How to choose the right vintage shirt size
Vintage shirts are designed to be worn looser than modern slim-fit styles. This guide will help you choose the right size for optimal comfort, authentic proportions, and a true vintage look with the HabilleurJean store!
Why vintage shirts fit differently
Unlike slim or fitted shirts, vintage shirts are designed to offer ease and great freedom of movement. The shoulders may fall slightly wider, the chest is looser, and the overall length is more generous. This is not a sizing error, but an intentional style choice.
How to read our size guide
All measurements you will find on our product sheets are taken flat and expressed in centimeters. If you hesitate between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger one to preserve the relaxed and comfortable vintage cut.
Essential measurements
1. Collar / Neck circumference
The collar measurement is essential if you plan to wear the shirt with a tie; otherwise, it is optional.
If you wear the shirt fully buttoned with a tie, the collar should be comfortable, without being tight. You should be able to slip one finger between your neck and the collar.
If you wear the shirt with an open collar (without a tie), a slightly wider collar is perfectly acceptable and perfectly in line with the vintage spirit. Many vintage shirts are also designed to be worn open at the collar, offering a relaxed and natural style.
To measure your neck circumference, use a tape measure and place it around your neck, without tightening. Slip one finger between the tape and your neck to ensure optimal comfort, then take the measurement.
For a shirt, we recommend adding up to 1 cm to this measurement to compare it with our size chart and get a comfortable fit, true to the vintage spirit.
2. Chest (armpit to armpit)
This is an important measurement as it determines the overall volume and comfort of the shirt. For a vintage fit, we recommend a tolerance of about 12 to 18 cm compared to your chest circumference.
To measure the chest on the garment, measure from armpit to armpit, from left to right (see image at the top of the article).
3. Shoulder width
Shoulder width plays a key role in the drape of a vintage shirt. The shoulder seam may extend slightly beyond the natural shoulder bone for an authentic, relaxed look. This is perfectly normal: vintage style is worn wider than modern shirts.
To measure the shoulders, measure the shoulder seam from left to right (see image at the top of the article).
4. Total length
Length strongly influences the overall silhouette. Vintage shirts are generally longer, which allows them to be worn tucked into trousers or not, without unbalancing the outfit.
To measure the total length, measure from the top of the shirt to the bottom (see image at the top of the article).
Additional measurements (optional)
Sleeve length
Sleeve length is mainly given as an indication. In vintage style, slightly longer sleeves are perfectly acceptable, especially if you like to roll them up (see image at the top of the article for measurement).
Waist
The waist measurement is optional and mainly given for reference.
On vintage shirts, the waist is deliberately neither fitted nor adjusted. A straight or slightly square cut is part of the original design and contributes to a comfortable and relaxed silhouette.
If you are looking for an authentic and loose vintage look, the waist measurement should not be a decisive criterion. An excess of ease at the waist is normal and improves comfort and freedom of movement.
If you prefer a slightly cleaner line while maintaining a vintage spirit, you can use this measurement as a guide, but it should never be restrictive!
See image at the top of the article for measurement.
Final tip
The best way to choose your size is to compare these measurements with those of a shirt you already own and like to wear loosely.