Vintage Sizing & Condition Guide

Buying vintage clothing is slightly different from buying new high-street clothing. Garment sizing standards have shifted over the decades, and pre-owned fabrics naturally relax or shrink slightly over time. This guide explains how we size, measure, and grade every one-of-one piece at George's Vintage.

1. Standard Vintage Chest & Era Fit Guide (Pit-to-Pit)

A 1990s or early-2000s tag size often fits differently from a modern UK size. We size garments by their actual measured fit alongside the original label size:

  • Small (S): 19–20" Pit-to-Pit (38–40" Chest) | Typical Waist: 28–30"
  • Medium (M): 21–22" Pit-to-Pit (42–44" Chest) | Typical Waist: 31–33"
  • Large (L): 23–24" Pit-to-Pit (46–48" Chest) | Typical Waist: 34–36"
  • Extra Large (XL): 25–26" Pit-to-Pit (50–52" Chest) | Typical Waist: 36–38"
  • XXL: 27–28" Pit-to-Pit (54–56" Chest) | Typical Waist: 38–42"

Need exact measurements on a specific one-of-one item? Email georgesvintagestore@gmail.com or message @georges.vintage and we'll measure it for you.

2. How We Grade Vintage Condition (8/10 to 10/10)

Every garment at George's Vintage is inspected by hand under studio lighting and graded on our 10-point vintage condition scale:

  • 10/10 — Deadstock / Mint Vintage: Unworn with original tags or in flawless, as-new vintage condition with zero flaws.
  • 9/10 — Excellent Vintage Condition: Crisp fabric, strong colour, and clean prints or embroidery with only minimal signs of gentle previous wear.
  • 8.5/10 — Very Good Vintage Condition: Light, natural wash fade or minor surface wear consistent with age. Clean, structurally sound, and ready to wear.
  • 8/10 — Good Vintage Condition: Authentic vintage character with minor visible signs of age (such as light fading, small marks, or minor cuff wear), always photographed clearly and noted in the listing description.

3. How We Measure Garments (Laid Flat)

  • Pit-to-Pit (P2P / Chest): Measured flat across the front from armpit seam to armpit seam.
  • Length: Measured flat from the highest point of the shoulder (next to the collar) straight down to the bottom hem.
  • Waist & Inseam (Legwear): Waist measured flat across the top waistband and doubled; inside leg measured from crotch seam to ankle hem.

4. Caring for Vintage Clothing

To keep your vintage pieces looking their best for years to come, wash inside-out on a cool gentle cycle (30°C) and air-dry flat or on a hanger rather than tumble drying.