Sizing Guide

Mojo Moon Sizing Guide

Vintage and secondhand clothing tells its size story in measurements - not labels. A label marked "14" in a 1970s Australian garment might fit like a modern size 8-10. At Mojo Moon, we list actual flat measurements on every item so you can shop with confidence.

Why Vintage Sizing Is Different

Sizing standards have changed dramatically over the decades. Key reasons vintage labels don't match modern sizes:

  • Vanity sizing: Modern clothing brands have gradually increased the actual cut of smaller label sizes to flatter customers — a modern AU 10 is physically larger than a 1980s AU 10.
  • Country of origin: US, UK, European, Japanese, and Australian label sizes all use different numbering systems.
  • Era variation: Pre-1970s garments were cut close to the body with minimal ease. 1980s–90s pieces often have boxy, oversized cuts. Always go by measurements, not era expectations.
  • Handmade & altered pieces: Many vintage garments were tailored, let out, or taken in - the label may not reflect the actual current measurements at all.

Our rule: always trust the tape measure, not the tag.

How to Measure Yourself

Use a soft fabric measuring tape. Stand naturally — don't hold your breath or pull the tape tight. Measure over light underwear or fitted base layers, not bulky clothing.

Bust / Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. For tops, jackets, and dresses.

Waist

Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, usually 2–3 cm above your belly button. Keep a finger's width of ease under the tape.

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, usually 18–23 cm below your natural waist.

Inseam

For trousers and pants, measure from the crotch seam down to the ankle along the inside of the leg.

Shoulder Width

Measure across the back from shoulder seam to shoulder seam. Critical for jackets, coats, and structured tops - shoulders are the hardest seam to alter.

Sleeve Length

Measure from shoulder seam to cuff.

Length (tops & dresses)

Measure from the highest point of the shoulder (near the neck) straight down to the hem.

How to Read Our Flat Measurements

We photograph garments laid flat on a surface and measure them that way. To compare our flat measurements to your body measurements:

  • Bust / Chest: Double the flat measurement. E.g. flat bust of 48 cm = 96 cm circumference.
  • Waist: Double the flat measurement. E.g. flat waist of 35 cm = 70 cm circumference.
  • Hips: Double the flat measurement. E.g. flat hip of 52 cm = 104 cm circumference.
  • Length, Shoulder & Inseam: These are listed as the actual length - no doubling needed.

All measurements are in centimetres (cm) unless otherwise stated.

Understanding Ease

Ease is the extra room built into a garment beyond your body measurements. It's what lets you breathe, sit, and move.

Fit Style Ease at Bust (approx.) What It Looks Like
Very fitted / bodycon 0–4 cm Hugs the body closely
Fitted 4–8 cm Follows the body, slight movement room
Semi-fitted 8–12 cm Relaxed but not boxy
Loose / relaxed 12–20 cm Comfortable, draped silhouette
Oversized 20 cm+ Intentionally large, boyfriend-style fit

When comparing a garment's circumference to your own measurements, consider how you like your clothing to fit. If you prefer a looser silhouette, choose a garment 10-15 cm larger than your body measurement. If you love a snug fit, go closer or match exactly.

When to Size Up (or Down)

We recommend sizing up (choosing a larger garment) when:

  • The shoulder seam of a jacket or structured top sits at or beyond your shoulder point - shoulders cannot be taken in easily.
  • You plan to layer the piece over thicker clothing.
  • The piece is knit or woven with no stretch - fitted wovens leave no give.
  • You are between measurements and prefer comfort over closeness.

You may be able to size down when:

  • The garment has a lot of excess ease and the style is intentionally oversized.
  • The fabric has natural stretch (jersey, ribbed knit).
  • Only the length is slightly long - hems are easy to alter.

Label Size Conversion Chart

AU / NZ US UK EU Approx. Bust (cm) Approx. Waist (cm)
6 2 6 34 80–83 62–65
8 4 8 36 84–87 66–69
10 6 10 38 88–91 70–73
12 8 12 40 92–95 74–77
14 10 14 42 96–99 78–81
16 12 16 44 100–103 82–85
18 14 18 46 104–107 86–89
20 16 20 48 108–112 90–94

These are modern AU standard equivalents. Vintage garments labelled with these sizes will often run 1–2 sizes smaller than indicated. Always verify against the listed flat measurements.

Still Not Sure?

Message us before you buy — we're happy to take additional measurements on any listed item. You can reach us via our Contact page or at support@mojomoon.shop