Your Perfect Fit
Vintage Sizing Guide
How to order vintage jeans that fit, every time.
Why Vintage Sizing is Different
Vintage jeans often don't have size tags. When they do, the tags don't correlate with modern sizing. A vintage size 11 won't fit like a modern 11. A vintage 28 won't fit like a modern 28.
This is why we measure every piece in the shop by hand and list the measurements on every product page. Measurements are the only reliable way to shop vintage.
The four measurements we include are: waist, rise, hips, and inseam.
Before you Measure
Grab a pair of jeans you already own and love the fit of. That pair is your reference.
When choosing which pair to measure, pick the one with the least amount of stretch and the highest rise. Vintage jeans don't have stretch (they're almost always 100% cotton), so measuring a stretchy modern pair won't give you accurate numbers to work from.
If you know your size in modern Wranglers, Levi's, or similar brands, those numbers can also be a good reference point. Vintage jean sizing will often correlate, though measurements are always more reliable than size numbers.
Measure the jeans, not yourself. Jean measurements and body measurements are not the same thing, because jeans need room for you to get them on and off.
You'll need a soft tape measure and a flat surface.
How to Measure
Four measurements. Each one tells you something different about how the jeans will fit. Do all four before ordering and you'll know exactly whether a piece will work.
Step 1
Waist
Lay your jeans flat. Measure across the waistband and double the measurement (because we need the full, wraparound size).
This is the most important number for determining fit. Waist is where you'll feel the jeans sit or press, so it's the one to get right.
Example: 12.5" across the waistband, doubled = 25" waist.
If you're between two pairs, the one with the closer waist measurement to your reference pair is almost always the better fit. A waistband that's too tight won't loosen with wear. A waistband that's too loose can be belted, but only if it's within an inch or two of your measurement.
step 2
Rise
Measure from the top of the waistband straight down to the crotch seam.
Rise determines how high the jeans sit on your body.
Rise categories:
- High rise: above 10.5"
- Mid rise: 9" to 10"
- Low rise: below 9"
Most vintage denim is high rise, so when you're measuring your reference pair at home, try to pick a high rise pair. If your reference pair is lower, expect vintage to sit higher on your body than you're used to.
Step 3
Hips
The hips are the widest part of the jeans. This measurement determines if the jeans will fit over your booty and how snug that fit is.
When you measure your natural body hips instead of jean hips, you'll get a measurement smaller than what you'll need in jeans. This is because jeans need room for you to get them on and off, and some space to move in between.
That's why it's best to measure an existing pair of your jeans. If you're measuring your body, add 2 to 4 inches.
Example: 20" across the widest part of the jeans, doubled = 40" hips.
step 4
Inseam
Inseam is the length of your pants. The important thing here is to make sure the jeans aren't too short.
Once you know your minimum inseam, any longer is still wearable. Jeans can always be shortened by cuffing, hemming, or cutting. They can't be made longer.
Vintage western jeans often have long inseams, which is great for tall folks. If you're on the shorter side, expect to cuff or hem most pairs.
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