What Size am I?

So often we hear that people used to be much smaller and that you should take this into account when you buy a vintage pattern. But have pattern sizes changed over the last 40 or so years?

Wendy and I compared patterns from the 80s and 90s against current day sizing, and it surprised us to learn that the sizing measurements have barely changed. The only change was in size 22 where the waist was 36 inches and today it is 37 inches.

What has changed, however, is that patterns today are available in a wider range of sizes. More smaller sizes and more larger sizes.

What remains important is to check your measurements against the measurements on the pattern envelope. Don't go by what you always buy in ready-made clothing. If you go by actual measurements, you'll get a much better results. 

(To see the full range of sizes, take a scroll to the right)