SIZING & FIT

Vintage sizing can be very weird. The size on the tag almost never tells you if the jeans will actually fit. Detailed measurements are much more reliable.

Every pair of jeans at Slow Thing is 100% cotton denim with no added stretch. Freshly laundered jeans may feel a little snug at first and will naturally relax with wear—especially through the waist, hips, and thighs. Ideally, you want them to fit a bit snug at first while still being comfortable.

  • Pay close attention to the measurements provided with each pair rather than relying on the tagged size alone. Vintage jeans have spent decades being worn, washed, stretched, shrunk, and shaped by the person—or people—who owned them before you. Two pairs from the same era, in the same style and tagged size, can still fit differently.

    All jeans at Slow Thing are measured flat after being washed and dried.

    The best way to judge fit is to compare the listed measurements with a pair of 100% cotton, non-stretch jeans you already own and like the fit of. You can also compare the measurements with your body, but garment-to-garment measurements will generally give you a better idea of how a pair will actually fit.

    As you compare, think about how you want the jeans to fit. A measurement that works for a relaxed fit may be different from one you’d choose for something more fitted.

  • Waist
    Measured straight across the waistband while the jeans are lying flat, then doubled. When useful, both the relaxed measurement and the measurement with the waistband gently pulled taut are provided.

    Front Rise
    Measured from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband along the front of the jeans.

    Back Rise
    Measured from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband along the back.

    High Hip
    Measured straight across the jeans approximately 3 inches below the waistband, then doubled.

    Low Hip
    Measured straight across the widest part of the hip, usually about 7–9 inches below the waistband, then doubled. The exact placement may vary slightly from pair to pair depending on where the jeans are widest.

    Thigh
    Measured straight across the thigh just below the crotch, then doubled.

    Inseam
    Measured from the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem along the inside leg.

    Leg Opening
    Measured straight across the bottom of the leg, then doubled.

  • If you’re unsure about sizing or the fit of a particular pair, send me a message! I’m always happy to take another measurement, help you compare a pair with jeans you already own, or offer support with anything else you might need.