Vintage Pattern Sizes
| Size: | Measurement | 1940’s | 1970’s | 1990’s |
| 12 | bust | 30″/76.5cm | 34″/86.5cm | 34″/86.5cm |
| 12 | waist | 25″/63.5cm | 25 1/2″/ 65cm | 26 1/2″/67.5cm |
| 12 | hip | 33″/84cm | 36″/91.5cm | 36″/91.5cm |
| 14 | bust | 32″/81.5cm | 36″/91.5cm | 36″/91.5cm |
| 14 | waist | 26″/66cm | 27″/68.5cm | 28″/71cm |
| 14 | hip | 35″/89cm | 38″/96.5cm | 38″/96.5cm |
| 16 | bust | 34″/86.5cm | 38″/96.5cm | 38″/96.5cm |
| 16 | waist | 28″/71cm | 29″/74cm | 30″/76.5cm |
| 16 | hip | 37″/94cm | 40″/101.5cm | 40″/101.5cm |
This information was put together by Emily, and comes from Simplicity patterns of the different vintages. The metric conversions are mine. Buying patterns of whatever vintage should always be done by measurement rather than size: now you see why!
Body Measurements
The following table shows the standard body measurements and pattern sizes for Misses’ sizes:
Remember these are body measurements, not the size of the pattern pieces.
Ease Allowance
All patterns have wearing ease designed into them. The amount of ease will depend to some extent on the style and the designer, but the following table gives the standard ease allowances.
© 2010 Kate Dicey & Bamber Sewing Machines
