Size Guide
Vintage sizing isn't the same as today's, and it changed a lot from decade to decade. Every listing has the size and the actual measurements of that piece. Go by the measurements.
- Chest (pit to pit)
- Laid flat, measured straight across from armpit seam to armpit seam. Double it for the full way around.
- Length (shoulder to hem)
- From the top of the shoulder, right where it meets the collar, straight down to the bottom hem.
- Pants & shorts
- Waist is measured across the waistband and listed as the full waist size. Length is the inseam.
Find your size in 2 minutes
- Grab a top from your closet that fits the way you like.
- Lay it flat and measure pit to pit and shoulder to hem.
- Compare those numbers to the measurements in the listing. Within about ½" is a near-identical fit.
- Use the charts below as a starting point for what each size usually measures in our shop.
Why the measurements beat the tag: A Large from 1986 and a Large from 2004 can be two completely different shirts. Brands, decades, and years of washing all change the fit. Every piece is washed before it's listed, so the measurements you see are how it fits now.
Typical measurements by size
Ranges are based on over 1,000 pieces that have come through our shop. Inches, measured flat. Your item's listing always has its exact numbers.
T-Shirts 90s, Y2K & newer
| Size | Chest (pit to pit) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| S | 17.5 – 18.5" | 25.5 – 26.5" |
| M | 18.5 – 20" | 26 – 27.5" |
| L | 20 – 21.5" | 27 – 28.5" |
| XL | 22 – 23.5" | 28 – 29.5" |
| 2XL | 24 – 25.5" | 29.5 – 31" |
| 3XL | 26 – 27" | 30.5 – 32" |
90s tees are wide for their length, which gives the classic boxy fit. Y2K tees often run longer. Size up for an oversized look.
T-Shirts 80s & earlier · runs about 1 size small
| Size | Chest (pit to pit) | Length | Fits like today's |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 14 – 16" | 23.5 – 24.5" | XXS / youth |
| S | 16 – 17.5" | 23.5 – 25.5" | XS |
| M | 18 – 19" | 25 – 26.5" | S |
| L | 19 – 20.5" | 26 – 28" | M |
| XL | 21.5 – 23" | 27 – 29" | L |
Single-stitch tees from this era were cut slimmer and shorter, and many are thin 50/50 blends that hug the body. An 80s Large measures about 1" narrower across the chest than a 90s Large.
Sweatshirts & Hoodies Crewnecks, hoodies, quarter zips
| Size | Chest (pit to pit) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| S | 18.5 – 19.5" | 23 – 25.5" |
| M | 20 – 21.5" | 24 – 25.5" |
| L | 21 – 23" | 25 – 27" |
| XL | 23 – 25" | 26 – 28" |
| 2XL | 25 – 27" | 27 – 28.5" |
| 3XL | 26.5 – 28" | 29 – 30" |
Vintage sweatshirts are wide and short, so they sit cropped and boxy. The ribbed waistband pulls in, so a sweatshirt that measures the same as your tee will feel roomier. 80s and earlier crewnecks run about half to one size small.
Jackets Bombers, windbreakers, barn & chore coats
| Size | Chest (pit to pit) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 20 – 20.5" | 23 – 24.5" |
| S | 20.5 – 22" | 23 – 25" |
| M | 21.5 – 22.5" | 24.5 – 26.5" |
| L | 23 – 25" | 25 – 28.5" |
| XL | 25 – 26" | 26.5 – 29" |
| 2XL | 25.5 – 27" | 27 – 29" |
| 3XL | 29 – 30" | 30.5 – 32" |
Jackets are cut to layer over a sweatshirt, so expect about 3" more chest than a tee in the same size. Length varies most by style: bombers sit at the waist (24 – 27"), while barn and chore coats run long (29 – 33"). 60s – 80s varsity and work jackets run small.
Jerseys & Tanks Basketball, football, hockey, soccer
| Size | Chest (pit to pit) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| S | 19 – 20" | 25.5 – 28.5" |
| M | 21 – 22" | 27 – 29" |
| L | 21 – 22.5" | 28 – 30.5" |
| XL | 23.5 – 25" | 30 – 33" |
| 2XL | 23.5 – 25.5" | 31.5 – 33" |
Fit depends on the sport. Basketball jerseys and tanks run long (often 32"+ in XL and up). Football and hockey jerseys are cut wide to go over pads. Soccer jerseys run trim, especially newer ones. Check the length if you plan to wear it untucked.
Button Ups / Downs Flannels, camp shirts, western
| Size | Chest (pit to pit) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| S | 19 – 21" | 25 – 28" |
| M | 20 – 22" | 27 – 29.5" |
| L | 21.5 – 23" | 27.5 – 29.5" |
| XL | 23 – 24" | 27.5 – 30" |
| 2XL | 25 – 26.5" | 28.5 – 31" |
| 3XL | 26.5 – 28" | 29 – 31" |
Short sleeve camp and graphic button ups are boxy and shorter, made to wear untucked. Long sleeve flannels and westerns have longer tails for tucking. Wool shirts (like Pendleton) may have shrunk over the years, so trust the numbers over the tag.
Pants & Shorts Jeans, work pants, cargo & denim shorts
Pants and shorts are listed by measured waist × inseam (for example, 34x30), not by the size on the tag. Shorts are listed by waist only. Track pants and sweatpants with elastic waists are listed S – 2XL with the inseam in the description.
| If you wear | Look for a waist of |
|---|---|
| Modern 30 jeans | 30 – 32" |
| Modern 32 jeans | 32 – 34" |
| Modern 34 jeans | 34 – 36" |
| Modern 36 jeans | 36 – 38" |
Modern jeans often run an inch or two bigger than the size on the label ("vanity sizing"). For the most accurate match, measure the waistband of a pair you own laid flat and double it. Vintage denim is usually 100% cotton with no stretch, so don't size down. Hems on older jeans may have been altered, so check the inseam.
How fit changed by decade
Slim and short. Jackets and flannels run 1 – 2 sizes small by today's standards.
Single-stitch tees with slim bodies and short lengths. Plan on sizing up one.
The classic boxy fit: wide chest, shorter length. Usually close to true to size, a little roomier.
Oversized and long. Hip-hop brands and jerseys run big and extra long.
Good to know
- Women's & youth pieces are labeled in the title. Women's sizes generally fit 1 – 2 sizes smaller than men's, and a youth XL is close to an adult S.
- Missing or faded tags: some pieces have no readable tag. We list them by measurements, so compare those numbers.
- Want the oversized look? Add 2 – 4" to the pit-to-pit of a shirt that fits you now.
- Still unsure? Message us with the item and the measurements of a top you love. We'll help you pick.