Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Waist
Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.
High Hip
Measure around your body approximately 3–4 inches below your natural waist. Important for skirts and trousers.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, approximately 7–9 inches below your natural waist.
Inseam
Measure from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle along the inner leg.
Thigh
Measure around the fullest part of your upper thigh. Important for fitted trousers, shorts, and skirts.
Knee
Measure around your knee with a slight bend. Useful for fitted pencil skirts.
Calf
Measure around the fullest part of your calf. Important for boots and knee-high styles.
Shoulder Width
Measure from the edge of one shoulder seam to the other, across the back.
Back Length (Bodice)
Measure from the base of your neck straight down to your natural waist.
Front Length (Bodice)
Measure from your shoulder (near the neck) down over the bust to your natural waist.
Sleeve Length
Measure from the center back of your neck, across your shoulder, and down to your wrist.
Upper Arm
Measure around the fullest part of your upper arm. Important for fitted sleeves.
Wrist
Measure around your wrist just below the wrist bone. Useful for long fitted sleeves and cuffs.
Neck
Measure loosely around the base of your neck. Useful for fitted collars and necklines.
Women's Vintage to Modern Size Conversion Chart
| Vintage Size | Modern US | Bust | Waist | High Hip | Hips | Thigh | Inseam | Back Length | Shoulder Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2–4 | 33" | 24" | 27" | 35" | 20" | 29" | 15" | 14" |
| 12 | 4–6 | 34" | 25" | 28" | 36" | 21" | 29.5" | 15.5" | 14.5" |
| 14 | 6–8 | 35" | 26" | 29" | 37" | 22" | 30" | 16" | 15" |
| 16 | 8–10 | 36" | 27–28" | 30" | 38" | 23" | 30.5" | 16.5" | 15.5" |
| 18 | 10–12 | 37–38" | 28–29" | 31" | 39–40" | 24" | 31" | 17" | 16" |
| 20 | 12–14 | 39–40" | 30–31" | 32" | 41–42" | 25" | 31.5" | 17.5" | 16.5" |
| 22 | 14–16 | 41–42" | 32–33" | 33" | 43–44" | 26" | 32" | 18" | 17" |
Sleeve & Additional Measurements by Size
| Vintage Size | Modern US | Sleeve Length | Upper Arm | Wrist | Neck | Calf | Knee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2–4 | 23" | 11" | 6" | 13" | 13" | 13" |
| 12 | 4–6 | 23.5" | 11.5" | 6.25" | 13.5" | 13.5" | 13.5" |
| 14 | 6–8 | 24" | 12" | 6.5" | 14" | 14" | 14" |
| 16 | 8–10 | 24.5" | 12.5" | 6.75" | 14.5" | 14.5" | 14.5" |
| 18 | 10–12 | 25" | 13" | 7" | 15" | 15" | 15" |
| 20 | 12–14 | 25.5" | 13.5" | 7.25" | 15.5" | 15.5" | 15.5" |
| 22 | 14–16 | 26" | 14" | 7.5" | 16" | 16" | 16" |
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:
- Bust/Chest — the flat measurement across the chest, doubled for the full circumference
- Waist — the flat measurement across the narrowest point, doubled
- Hips — the flat measurement across the fullest point, doubled
- Length — measured from the highest point (shoulder or waist) 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. A 1950s size 14 may fit very differently from a 1970s size 14. Always compare your measurements to the individual item's listed measurements.