Are vintage sizes smaller than current sizes? / Do vintage sizes run smaller than current sizes?

It has often happened to me that I was surprised to find that the vintage blouse that fits me well - currently a size M - is marked as size 44. How come? Are the vintage sizes smaller than today's sizes?

One possible reason why vintage sizes are smaller than current sizes is due to changes in the clothing industry and size charts over time. Here are some factors that could contribute:

• Changes in body size and shape: Over the years, people's average body sizes and shapes have changed. Nowadays people are, on average, taller and have different proportions than before. The clothing sizes have been adjusted accordingly to meet today's average measurements.

• Changes in the fashion industry: The fashion industry is constantly changing and trends come and go. Over the past few decades, people's preferences and styles have changed, which also affects the cuts and fits of clothing. Vintage clothing may have been designed differently to match fashion trends at the time and therefore may look different when compared to today's clothing.

• Manufacturers and Production Methods: Clothing manufacturers and production methods have also evolved over the years. In the past, different gauges and patterns may have been used to make clothing, which may result in differences in sizes. The use of different materials and the way clothing is sewn can also affect the fit and size.

Vintage clothing can vary from brand to brand and piece to piece, and it is possible that some vintage sizes may match current sizes.

Here on Zuerich Vintage I have deliberately not photographed the size labels so as not to cause confusion. If you would like to know more about this, please take a look at “About (Zuerich) Vintage” on the website.

And by the way: All bodies are good bodies!

Greetings, your Kate <3

I have often experienced being surprised to find that the vintage blouse, which currently fits me well as a solid M, is labeled as size 44. How is that possible? Do vintage sizes run smaller than modern sizes?

One possible reason for vintage sizes running smaller than current sizes lies in the changes in the garment industry and size charts over time. Here are some factors that could contribute to this:

• Changes in height and body shape: Over the years, the average height and body shapes of people have changed. Nowadays, people are generally taller and have different proportions than in the past. Garment sizes have been adjusted accordingly to accommodate today's average measurements.

• Changes in the fashion industry: The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and trends come and go. In recent decades, people's preferences and styles have changed, which also affects the cuts and fits of clothing. Vintage clothing may have been designed differently to match the fashion trends of that time and may therefore fit differently compared to modern garments.

• Manufacturers and production methods: Clothing manufacturers and production methods have also evolved over the years. Different measurements and patterns may have been used to make clothing in the past, resulting in variations in sizes. The use of different materials and the way clothing is sewn can also influence the fit and size.

Vintage clothing can vary from brand to brand and from piece to piece, and it is possible that some vintage sizes align with current sizes.

Here on Zuerich Vintage, I intentionally did not photograph the size labels to avoid confusion. If you want to know more, feel free to visit the website and check out the "About (Zuerich) Vintage" section.

And by the way, all bodies are good bodies!

Warm greetings, Yours Kate <3