fit tips and helpful hints | buying vintage clothing

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT VINTAGE CLOTHES WILL FIT ME?

Because vintage garments are not sized according to the modern sizing of today, we use maticulous measurements to decide what numerical size to assign a garment before posting it on our site. Before placing your order, please refer to the size chart below to determine what size you will be. This may or may not be the size you are accustomed to purchasing at most stores, but in the interest of accuracy and consistency, we have chosen this chart as our guide. If there are any special sizing variances (example- a garment that was previously altered to fit a very petite person), that information will be included in the description.

It's hard finding your perfect fit in clothing: in one store you may be a size 6, in another you may be a 2. Unfortunately, there is no uniform sizing system for women. Each manufacturer has a different standard for their sizes. The challenge is made even more difficult when purchasing vintage clothing.

The best way to get a great fit is to know your measurements! We measure each garment laying flat. For example we'll lay a skirt flat, measure the waist across and then double it. Same goes for all items. If you're unsure about your measurements, take one of your own garments that fits perfectly, and measure it flat as a guide.

US WOMEN'S SIZE CHART

SIZE	0	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20
	XS	S	S	M	M	L	L	XL	XL	XL	XXL
BUST (IN.)	31.5	32.5	33.5	34.5	35.5	36.5	38	39.5	41	43	45
WAIST (IN.)	23	24	25	26	27	28	29.5	31	32.5	34.5	36.5
HIP (IN.)	33.5	34.5	35.5	36.5	37.5	38.5	40	41.5	43	45	47

(CLICK HERE TO CONVERT TO CENTIMETERS)

WHAT IF THE ITEM I WANT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN MY SIZE?

Keep in mind that every item we sell is basically one-of-a-kind. Knowing that vintage clothing is not always available in exactly your size, you should be open to the fact that alterations may be necessary. We are huge supporters of our local tailors!! There is nothing like wearing clothing that has been custom tailored to fit you and only you. Even with new clothing that is purchased "off the rack", tailoring is almost always essential to acheive the correct fit. With that said, you do need to be realistic about the limitations- a tailor will not be able to make a size 2 dress into a size 10! So, if the item you want is not in your size just email us with questions about possible tailoring and we will provide an honest opinion.

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HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY VINTAGE GARMENT?

We put an extreme amount of time and effort into preparing our garments for sale. We believe that just as much care should be taken (if not more) with vintage clothing as new clothing when prepared for the shelves in a traditional store. Before we ship your order, the garments will be cleaned, steamed, dry cleaned, spot cleaned or repaired by a professional. We package everything in tissue, neatly folded and boxed as if presenting a gift. Every item is thoroughly inspected before being packaged.

We recommend that special care is given to vintage clothing. Here are a few tips for storage and care so that your garment will remain in the best possible condition:

1.Clean each item thoroughly before packing. If you have questions about the fragility of an item, please consult a professional. Only use a dry-cleaner/ laundry you trust. If in doubt, call the fanciest clothing store in town and find out who they use!

2. Cardboard boxes may be used for temporary storage. Just make sure you use new clean boxes to avoid staining and insects. Line containers with acid free tissue. Also, make sure you don't let things sit in one place too long- rotate, refold and move items around so that air continues to flow through the fibers.

3. Mothballs are ok, but they don't always smell the best. Another option would be cedar blocks or cedar lined storage. Mothballs and cedar can be effective against insects, but keep in mind that neither is a complete guarantee.

4.Don’t hang sweaters or other knit items that can become misshapen by long term hanging. Instead, carefully fold the items and place into the storage container putting acid free tissue between each item. Stack your folded items from the lightest items on top to the heaviest items on bottom. Don't overfill the storage container. Stacking the clothing loosely will allow air to circulate.

5.If you hang items, cover the clothing in something breathable (i.e. fabric). This will keep down the risk of mildew and mold. It will also keep the clothing from wrinkling and creasing during storage. DO NOT store clothes in plastic bags, and NEVER use wire hangers. Use a hanger with a wide shoulder to prevent creasing and stretching.

6.The best storage environments are clean, cool, dark, and dry.

I DON'T USUALLY BUY VINTAGE- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Everything sold at BEULAHVEDA.COM has been hand-selected. We don't sell anything that we don't love and wouldn't wear ourselves. However, vintage clothing is often not in perfect condition and may have flaws such as stains or repairs. Most items have probably been previously worn. We will always honestly indicate the condition of the garment and list any flaws so that you can decide for yourself whether it's the right choice for you!

The items we choose to sell will almost always be in "Mint" or "Excellent" condition. We will only offer another category if the item otherwise proves worthy. Below is a list of the categories we use to rate the vintage clothing on our site:

MINT
Garment is flawless. Probably was seldomly used if ever and has not been altered in style or size.

EXCELLENT
Garment is near flawless with little signs of wear. No obvious faults.

VERY GOOD
Garment shows normal wear for its age. Was probably worn several times by the previous owners, but well cared for. Some minor flaws may be visible but nothing that would detract from the overall look of the item.

GOOD
Garment has visible stains or wear to the fibers that cannot be repaired without recognition.

FAIR
Garment has obvious wear, staining or damage.

FIT TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS FOR BUYING VINTAGE CLOTHING

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT VINTAGE CLOTHES WILL FIT ME?

WHAT IF THE ITEM I WANT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN MY SIZE?

HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY VINTAGE GARMENT?

I DON'T USUALLY BUY VINTAGE- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?