Sizing & Condition

Condition:

Our vintage garments are one of a kind pieces of history. Each item has been previously worn and well loved, and then stored away in an attic or closet for many years. We only offer items in great condition and any flaws will be noted.

Couture Allure Condition Ratings:

Mint – Perfect and pristine with no signs of wear. Usually has the original tags still attached.

Excellent – Has been worn, but has no obvious or notable flaws. These items have no holes, stains, fading, or odors.

Very Good – Has been worn and has noted minor flaws.

How We Measure:

All garments are clipped to the mannequin to approximate actual fit. Use the measurements given as your guide to fit.

Measurements given are of the garment itself, not the body that will wear it. The best way to determine if a garment will fit you is to compare the measurements we give to a similar garment from your own closet that fits you well. We measure all garments flat on a hard surface.

Design ease refers to the difference between your body measurement and the measurement of a garment. A close fitting garment needs about 1”- 2” of wearing ease so you can move and breathe. In other words, if the fullest part of your bust measures 36”, a close fitting blouse should measure about 37” – 38” in the bust so you can wear it comfortably. Many people prefer their garments to be a bit looser, and so would require more ease. Items such as jackets and coats need even more ease, as you normally wear another garment under them.

A – Bust is measured across the front from underarm seam to underarm seam. Items with a very fitted bust or boning are measured all the way around at the bustline.

B – Waist is measured from side seam to side seam at the waist seam, or at the smallest part of the waist if there is no waist seam.

C – Hip is measured from side seam to side seam about 8”-9” below the waist.

D – Length is measured from the middle of the shoulder seam to the hem.

E – Shoulder to waist is measured from the middle of the shoulder seam to the waist seam. This measurement is not given if there is no waist seam.

F – Sleeve length is measured from the top of the armhole seam where it meets the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve cuff. We normally only give this measurement for elbow length or longer sleeves. If there is no armhole seam, this measurement is taken from the neckline to the end of the sleeve cuff.

G – Shoulder to shoulder is measured across the back from the point where the shoulder seam meets the armhole seam at each side. This measurement is not given for garments without armhole seams.

Skirt Length can be calculated by subtracting E from D.