converting vintage sizing to modern

This is a basic chart for converting average body measurements to most vintage patterns. The best gauge for dresses and gowns is your bust measurement.  Depending on your  proportions, a smaller or larger size with some alteration may be more appropriate for you. Measure all  the pattern pieces too, discrepancies are many in these old patterns, and pieces get mixed too if the original owner didn’t keep track of those unmarked bits and pieces! And measure yourself honestly: these patterns are sewn with less ease and more stress points than contemporary fashions have.

BUST 30 / HIP 33 = VINTAGE SIZE 12

BUST 32 / HIP 35 = VINTAGE SIZE 14

BUST 33 / HIP 36 = VINTAGE SIZE 15

BUST 34 / HIP 37 = VINTAGE SIZE 16

BUST 35 / HIP 38 = VINTAGE SIZE 18

BUST 36 / HIP 39 = VINTAGE SIZE 18

BUST 37 / HIP 40 = VINTAGE SIZE 20

BUST 38 / HIP 41 = VINTAGE SIZE 20

BUST 39 / HIP 42 = VINTAGE SIZE 22

BUST 40 / HIP 43 = VINTAGE SIZE 22/40

So–if your bust is 36 inches, and your hips are 41, for blouses/dresses/coats, you would wear a vintage pattern size 18 but pants and skirts  would be a vintage pattern size 20.   Dresses that are very fitted through the hips would probably fit  better on a 41inch hipped body in a size 20, with the bodice altered for the proportionately smaller bust.  Makes you wonder about the change in body mass since the 20’s-50’s! (Of course a lot of those tiny numbers are for vanity reasons too!)