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Vintage sizing made simple

How to find your Jolly fit

You do not need to understand every mysterious vintage size label. We inspect each garment and give it a suggested modern UK fit to make shopping as straightforward as possible.

Start with the suggested modern UK fit On every Jolly listing, this is the most useful size to follow. The original label is included because it forms part of the garment’s history, but it may not reflect how the item fits today.
What you will see on a Jolly listing

We do the vintage detective work for you

Every useful piece of sizing information is shown separately, so you can see the original label and our modern fit guidance.

Example listing

Original label EU 42
Suggested modern fit Approximately UK 12–14
Pit to pit 20 inches
Fit note Likely relaxed on a UK 12 or closer fitting on a UK 14.
The suggested fit is our considered estimate based on the garment’s measurements, shape, fabric, stretch and construction. It is guidance rather than a guarantee because bodies and fit preferences vary.
Quick label guide

I usually wear a UK size… what labels might I see?

These are rough modern equivalents for common international labels. On Jolly, always prioritise our suggested modern UK fit over the number on the original label.

Your usual UK size Standard European Italian US General letter size
UK 6 EU 34 IT 38 US 2 XS
UK 8 EU 36 IT 40 US 4 S
UK 10 EU 38 IT 42 US 6 S–M
UK 12 EU 40 IT 44 US 8 M
UK 14 EU 42 IT 46 US 10 L
UK 16 EU 44 IT 48 US 12 L–XL
UK 18 EU 46 IT 50 US 14 XL
UK 20 EU 48 IT 52 US 16 XXL
UK 22 EU 50 IT 54 US 18 2XL–3XL
UK 24 EU 52 IT 56 US 20 3XL
Similar numbers can mean very different things. A standard European size 42 is roughly a modern UK 14, while an Italian size 42 is roughly a UK 10. Check the country shown on the garment label before converting it.
Older UK labels may run much smaller. A vintage garment labelled UK 16 may fit closer to a modern UK 10, 12 or 14 depending on its age and manufacturer. This is why we never rely on the original label alone.
Understanding measurements

What does pit to pit mean?

It is simply the garment’s width

Pit to pit is measured straight across the garment from one underarm to the other while it is laid flat.

Double the pit-to-pit figure to estimate the garment’s full chest measurement.

It does not automatically equal a dress size because a fitted dress, loose blouse and oversized blazer all need different amounts of room.

Example: 20-inch pit to pit

A 20-inch pit-to-pit measurement gives an approximate garment chest of 40 inches.

Depending on the cut, it may fit a UK 12 loosely or a UK 14 more closely. The listing’s suggested modern fit and fit note will explain how we think the garment wears.

Pit to pit Approximate full garment chest
16 inches32 inches
17 inches34 inches
18 inches36 inches
19 inches38 inches
20 inches40 inches
21 inches42 inches
22 inches44 inches
23 inches46 inches
24 inches48 inches
25 inches50 inches
26 inches52 inches
Other measurements

The shape matters as much as the size

Where relevant, our listings may also include the waist, hips, shoulder width, sleeve length, garment length, trouser rise and inside leg.

  • Waist Important for fitted dresses, skirts and trousers. Elasticated waists may be shown relaxed and stretched.
  • Hips Particularly useful for straight or fitted dresses, skirts and trousers.
  • Shoulders Structured jackets and dresses may fit at the chest but feel tight through the shoulders or armholes.
  • Length Vintage minis can be very mini. Always check the garment length if this matters to you.
The easiest way to shop

No measuring tape? Start with your usual UK size

Look for your usual size within the suggested modern fit shown on each product page.

Then read the fit note to see whether the item is likely to be fitted, relaxed or oversized.

Measurements are there as extra reassurance, particularly if you already own something similar that you can compare against. You do not need to know your exact body measurements to browse Jolly.

Usually wear a modern UK 16? Start with items listed as approximately UK 16. You may see original labels such as EU 44, Italian 48 or US 12, but vintage labels vary and should not be used on their own.

Unsure about a particular piece?

Send us the product link, tell us your usual UK size and whether you prefer a fitted or relaxed look. We will help you judge the item without expecting you to conduct a full measuring-tape investigation.

Ask Jolly about the fit