I have a couple of suits, 40'-50's, one is marked a 34, I think I can list it as a small. The other is unmarked, and the stretchiness, in both, is VERY there. Like a girdle. Any suggestions on measuring, without buying a mannequin? I can get one, I just thought someone might have a trick to it, as swimsuits are very personal, and I'd like to give a good idea of the size without too much difference in measurement. If that makes a bit of sense!!?? Thank you! Sandi
I generally size them as small, medium, large etc as they're hard to be precise with. Of course, I have the luxury of a B&M where customers can try them on, which helps. The other size issue with them is body length: often the older ones are best for shorter ladies. Nicole
while tricky for swimsuits and undergarments, measurements really help. I used to lay it flat measure across bust, waist, hips, etc. Then stretch and take those measurements. For example 'measurements Bust 17" will stretch to a max. of 19" also remind people that measurements are taken flat and doubled and that if it is marked 34, that is a VINTAGE size
I do darn near every part you can measure, plus I put in the measm's of my manni, and how it fit on her (snug, loose, baggy). Here's one that I have up now: Playsuit It's a play suit, but I fit them the same. Length from crotch to straps is really important for us long torso'd gals. I like to put the stretch in there, since you can vary on proportions with swimmies, much better than a fitted dress with no stretch. Women are sorta built with different proportions these days. Damn you Cheetos!
You have to be really careful measuring bust or 'cup' sizes on structured garments including swimsuits. The measurement should be taken from the inside by running a tape measure to follow the 'peak' bustline inside the cup form, If there is stretch in the fabric then it's a given that there is some allowance.
