So you wear a Size 12? 

You are comfortable buying a Size 12 anywhere and feel that it will fit.  You purchase size 12 patterns at your local fabric store.  Buying Vintage Sewing Patterns is a much different ball game. 

Most people who sew know that a manufactured dress size and a dress pattern size have nothing in common.  This guide is purely for fun and to show the changes in standard sizing for dress patterns through the years.  It has nothing to do with the little tag on a dress in the department store.

Sizes weren't routinely listed on all patterns until around 1940.  Prior to WWII the sizing was strictly related to the bust measurement.

Here is a brief look at the changes in a Size 12  from 1940-2000

1940 - Swing, Rosie the Riveter, Glamour   Bust 30 Waist 25 Hip 33 

1955 - Rockabilly, Sock Hop Swing  Bust 30 Waist 24 Hip 33 

1960 - Jackie Chic, Holly Golightly, Beach Party Bingo  Bust 32 Waist 25 Hip 34

1970 - Hippie, MOD, Retro, Boho  Bust 34 Waist 25.5 Hip 36  

1975 - 2000 Disco Divas, Contemporary  Bust 34 Waist 26.5  Hip 36  

So, as you can see there is quite a difference in the fit, silhouette, and sizing of vintage patterns throughout the past 60 years.

Most Pattern sellers will list the Bust Size in the title of the listing so you can browse at your leisure instead of plowing through multiple listing only to find the pattern won't fit.  An experienced and talented person who sews can always moderate and alter a pattern up or down, but it's nice to know what you are getting from the beginning.

Here are 3 of the best with the widest selection of patterns on eBay and we all work together to help our buyers find the proper size.  If one of us doesn't have the size you need, one of the others might.  We are

Chez Cemetarian

Miss Helenes Vintage Sewing Shoppe

MORE of Macojeros Sewing Patterns