Vintage Size Chart | Body Measurements

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Clothing sizing has changed over the years. The sizes in vintage patterns are not comparable to today's standard clothing sizes. Therefore, it's important to look at body measurements first before deciding which size to knit or crochet when using vintage patterns.

Following is a compilation of vintage sizing charts that I've found in leaflets. These charts should be used as a guide only. They are approximate measurements of the finished designs for patterns created over 50 years ago.

Vintage Women's Size Chart

Vintage Pattern Sizing
12
14
16
18
20
40
42
44
Bust
30-31”
32-33”
34-35”
36-37”
38-39”
40”
42”
44”
Waist
25”
26½”
28”
30”
32”
34”
36”
38”
Hip
33”
35”
37”
39”
41”
43”
45”
47”
Shoulder Back
12”
13”
13¾”
14½”
15”
Shoulder
4”
4¼”
4½”
4¾”
5”
Back of Neck
4”
4½”
4¾”
5”
5”
Armhole Depth
7”
7¼”
7½”
7¾”
8”
Waist to Underarm
7½”
8”
8”
8½”
8½”
Underarm Sleeve Length
16½”
17½”
18”
18”
18½”
Sleeve Width at Underarm
11¾”
12¼”
13”
13½”
14”

As a point of comparison to the vintage sizing charts above, below are today's standard size charts. Again, these charts should be used as a guide only.

Modern Women's Size Chart

Modern Standard Sizes
12
14
16
18
20
40
42
44
Bust
35”
36”
38½”
40”
43”
44”
46”
48”
Waist
26”
27”
29½”
31”
34”
35½”
37½”
39½”
Hip
36½”
37½”
40”
41½”
44½”
46”
48”
50”