Measuring Guide
Condition Guide
Delivery Charges
Returns Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Measuring Guide
The chest / waist size (in inches) that we show in the item title is the ‘size to fit the wearer’. The letter (R/S/L) denotes the length:
R = Regular fitting (for chaps between 5’ 7" – 5’ 11" tall)
S = Short fitting (5’ 2" – 5’ 6" tall)
L = Long fitting (6’- 6’ 5" tall)
For example, if your chest measures 42 inches, and you are of average height, a jacket or coat listed as ‘42R’ will normally be a good fit. When estimating the ‘size to fit’ we take into account the garment cut & how it is meant to be worn.
How to measure yourself -
You’ll need a tailor’s tape measure and someone to help you. If there’s no one around to help you, we recommend you select an item you already own that fits you well. Lay it flat without stretching the material. For a two button jacket, fasten the top button only. On a three button jacket, fasten the top and middle buttons. You can then compare these with the measurements in the listing for a good idea of likely fit.
Chest: With your arms at your sides, measure around the fullest part of your chest, across shoulder blades and under arms. If measuring a jacket you already own, the measuring tape should extend from underarm to underarm.
Trouser Waist: Measure the waist below the navel. The measuring tape should be snug (do not measure over your belt). If measuring a pair of trousers you already own, lay the trousers flat and measure across the inside of the full width of the waistband, then double that measurement. Tell the truth!
Inside leg: Unless you know each other intimately, this measurement is done with trousers on! Place the measuring tape at the crotch of the trousers and measure down to the bottom of the ankle. If measuring a pair of trousers you already own, lay the trouser leg out flat but not stretched and measure from hem to crotch.
A few points to remember
We sometimes need to ignore the size labels on vintage garments as they were often sized a little smaller in the old days. Over the years we have got used to ‘vanity sizing’! Also, garments may have been altered by a previous owner.
Garments can often be professionally altered at very reasonable cost. While we always recommend that you wait until you’ve tried your item on before making alterations, we’ll be happy to advise in advance on the feasibility & estimate costs for any alterations you have in mind.
We want you to be 100% confident about your purchase from us, so we invest considerable time in checking, repairing (where required), steam cleaning, measuring and photographing every one of the items we sell. Any significant flaws are clearly described in the 'condition' section of each item listing. We offer a no-quibble money-back guarantee that your item will be as described.
Condition Guide
When grading items we use the following naming system:
Mint: An item is as perfect and pristine as when it was originally made and shows no sign of wear (mint condition is rare for vintage clothing).
Immaculate: An item shows only the slightest signs of wear.
Excellent: An item shows typical signs of wear due to occasional use but has no obvious flaws.
Very good: An item is considered wearable but has some obvious flaws (e.g.staining or soiling or loose stitching to lining). Flaws are repairable, so the item can be returned to Excellent condition.
Good: An item is wearable but cannot be returned to Excellent condition even if repairs are made.
Restoration: An item has many significant flaws but its historical value merits an investment.
All items are thoroughly inspected for marks / stains / discolouration, thinning of material (especially at cuff, hem and collar edges and at the elbows / knees), missing / loose stitching (especially to linings around arm openings, vents, trouser leg hem and inside and outside pockets). We check all linings including pockets and cuffs. All buttons are checked to ensure they are original and secure.
Finally, we take lots of photos of each item including close-ups of any flaws.
Delivery Charges
Orders received before midday will normally be dispatched same day.
UK Standard Delivery (2-3 days) is FREE. UK Next Day delivery is charged by weight. Guaranteed Saturday delivery is also available.
Overseas delivery is charged by weight. Orders under 2kg are sent by Airmail. Heavier orders are sent by Courier. Stop press!! Save up to 60% on worldwide shipping.
| Order Weight | UK | US & Canada | Europe | Rest of the World |
| 0.0kg – 0.5kg |
£6.00 Next Day M-F |
£4.00 (was £6.00) | £4.00 | £4.00 (was £6.00) |
| 0.5kg – 1.0kg |
£7.30 Next Day M-F |
£6.50 (was £12.00) | £6.50 | £6.50 (was £12.00) |
| 1.0kg – 1.5kg |
£9.40 Next Day M-F |
£9.00 (was £19.00) | £9.00 | £9.00 (was £19.00) |
| 1.5kg – 2.0kg |
£9.40 Next Day M-F |
£12.00 (was £26.00) | £12.00 | £12.00 (was £26.00) |
| 2.0kg – 10kg |
£23.80 Next Day M-F |
£20.00 (was £40.00) | £20.00 | £35.00 (was £50.00) |
Returns Policy
To avoid you the inconvenience and expense of returning your item we show multiple images and a selection of approximate actual measurements for each item. Please take time, before buying, to check these measurements. Need help? Check out our easy to use Measuring Guide.
Items can be returned for any reason, providing they have not been used by yourself (we won’t accept returns if you have removed the garment tags).
If you need to return your item you must let us know within 7 days. We will give you a returns authorisation code and full instructions for returning your item. We will not accept items for return without an authorisation code.
You must then return your item promptly to ensure we receive it within a further 7 days (14 days for returns from overseas). Items received after this time will not be refunded. We recommend you use a guaranteed delivery service such as Royal Mail Special Delivery as we cannot be held responsible for items lost or damaged in the post. Postage costs are not refundable.
