Why Can't I Find Vintage Clothing That Fits Me?

Darling, have you ever found yourself yearning for the elegance of bygone eras, only to be thwarted by the frustrating reality of ill-fitting vintage clothing? Fear not, for you are not alone in this sartorial struggle. While the allure of vintage fashion is undeniable, the quest for the perfect fit can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

The truth is that vintage clothing comes from a time when sizing standards were vastly different from those of today. Styles were tailored to the proportions and preferences of a bygone era, leaving modern-day fashionistas to navigate a labyrinth of sizing discrepancies and alterations.

But fret not, dear reader, for all hope is not lost. With the rise of bespoke tailoring and alterations services, the elusive dream of finding the perfect vintage fit is closer than ever before. Seek out skilled artisans who specialize in vintage alterations, and watch as they work their magic to transform your cherished finds into bespoke masterpieces that hug your curves in all the right places.

And let us not forget the wonders of modern technology. With the advent of online vintage boutiques and curated resale platforms, the world of vintage fashion is at your fingertips like never before.

Why Did Women in the 40s and 50s Have Such Tiny Waists?

The average woman in the 50s had a 27.5-inch waist and her bra size was 34B

In those enchanting decades, darling, the hourglass silhouette reigned supreme as the epitome of feminine beauty. Women aspired to emulate the iconic figures of silver screen sirens, whose cinched waists and hourglass curves captivated hearts and minds and inspired young women (thank goodness for today's inclusivity and body positivity!) 

But what was the secret behind these impossibly tiny waists? 

First and foremost, let us not underestimate the power of undergarments. The mighty corset and girdle were the unsung heroes of the hourglass figure, shaping the body into submission with the precision of a master sculptor and what's more - women would have been wearing these garments as daily lingerie from early teen years so the waist was simply not allowed to expand. 

But let us not stop there, for the 1940s and 1950s were also a time of refined elegance and meticulous tailoring. Couturiers and dressmakers alike employed techniques such as darting, seaming, and boning to create garments that hugged the body in all the right places, accentuating the waist and creating the illusion of a smaller silhouette.

Now for a rather obvious one - diet. The 1940s were a time of rationing and scarcity, with food supplies severely limited due to the exigencies of war. With essential goods such as meat, dairy, and sugar in short supply, women found themselves adhering to strict rationing guidelines, leading to a diet that was leaner and more frugal than in times of abundance.

In the post-war era of the 1950s, the landscape of American cuisine underwent a remarkable transformation. With the technological advancements and the rise of mass production, convenience became the order of the day, paving the way for a plethora of processed foods and pre-packaged delights.

But amidst this sea of convenience, there arose a counter-cultural movement championing the virtues of wholesome, home-cooked meals. Women, the primary architects of the household kitchen, found themselves at the forefront of this culinary renaissance, embracing the ethos of fresh ingredients, balanced nutrition, and hearty home-cooked fare.

And let us not forget the cultural ideals of the time.. In an era where femininity was revered and traditional gender roles were deeply entrenched, the tiny waist symbolized not only beauty but also poise, grace, and refinement. 

How to Find Vintage Clothing for Modern Figures?

Although true vintage has significant appeal, shopping for vintage dress patterns and having something made to measure for you can feel just as special. you can choose the pattern and the fabric, including any buttons and lace trims/details. Have a look on Etsy where people who have spent decades fine-turning their dress-making skills make vintage patterns from the world's leading brands such as Vogue to modern sizing standards. 

Unless you have a tiny waist and petite frame, it can feel incredibly frustrating to be faced with limited (or no) options in pretty vintage dresses and jeans. Try searching shops and online boutiques for vintage repro clothing. "Reproduction" vintage is simply vintage styles made to modern standards but rather than having the price tag of a one-off piece made by a seamstress, these pieces are produces in larger quantities.

Some wonderful 40s and 50s repro clothing brands to be aware of if you are just starting to build up a vintage wardrobe: 

Collectif Clothing

Their collections feature meticulously crafted garments, ranging from dresses to blouses, skirts, and playsuits, all designed to evoke the glamour of bygone eras such as the 1940s and 1950s. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, Collectif Clothing celebrates the nostalgia of vintage fashion while embracing the diversity and individuality of contemporary style.

The other brand you will find on Collectif's website is Bright And Beautiful which offer more 60s style designs including dresses, mini skirts, jumpsuits and beautiful knitwear. 

Unique Vintage

One of my personal favourites, Unique Vintage is based in the USA but has several official stockists based in the UK (like us!) and Europe. They offer a wide range of 40s, 50s and 60s styles and have also created a plethora of modern, colourful dresses in collaboration with all kinds of different brands including Strawberry Shortcake, Marvel and My Little Pony. 

Check out their marvellous website here

Hell Bunny

Another brand that started off in London, UK and has grown to be a worldwide best-loved brand by vintage enthusiasts and also the gothic/alt crowd as Hell Bunny caters to both these wardrobes. 

This is a perfect place to shop if you want to start dipping your toe into vintage waters, but also love a pretty day dress that isn't necessarily completely 40s or 50s style. Quirky prints, various silhouettes and more modern designs await on their website here