Fit guide
How to buy thrift online and get the right fit
Thrifted clothing comes from many brands, countries and years, so the size on the label is a poor guide: a Medium from one brand can fit like a Small from another. That is why every piece here is measured by hand, and why the most reliable way to choose is to compare it with something you already own and like the fit of.
What you need
- A piece you already own that fits the way you like — a t-shirt to compare with a t-shirt, trousers with trousers.
- A measuring tape, or a piece of string and a ruler.
- A flat surface, such as a bed or a table. Lay the garment face up, smooth it out without stretching it, and do up any buttons.
Tops, t-shirts and button downs
- Chest
- Straight across the front, from one armpit seam to the other. One side only — do not double it.
- Length
- From the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, straight down to the bottom of the hem.
- Shoulder
- For button downs: from one shoulder seam to the other, straight across the back.
Trousers
- Waist
- Straight across the top of the waistband, from one side to the other. One side only, and with an elastic waist, without stretching it.
- Length
- From the top of the waistband, down the outside of the leg, to the bottom of the hem.
Comparing with a listing
Every listing gives its measurements in inches, taken flat in exactly the way described above, so your numbers and ours can be compared directly. Put them side by side.
- Within about an inch of your own piece, it will fit very much the same.
- Two or more inches larger across the chest or waist, it will sit looser or more relaxed.
- Smaller, it will be closer-fitting. Soft, stretchy knits such as t-shirts forgive a little of that; a woven shirt or trousers without stretch will not.
- Length tells you where it ends. A few inches longer than yours sits lower on the hip; a few shorter sits higher, towards a cropped fit.
The size from the label is still shown on every listing, but treat it as a hint. The measurements are what decide.
Still unsure?
Send us your measurements on WhatsApp along with the piece you are looking at, and we will tell you honestly how it compares. There is only one of each piece and all sales are final, so we would much rather you ask first. The FAQs cover the rest, and how to order takes you through checkout.