Please note that if your item is returned to us because you haven’t been able to collect it we will have to charge you to cover the cost of re-posting. For UK orders the amount charged will be £6. For Overseas items the amount charged will be the postage cost plus £3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sizing & Measuring
How do I know if this item will fit me?
Why are the ‘to fit’ chest size and the actual measurements different?
What’s the best way to measure myself?
Condition
How do you grade each item?
Are items cleaned before dispatch?
Delivery
How quickly will you send my item?
How much will delivery cost?
Can I get my item delivered to my workplace?
What happens if my item hasn’t arrived when I expected?
Returns
How do I return an item?
When can I expect to receive my exchange item / refund?
About Us
Why do you do what you do?
Do you have a shop I can visit?
Are you open to bribes?
How do I know if this item will fit me?
The chest / waist size (in inches) that we show in the item title is the ‘size to fit the wearer’. The letter (R/S/L) denotes the length:
R = Regular fitting (for chaps between 5’ 7" – 5’ 11" tall)
S = Short fitting (5’ 2" – 5’ 6" tall)
L = Long fitting (6’- 6’ 5" tall)
For example, if your chest measures 42 inches and you are of average height, a jacket or coat listed as ‘42R’ will normally be a good fit. When estimating the ‘size to fit’ we take into account the garment cut and how it is meant to be worn.
Why are the ‘to fit’ chest size and the actual measurements different?
All garments are sized slightly larger than the ‘body’ they are made to fit. For example, a jacket that is labelled a 38" chest will normally have an actual chest measurement of 40-41" -it would be skin-tight otherwise! Overcoats normally allow an additional 4-6" to go over a suit, so a coat that is labelled 38" chest will normally measure 42-44".
What’s the best way to measure myself?
Check out our Measuring Guide.
How do you grade items?
Any significant flaws are clearly described in the ‘condition’ section of each item listing. We offer a no-quibble money-back guarantee that your item will be as described.
When grading items we use the following naming system:
Mint: An item is as perfect and pristine as when it was originally made and shows no sign of wear (mint condition is rare for vintage clothing).
Immaculate: An item shows only the slightest signs of wear.
Excellent: An item shows typical signs of wear due to occasional use but has no obvious flaws.
Very good: An item is considered wearable but has some obvious flaws (e.g.staining or soiling or loose stitching to lining). Flaws are repairable, so the item can be returned to Excellent condition.
Good: An item is wearable but cannot be returned to Excellent condition even if repairs are made.
Restoration: An item has many significant flaws but its historical value merits an investment.
Are items cleaned before dispatch?
All items are steamed prior to dispatch. Frequent dry cleaning can be unkind to vintage natural fibres, and hence we only use dry cleaning to remove stubborn stains and marks. Vintage clothing cannot be guaranteed to be suitable for allergy sufferers.
Read how we thoroughly inspect and prepare each item
How quickly will you send my item?
Orders received before midday Monday to Friday will normally be dispatched the same day.
How much will delivery cost?
UK Standard Delivery (2-3 days) is free. UK Next Day delivery is charged by weight. Guaranteed Saturday delivery is also available for an additional cost.
Overseas delivery is charged by weight. Orders under 2kg are sent by Airmail. Heavier orders are sent by Courier.
Can I get my item delivered to my workplace?
Yes. When you go through checkout there’s an option to input separate billing & delivery addresses.
What happens if my item hasn’t arrived when I expected?
UK orders over £30 and Overseas orders over £50 are sent by trackable services. You can check the progress of your item using the tracking number details shown on the email we sent to you when we dispatched your order.
For all other orders, in the first instance you should contact your local post office to see if it’s there. Postie should, but doesn’t always, leave a card if they’ve tried to deliver while you were out.
Remember that delivery times for 1st class mail (UK Express delivery) are for guidance only. 90% of 1st Class mail arrives within 2 working days – but it is not guaranteed (and only considered ‘lost’ after 14 days from posting). If you need your item for a certain day, please select Special Delivery for guaranteed delivery by 1pm next working day after posting.
Please note that if your item is returned to us because you haven’t been able to collect it we will have to charge you to cover the cost of re-posting and for our time. For UK orders the amount charged will be £6. For Overseas items the amount charged will be the postage cost plus £3.
How do I return an item?
If for some reason you are not happy with your purchase you can return it to us within 7 days for an exchange or refund. For more information please visit our returns page.
When can I expect to receive my exchange item / refund?
Once we’ve received your return item, we will post your exchange item within 1 working day. We aim to process refunds within 5 working days (it may take a few days after we process the refund until it shows on your account, depending on your card issuer).
Why do you do what you do?
Two reasons. Firstly, we love this stuff – we hope you can tell! Secondly, we love receiving your feedback – you can imagine how inspiring it is, waking up each day to find that someone you never met is telling you that they enjoyed something that you did. We recommend it highly! Read Customer Testimonials.
Do you have a shop I can visit?
No, we sell by mail order only. Remember, there’s FREE 1st Class UK Delivery on all items.
Are you open to bribes?
Absolutely! Frequent supply of homemade rice pudding may lead to offers of extraordinary discounts!
