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Dumb Sizing Question for Experts

Brian Sheridan

One Too Many
Messages
1,456
Location
Erie, PA
I'm trying to buy a vintage item online but all that is offered are the coats measurements.

If it says:

chest 40'
Shoulder 18'
Sleeves 23'
Length 29'

Would that be considered at size 40 jacket? R, L or S?

Would I measure around my chest, under my armpits?

HELP!!!!! LOL

Thanks!
 

slicedbread

A-List Customer
Messages
487
Location
Murphy, Tx
Measure under your own armpits for YOUR chest measurement. Add 1-2 (usually 2 inches) for a slim fitted jacket and 3-4 inches for a looser fitting jacket.

In other words, you want the jacket chest to be 1-4+ inches larger than your actual chest measurement, depending on your taste. I generally like my jackets to have a slim fit, so mine are usually 1-2 inches larger than my true measurement (usually more 2 than 1)

For the rest, take measurements from a jacket that fits you the way you like and apply it online.

Instructions here:

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Tutorials/AndrewHarrisEBayMeasurement.htm


Matters of a "short, regular, or long" in vintage are kind of irrelevant. You see, different eras considered different lengths "short", "regular', or "long'. Thus, you need to find out a length that YOU like and search for that...Otherwise, buy a jacket that fits you in all other ways (particularly shoulders and sleeve length...The rest can be adjusted) and try to get used to varying lengths
 
Messages
485
Location
Charleston, SC
Brian, the only dumb thing would be to buy it without asking the question!

To answer your question, yes, you measure right under your arms, making sure that the tape is directly across the broadest portion of your chest. And like slicedbread said, never trust 'reg', 'short', 'long' specifications, always rely on the measurements.

The measurement guide posted is pretty good to give you some reliable measurement direction. I would, however, recommend that you visit a local clothier or tailor to get measurements. Most should have no problem with that.
 

Brian Sheridan

One Too Many
Messages
1,456
Location
Erie, PA
THANK YOU...you teach a man to fish...yadda yadda yadda.

I do have a tailor where I buy suits from but I feel guilty asking about the measurements so I can spend my clothing dollars elsewhere. I'll have my wife measure me.

Thanks again.
 

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