HOW MEASUREMENTS ARE TAKEN

How Garment Measurements are Taken:

  • All measurements are taken while the garment is lying flat. Please double bust, waist and hip measurements to get the 'all the way around' measurements.
  • Measurements listed describe the GARMENT, not your body, so it’s best to compare our measurements with one of your own garments (in a similar style) that fits you really well. For a comparison, simply lie your existing garment flat and take measurements as follows, which is exactly how we take our measurements:
  1. Lay the garment completely flat on a flat surface.
  2. SHOULDER MEASUREMENT: Measure across the collar, from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
  3. BUST MEASUREMENT: Measure from the seam at one arm pit to the other.
  4. WAIST MEASUREMENT: Measure the smallest part of the waist (the natural waist) from one side to the other.
  5. HIP MEASUREMENT: Measure from side to side the part on the garment that would sit on the hips - where it widens, just below the waist.
  6. LENGTH MEASUREMENT: Measure from the top of the garment (from the top of the back collar) down to the very bottom of the hem.
  7. SLEEVE MEASUREMENT: Measure the sleeve - from the top of the shoulder seam, to the bottom of the sleeve (for short sleeves), or to the bottom of the cuff (for long sleeves)

Please contact us prior to making a purchase if you wish for us to provide additional measurements.





ABOUT THE DESCRIPTIONS

About Modern Sizing Approximations:

  • Vintage clothing sizing is different to modern day sizing. Modern sizing is larger than the sizing back in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and even 80s. Where the actual label on a vintage garment says Size 14, this in fact is more like a Size 10 in modern sizing. At Sweet Old World Vintage, we try to provide as much information as we have access to about a garment. As such, for each item we list the size printed on the garment’s label (where present), and we have also approximated the modern sizing for you.
  • To work out if an item will fit you, it's best to go by the actual measurements we've provided (see above for how we measure items).

Please note: the Approximate Modern Size is a guide only, and is there to make searching for the right vintage garment easier for you. Please contact us if you have any queries regarding sizing PRIOR to your purchase. We are speedy at replies :-)


About Era Descriptions:

  • All of the items at Sweet Old World Vintage are unique, one-off vintage/second-hand pieces. Throughout the 20th century, trends have often looked back on previous decades for their inspiration. It is therefore sometimes difficult to tell what decade a garment was manufactured in. We do our very best to describe our items in the most accurate way possible.
  • Please note: Most items genuinely originate from the decade stated in the Era description. However, some items listed under a particular era may have actually been manufactured more recently, but are in the style of that era. We will indicate where that is the case. Some of our shoes may have been manufactured in the past couple decades (and are therefore modern) but these items are pre-loved/second hand.


About Condition Descriptions:

Every Sweet Old World Vintage item has been hand-picked for its quality. However, keep in mind that vintage garments and accessories have been around for a while, so will inevitably have seen some deterioration with the years and with different storage conditions. In each product description, we have given an indication of the item’s condition. Please use the following as a guide:

  • MINT: rare, flawless and as perfect and pristine as it was originally. Item may never have been even worn. 
  • NEAR MINT: item has probably been worn before but is in near perfect condition.
  • EXCELLENT CONDITION: means totally sound in condition and appearance, but any wear is a result of having been worn now and then. The item has been well looked after and stored well. The construction of the item is sound with no buttons or other components missing. 
  • VERY GOOD CONDITION: means wearable but with some flaws. Flaws such as stains or minor structural flaws may be present. However, overall the item has redeeming factors such as scarcity or a rare print making it desirable. The position of any markings is also important. Since the marking may be permanent this will be reflected in the selling price. 
  • GOOD CONDITION: means the item is still wearable, but is no longer in pristine condition and if there are repairs to be made it couldn't be described as 'excellent condition'. (Remember vintage garments have been around a long time, so will have deteriorated with the years and with storage conditions.) Good condition items have been worn, but the fact they still exist means they were favourite items or stylish treasured garments in their day.  Where a condition is described as 'good', we will always state what the flaw is.

Every effort is made to ensure accuracy in our descriptions, but we are human, so sometimes mistakes can be made. If you find that your purchase does not match our description, please contact us immediately and we will rectify the issue.

 

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPY:

  • Sometimes we photograph our items with accessories, such as belts, brooches, scarves, necklaces and tops or bottoms. NOTE: any accessories, tops or bottoms photographed with the item for sale are NOT included in the sale, unless stated otherwise.
  • Please keep in mind that computer and portable device monitors reflect the coloration of fabric differently so there may be slight colour inconsistencies between the photo and the product. All items photographed on the dress form have NOT been pinned (unless stated otherwise).