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Vintage Clothing
Plus Size Vintage
Clothing and How to Find Large Sizes
By Vivian Vassar
Have you heard yourself say "Vintage
clothing is so small - nothing fits me.
How do I get vintage clothing in a large
or plus size?" It's hard enough to find
vintage that is in good condition and a
style that you like. Having to deal with
size gives it that extra challenge. Our
body size has changed over the years,
not only are we taller and average
weight has gone up but our expectation
of how clothes will fit has changed. For
example, 1950's clothing was designed to
show off an hourglass shape with a
defined waist. This was achieved with
padded bras and girdles or waist
cinchers. The bodices were more fitted
than we are used to now. So how do you
go about getting vintage clothing that
fits ?
The first thing is to find your
measurements and to be honest about
them. It's frustrating to try on things
that you think should fit and they
don't. Take a blouse and a dress that
fits you well. Lay the blouse down on a
flat surface. Starting at the top,
measure from the top of the sleeve seam
across the back of the blouse to the top
of the other sleeve seam. Knowing this
measurement will help you eliminate
anything that will be too tight in the
shoulders. Measure the blouse across the
back from side seam to side seam right
under where the sleeve comes into the
garment (the armpit), double it- that's
your bust. Measure the blouse across the
back from side seam to side seam at the
waist and double it - that's the waist.
Take the dress and do the same
measurements along with the hip
measurement. You'll have two sets of
measurements that give you a range of
what fits you. You can use these
measurements as a guide when you shop
online or in stores just be sure to
bring along a tape measure.
There are more vintage businesses out
there than ever before both online and
in brick and mortar stores, along with
thrift and consignment stores. Online
use search terms like plus size, large
size, big size, XL along with the word
vintage and dress or skirt or clothing.
There are web sites that specialize in
plus size vintage. Check their link
pages for other business that carry
large size vintage. They're all looking
for the same customers and will link to
each other. Check the measurements on
the site to see if they get merchandise
in your range. Watch for listings that
give the bust measurements in the title
or use terms like B44. This usually
indicates that they know they have a
larger size and want to catch your
attention. Check auctions sites for
specialty dealers or even people who are
selling from their own plus size vintage
collection.
Remember that plus size is a relative
term. What is large in your mind is a
medium to someone else. There are no set
standards. Communicate with dealers,
shop owners, sales help at consignment
stores and let them know what you're
looking for. They know their own stock
and may be able to help you pull things
to try on. They can let you know when
new merchandise comes in and maybe give
you first pick because the larger sizes
usually go first. Look at out of season
clothing, they're not being picked over
as much and you may luck out and find
that generously sized 50's cotton summer
dress while everyone else is looking at
coats !
Should you believe size tags in vintage
clothing? Take size tags in vintage with
a grain of salt because sizes have
changed and can differ from manufacturer
to manufacturer. Plus or large size
vintage dresses used to be called
"half-sizes" so sometimes you see the
"half-size" with the number. Tags that
say 20 ½ or 22 ½ in vintage clothing
fits about a size 16 or 18 in today's
clothing size. Also look for companies
that made larger sizes like "Lane
Bryant" or "R and K Originals." When you
see "sized to height" on a tag it means
it is sized for a taller shape.
Patience, persistence and a little luck
will help you find vintage clothing in
your size and help you develop your own
"special" look.
"Style is knowing who you are, what you
want to say, and not giving a damn." -
Gore Vidal
Vivian Vassar (aka Hey Viv ! ) has been
wearing and selling vintage clothing for
over 25 years. She is the owner of Hey
Viv ! an online vintage clothing store
that specializes in 50's style retro and
vintage clothing. http://www.HeyViv.com
Womens vintage clothing & 50s retro
dresses - All sizes available from small
to xlarge.
http://heyviv.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1097&catid=4
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