Customer Care
Size &
Fit Guide
Vintage labels are historic and wildly inconsistent. Always shop by the measurements on the product page, not the number on the tag.
Last updated September 2026
Why the label doesn't matter
A 1970s UK 12 is closer to a modern UK 8. Sizing standards have shifted decade by decade, brand by brand, and many of our pieces have been cut down or reworked in the studio. That's why every listing carries flat measurements taken from the actual garment in front of us.
Reworked pieces may also carry a size we've assigned by fit rather than by the original label. Browse the shop and check each product page.
How we measure
Every measurement is taken with the garment laid flat, unstretched, in inches. Double the flat chest and waist figures to get the full body circumference.
| Measurement | How we take it |
|---|---|
| Chest / pit-to-pit | Straight across from one underarm seam to the other |
| Waist | Across the narrowest point, or the waistband edge-to-edge |
| Hips | Across the widest point, roughly 8in below the waistband |
| Length | From the highest point of the shoulder straight down to the hem |
| Shoulder | Seam to seam across the back |
| Sleeve | From the shoulder seam to the cuff |
| Inside leg | From the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem |
Measure something you already own
The most reliable trick: take a garment you already love, lay it flat, measure it the same way, and compare it to the listing. If the numbers are close, the fit will be too.
- Add 1–2in to the chest if you want a relaxed or layerable fit.
- Denim with no stretch runs true to the flat measurement — no give.
- Saree wraps and fringed pieces are designed loose and are largely one-size.
Womenswear size conversion
| UK | EU | US | IT | Bust (in) | Waist (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 34 | 2 | 38 | 31 | 24 |
| 8 | 36 | 4 | 40 | 33 | 26 |
| 10 | 38 | 6 | 42 | 35 | 28 |
| 12 | 40 | 8 | 44 | 37 | 30 |
| 14 | 42 | 10 | 46 | 39 | 32 |
| 16 | 44 | 12 | 48 | 41 | 34 |
| 18 | 46 | 14 | 50 | 44 | 37 |
Unisex outerwear & denim
| Size | Chest (in) | Waist (in) | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34–36 | 28–30 | UK 6–8 |
| S | 36–38 | 30–32 | UK 8–10 |
| M | 38–40 | 32–34 | UK 10–12 |
| L | 40–43 | 34–37 | UK 14–16 |
| XL | 43–46 | 37–40 | UK 16–18 |
| XXL | 46–49 | 40–43 | UK 20–22 |
Custom embroidery jackets
Our custom pieces start from curated vintage Levi's-style denim jackets, cut generously for an oversized, unisex fit. Choose your size in the builder.
| Size | Chest flat (in) | Back length (in) | Sleeve (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 19 | 22 | 23 |
| S | 20.5 | 23 | 23.5 |
| M | 22 | 24 | 24.5 |
| L | 23.5 | 25 | 25 |
| XL | 25 | 26 | 25.5 |
| XXL | 26.5 | 27 | 26 |
- Prefer a fitted look? Size down one from your usual.
- Want to layer knitwear underneath? Stay true to size or go up.
- Vintage denim varies — each jacket is measured before your artwork is applied, and we'll email you if it lands outside the range above.
Cushions & framed pieces
| Product | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidered cushion | 45 × 45 cm or 55 × 55 cm | Feather-blend inner included; backing colour of your choice |
| Framed wall piece | Approx. 30 × 40 cm framed | Natural oak or black frame, with or without mount |
Still not sure?
Email inquiries@karmavintage.studio or DM us on Instagram with the piece you're eyeing and your usual size — we'll measure it again and tell you honestly whether it'll work. It's cheaper for everyone than a return.