Sizing Guidance

YOUR EXPECTATIONS

The most important thing to realise is that we cannot control your expectations on how big clothing actually is compared to its size label. Everyone has their own interpretations of a what a particular size means to you, and it will differ from person to person based on your history of shopping, with which brands, and in which styles. Sizing has become an opinion rather than a fact.

If you are most used to shopping in High Street stores such as Next, H&M and Marks & Spencer, then it is a likely conclusion that you expect a particularly piece of clothing to be bigger in measurements than when compared to, for example, Fendi, Gucci or Vivienne Westwood of the same labelled size. 

Our role is very simple - we relay to you the actual Labelled Size as per the designers intentions.

Where possible, we will also detail whether the label states it is a Slim, Regular, or Custom Fit etc. But we will not speculate. If you require clarity on any item please do message us and we will do our absolute best to help you decide if an item might be right for you.

So buying an item of clothing online - particularly a unique piece of second hand clothing - can be tricky. But there are a few things you can understand which will certainly help you.

1. Check & Compare the Measurements

For every item we sell, measurements are taken and relayed to you. If you are unsure whether the item will fit you, then we strongly recommend you take a similar style item from your wardrobe that you already know you like the fit of, and compare the measurements of that to the item we are selling. It's not totally foolproof, but when we have suggested to our customers to do this, most customers have commented on how good a guide it gave them.

2. Understand your Favourite Designer's Product Lines and Collections

Most people have some Designers that they favour over others. It's often useful to know how that designer's sizing and shape - which can be determined as much by trends and styling as anything else - alters with various Collections and Product Lines. If you know you like a specific Collection, then it's often fun to keep an eye out for other items from that Collection knowing how nicely they will likely fit. 

3. Understanding the Era of Design

The age of the item you are buying will very likely show variation in sizing from one decade to the next. Expectations on sizing have changed through the years and with the fashion brand's that enjoy true history - brands such as Aquascutum and Burberry - you will see items have huge variations in size as trends have changed. If, for example, you are looking to buy a Trench Coat from either of these brands with a particular fit, then it is absolutely vital that you know the fit from that particular year, or indeed, you check the measurements. It's absolutely pointless to look at the Fitting Guide for modern day Aquascutum products if you are purchasing a cost from the 1970's

4. The Type of Item - it's Intended Use

Be aware of what type of item you are purchasing. I know this sounds REALLY obvious but sometimes it just needs a little thought. Overcoats are a really good example of this and why it can occasionally lead to confusion. Overcoats designed to be worn over Suits have very much larger Dimensions across the Chest than, say, a Coat designed to be worn over a Jumper.

5. Size Conversions

Understanding that pretty much everyone has their own individual interpretation of how sizes convert is a great place to start! If you need a hand, we're here to help. Our Size Chart shows you how we believe sizes can be converted and refers strongly to the guidance offered by Harrod's with whom we generally agree. Click Here to visit our Size Chart Page