Will It Actually Fit?
Stop guessing. Enter your measurements and the garment's listed numbers. Get a clear fit verdict in seconds before you buy secondhand online.
Check a Garment NowFit Predictor
My Body
Enter your measurements in inches. How to measure
in
Fullest part of chest
in
Narrowest point
in
Fullest part of hips
in
Ankle to desired length
The Garment
Copy the flat measurements from the listing.
in
Measure across, then double
in
At narrowest point
in
At fullest point
in
Shoulder or waist to hem
Quick presets:
Fit Result
Enter your measurements and the garment details, then click Check Fit.
Quick Reference
Fabric Stretch Guide
| Fabric | Stretch | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton (woven) | None | True to measurement, no give |
| Linen | None | May shrink slightly when washed |
| Denim (rigid) | None | May loosen 1/2 inch with wear |
| Denim (stretch) | Slight to moderate | Gives at waist and hips |
| Cotton jersey | Slight | Comfortable drape, some recovery |
| Ponte knit | Moderate | Holds shape, forgiving fit |
| Spandex blend | High | Very forgiving, size down if between |
| Silk / satin | None | No give, cut matters a lot |
| Wool blend | Slight | May stretch with wear, can be tailored |
Common Thrift-Store Brand Tendencies
| Brand | Tends to run | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Levi's (501) | True to size | Rigid denim, no stretch in classic cuts |
| Levi's (505, 511) | Slightly slim | Check waist carefully |
| Uniqlo | Slightly small | Asian sizing, compare measurements |
| Old Navy | Generous | Often runs a half size large |
| Gap | True to size | Consistent across most items |
| Forever 21 | Small | Junior sizing, measure twice |
| L.L. Bean | Generous | Designed for layering |
| Patagonia | True to size | Outdoor fit, room for movement |
| Vintage (1980s-90s) | Small | A vintage M often equals a modern S |
| Banana Republic | Slightly slim | Tailored cuts, check shoulders |
How to Use This Predictor
Measuring Your Body Correctly
Use a soft measuring tape (the kind sewers use). Stand relaxed in your normal posture. Don't suck in your stomach or pull the tape too tight. Here is how to get each number:
- Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level across your back. Let the tape rest gently. Don't flatten your chest.
- Waist: Find the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button. Breathe normally. The tape should sit without digging in.
- Hip: Stand with feet together. Wrap around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Keep the tape level.
- Inseam: Measure from the inside of your ankle bone straight up to where you want the pant leg to end. For a full-length pant, go to the floor.
Write these numbers down or save them in the predictor. You will use them every time you shop.
Reading a Listing's Measurements
Good sellers list flat measurements. Here is what to look for and how to interpret them:
- Bust: Measured across the garment from armpit to armpit, then doubled. If the listing says "bust 20 inches," that means the flat width is 10 inches.
- Waist: Measured at the narrowest point of the garment, flat, then doubled.
- Hip: Measured at the fullest part of the lower half, flat, then doubled.
- Length: For tops, measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem. For pants, from the top of the waistband to the ankle.
If a listing only shows a size (like "Medium"), message the seller and ask for flat measurements. Most resellers are happy to provide them. If they won't, that is a red flag.
Common Mistakes When Buying Secondhand Online
- Trusting the tag size. A medium from one brand can be a small from another. Vintage sizing is completely different from modern sizing. Always compare actual measurements.
- Ignoring fabric behavior. A woven cotton shirt with a 40-inch chest measurement will fit very differently from a stretchy ponte top with the same number. The stretch changes everything.
- Forgetting about shrinkage. Cotton and linen can shrink 3 to 5 percent after washing. A cotton shirt listed at 20 inches across might shrink to 19 inches. If you are between sizes, account for this.
- Not checking the return policy. Many secondhand sales are final. Some platforms offer buyer protection. Know the rules before you buy.
- Assuming your measurements are the same as last year. Bodies change. Re-measure every few months if you shop secondhand regularly.
When the Numbers Are Close
What if the garment is only half an inch smaller than your body? Here is a quick decision guide:
- If the fabric has any stretch, half an inch usually works fine.
- If it is a woven fabric with no stretch, half an inch tight might be uncomfortable for all-day wear.
- For structured items like blazers and blouses, being slightly loose is easier to tailor than being too tight.
- For pants, a slightly tight waist can sometimes be let out by a tailor if there is enough seam allowance.