Do not rely on modern sizing to determine if you will fit in a vintage item. Past sizes varied greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, and from decade to decade. Measure yourself in all pertinent spots, such as bust, waist, hip, shoulder to wrist, underarm to inside elbow, etc. Keep these measurements along with a small tape rule with you, in case you come across something that you are unable to try on.
Where to find your next Great Find
Vintage clothes can be purchased at numerous outlets. Some stores cater to vintage clothing, and their inventory is usually filled with quality pieces. The problem with shopping stores such as this is often the price factor. Because they have spent the time to search out these quality pieces in wearable condition, their time is recouped through higher prices. For you, the buyer, this is a decision to be made, of what is of more of value to you, your money, or your time. If you are searching for a particular style or piece, a store that specializes in vintage may be your best option though, as they often have merchandise that can be hard to find, if not impossible, elsewhere.
Second hand clothing stores, not to be confused with those that cater to those looking for vintage, but more to those just looking to save a few dollars on clothing in general, may offer some choices. Oftentimes, the clothing found is in good condition. Clothes is sorted and shelved as long as it is clean and in reasonably good shape. No distinction is made, on the racks and shelves, between clothing that was sold new yesterday, or twenty years ago. It is up to the consumer to look through the racks for those hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Head to these shops when you have the time to look thoroughly through the racks, and be prepared beforehand by acquiring some knowledge of what you are searching.
St. Vincent DePaul and Goodwill are two of the more popular second hand shops, and are oftentimes treasure troves for those hunting for vintage items. Knowledge of what you are searching for will go a long way towards making sure you find a bargain.
Online outlets such as Ebay, the auction site, are modern technology's gift to the world of vintage shoppers. Clothing that may never have made it out of storage during another era, is both finding its way to the sale floor, and into homes of vintage lovers who may never have had the opportunity to discover such finds, due to physical limitations such as where they live. As with the other methods it is imperative that you know what you are shopping for, even more so as you cannot inspect items other than through photographs and the information provided by the seller. If you are knowledgeable of a style or brand name, you can narrow your search quickly to find what you are searching.
Estate sales and auctions can provide some of the finest treasures. Households being emptied after elderly occupants passed away or moved on to different accommodations with much less storage, often give little heed to clothing. They may sell whole lots of clothes for a few dollars. Any items you do not want can in turn be resold to a vintage store or through an online site such as Ebay.