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Why Measurements Matter (And How to Get Yours Right)
Alright Rat Pack, let’s talk about something that might not sound glamorous, but trust me—it can save you from heartbreak: your measurements.
Here’s the thing about vintage clothes: sizes are all over the place. A size “Medium” in the 80s could fit like today’s XS. A 90s blazer marked “14/16” might slide onto someone who usually wears a 10. And don’t even get me started on jeans—the tag might say one thing, but the truth comes out when you try to button them up.
That’s why taking a few minutes to measure yourself is like giving Future You a high five. It means you know exactly what you’re getting, and you won’t end up with a blazer that makes you feel like the Hulk or pants that belong in a clown show.
So let’s do this. Here’s a quick how-to on two of the most important measurements: chest and inseam.
How to Measure Your Chest
This one’s easy, and you don’t need to be a tailor.
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Grab a soft measuring tape (the kind you can wrap around yourself, not a metal construction one—unless you want to add some chaos to your life).
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Stand up straight and relax your arms at your sides.
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Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest—right under your armpits and across your shoulder blades.
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Make sure the tape is snug but not digging into you. Think “comfortable hug,” not “boa constrictor.”
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Boom. That number is your chest measurement.
Why it matters: Blazers, jackets, sweaters—this is the measurement that makes or breaks the fit. If your chest is 40 inches and the vintage blazer says 38, don’t do it unless you plan on never buttoning it.
How to Measure Your Pants Inseam
If you’ve ever had pants that are two inches too short, you know the struggle. Here’s how to get it right:
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Grab your favorite pair of pants that fit you well. Lay them flat on a table or the floor.
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Find the seam that runs right down the inside of the leg—from the crotch to the ankle.
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Measure straight down that seam, all the way to the bottom hem.
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That’s your inseam. Easy.
Pro tip: If you want a looser vintage vibe (think 90s skate jeans), go a little longer. If you want them sharp, go exact or even slightly cropped.
Why This Matters for Vintage
Vintage clothes are unpredictable. Labels lie. Tags fade. What doesn’t lie is your measuring tape. When I list items, I always include measurements, because that’s the only way to make sure what shows up at your door actually fits.
So take five minutes. Measure your chest. Measure your inseam. Write it down, save it in your phone, tattoo it on your arm (okay maybe not). You’ll thank yourself later.
Vintage isn’t about perfection—but getting your size right? That’s one part of the hunt you actually can control.
Catch you in the next drop,
Damien Joseph
