~*LIFE IS MORE ROMANTIC WITH A LITTLE VINTAGE LINGERIE IN IT*~

     Although this can be SO TRUE, buying a Vintage Nightgown or Peignoir can be a bit baffling. Nothing is sadder than getting your long awaited prize home and find it does not fit your body size.

     First of all, FYI, for some reason, the powers that be, changed the standards of sizing and are not universal. They have changed dramatically over the years and with different manufacturers and countries of origin.

SO....as many of us VINTAGE LINGERIE SELLERS Suggest;

DO THE FOLLOWING!

Using one of YOUR OWN Nylon nightgowns or robes that FIT YOU they way you like, AND using a Flexible measuring tape, measure the piece as follows;

• BUST                 From side seam, under arm or at armhole, around fabric, including the fullness at the bust area, and back to starting point. This is the TRUE BUST Measurement. With some fabric or styles, additional stretch in the fabric can add extra room or comfort.

• ARMHOLES:   This measurement can sometimes be the MOST IMPORTANT for comfort and fit, so do not forget this one. Measure inside of armhole from top to bottom and then double the number.

• UNDERBUST:  Measure area from side seam to side seam under the bust fullness and double number.  Remember, as when trying on a bra, this number, say 36, is the number under bust, not the bust itself. Extra Stretch may also be present here.

• WAIST:              Usually this area, especially with nylon, can provide some stretch. Measure relaxed and stretched side to side, then double.

• HIPS:                  Sometimes hard to find or not measured because of Free Flow in the area. But it is usually measured APPROXIMATELY 8 inches below Natural Waist and 10-12 inches from under bust, side to side and doubled.

• LENGTH:          I measure from shoulder seam, down side seam to the hem with the piece on a hanger. When worn it can fall a bit shorter.

• SLEEVES:         Meausure from shoulder seam to cuff. If you are unsure of fit, ask seller to provide an Armhole measurements.

     And if you are looking for a vintage OLGA NIGHTGOWN, do not EVEN go by the size tag. Go by the measurements. I personally have over a dozen Olga Gowns ranging from a size Petite to a size Large and they ALL FIT!

     One word on PETITE SIZES. If you have never been in that section in a store, check it out, especially if you are 5'4" or under. It DOES NOT mean Small, But SHORT. You can buy a Petite Large that will fit a large framed 5'2" person.

     Well, I hope this helps. It is so hard to go by the size label. I have been selling vintage lingerie for over 7 years and buying and wearing it for over 10 years. Plus I've worn vintage clothes for most of my adult life...I'm a freak. I have found Small sizes that are larger than Large sizes and visa versa.

MEASURING IS THE ONLY WAY!

~*VINTAGE LINGERIE~FEEL THE PASSION~UP THE SIGHS*~