Getting the size right when buying second-hand clothes online isn't just about reading an S, M, or L. Sizes change between brands, countries, eras, and types of cuts; furthermore, a used garment may have slightly shrunk, stretched, or adapted its shape with wear.
The most reliable way to shop is not to measure your body every time, but to compare the measurements of the listed garment with a similar one that already fits you well. This guide explains how to do it step-by-step and what details to check before ordering pre-loved clothes from Tarragona or anywhere else.
Why the label size is not enough
Two garments with the same size can fit very differently. The label indicates the system chosen by the manufacturer, but it does not, by itself, explain the cut, width, elasticity, or proportions.
These are the differences that have the most influence:
- Brand and collection: each manufacturer uses its own patterns and may modify them between seasons.
- Country and era: a European, Italian, British, or American size does not always match; a vintage garment may follow a different pattern than a current one.
- Type of cut: slim, regular, relaxed, and oversize may share the same number or letter while offering very different volumes.
- Material: an elastic fabric adapts differently than a rigid shirt or a structured jacket.
- Previous life: washing, drying, storage, and wear can slightly change dimensions.
That is why, when buying a second-hand item, it is convenient to treat the actual measurements as the primary data and the label size as a supplementary reference.
The most reliable method: compare with a garment that already fits you well
Look in your closet for a garment of the same type and with a drape similar to the one you want to buy. If you are looking for a jacket, use another jacket; for a loose sweater, choose a sweater with the looseness you like. Comparing an elastic T-shirt with a rigid shirt will not provide a useful reference.
- Close buttons and zippers without stretching the garment.
- Lay it out on a flat surface.
- Smooth out wrinkles gently, respecting its natural shape.
- Always measure between the same points.
- Write down the centimeters and compare them with the item's specifications.
If the seller provides measurements for the garment laid flat, use the exact same system. There is no need to double the chest or waist measurement if you are going to compare two garments measured while laid flat: compare a flat measurement with another flat measurement.
How to measure T-shirts, shirts, sweaters, and jackets
Chest or width from armpit to armpit
Place the tape in a straight line from the bottom seam of one armpit to the other. This is a flat measurement, not the full circumference. It is especially useful to know if the garment will have enough room.
Shoulders
Measure across the back from the point where one shoulder seam ends to the same point on the opposite side. In garments with dropped shoulders or oversize fits, the seam may be designed to fall below the natural shoulder; interpret the measurement alongside the cut.
Total length
Measure from the highest point of the shoulder, near the collar, to the hem. In jackets or shirts with a curved hem, it is advisable to check if the description indicates the front or back length.
Sleeve
Measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff. If the garment is raglan and does not have a defined top seam, the sleeve can be measured from the collar; the starting point should be indicated.
What to check besides the centimeters
Observe the thickness of the fabric, the lining, and the intended use. A jacket that you will wear over a sweater needs more room than a shirt to be worn alone. For knitwear, ask or check if the fabric recovers its shape and if the cuffs retain elasticity.
How to measure pants and jeans
Button the pants, lay them flat, and align the waistband without stretching it.
- Waist: measure from end to end of the waistband. This is a flat measurement.
- Front rise: from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
- Inseam: from the junction of the inner seams to the hem.
- Outseam: from the top of the waistband to the hem along the side.
- Thigh: measure horizontally near the beginning of the leg, indicating the point used.
- Hem width: from one side of the leg opening to the other.
The rise significantly changes the feeling of the size. Two pairs of pants with the same waist can fit completely differently if one is high-rise and the other is low-rise. The percentage of elastane and the shape of the hips also influence this.
For rigid jeans, leave enough margin to sit and move. For an elastic fabric, avoid comparing only how much it can stretch: its measurement at rest and whether it retains its recovery is also important.
How to measure dresses and skirts
For a dress, start with the areas that determine entry and drape: chest, waist, hips, and length. If it has a side or back zipper, check that the measurement corresponds to the garment closed.
- Chest: from armpit to armpit.
- Waist: at the narrowest point or where the waist seam is constructed.
- Hips: at the widest part, usually several centimeters below the waist.
- Length: from the shoulder for dresses or from the top of the waistband for skirts.
Keep the silhouette in mind. A straight dress needs enough hip room; an A-line style offers more space at the bottom. In wrap garments or those with an elastic waist, there may be a range of adjustment, but it is advisable to confirm both the minimum and maximum measurement without deforming the fabric.
How to get the size right for second-hand footwear
The shoe number is just the starting point. The last, width, height of the instep, and thickness of the lining change the feeling of the fit.
The most useful reference is a similar pair that you already find comfortable:
- compare the same type of footwear —sneaker with sneaker, boot with boot—;
- check the inner length when available;
- observe the shape of the toe box and the width;
- check for wear on the insole, heel, and sole;
- consider the socks you will normally wear.
Do not automatically add a margin to an inner length if you do not know how it was obtained. It is better to compare it with the inner measurement of a pair you own, taken in the same way.
You can browse the current collections of women's footwear and men's footwear; availability changes because many units are unique.
Fabric, elasticity, and type of cut: centimeters don't explain everything
An identical measurement can produce two different results. Before deciding, combine the figures with these questions:
- Is the fabric rigid, fluid, or elastic?
- Does the garment have a lining?
- Is the cut meant to be tight or loose?
- Do you need to wear other layers underneath?
- Are there darts, pleats, gathers, or an elastic waist?
- Does the garment retain its shape or show signs of having stretched?
The composition label helps to anticipate feel, elasticity, and care. European regulations require fiber composition to be reported on textile products marketed in the EU; the official Your Europe guide on textile labeling explains this requirement.
How to read a product description before buying
A useful product description should allow you to evaluate the specific unit, not just the model. Before adding it to your cart, check:
- Name and label size.
- Available measurements and method used.
- Condition: new with tag, new without tag, unused, or used.
- Actual photographs of the front, back, and details.
- Composition and care when the label is available.
- Defects or signs of wear indicated in text or images.
- Shipping, exchange, and return conditions.
If you also want to check fabric, seams, closures, and areas of wear, use our guide to recognizing quality second-hand clothing.
What to do if you are between two sizes
Don't just choose the larger or smaller one by default. Decide based on the area that cannot be too tight and based on the possibility of alteration.
- In structured jackets, prioritize shoulders and chest.
- In pants, check waist, hips, and rise together.
- In dresses, identify the tightest area of the silhouette.
- In oversize garments, check the length and shoulder position to avoid losing the desired proportion.
- If you are planning an alteration, confirm that there is seam allowance and that the cost makes sense.
You can also calculate the difference between your reference garment and the listed one. One centimeter can be irrelevant in a flexible sweater and decisive in a rigid shirt. There is no universal tolerance for all garments.
Online shopping, exchanges, and returns
Measuring before buying reduces errors, but it is advisable to know the store's conditions. The European Consumer Centre in Spain reminds us that, as a general rule and with exceptions, distance purchases have a period of 14 days to exercise the right of withdrawal. The direct costs of return may be borne by the consumer if the company has informed them correctly.
The Agència Catalana del Consum offers the same information for distance purchases in Catalonia. Furthermore, in its consumer recommendations, it advises checking the exchange and return conditions beforehand.
Before buying at Outlet Deja Vu, review the current return policy to learn the procedure applicable to your specific order.
Quick checklist to get the size right
- Use a garment you own of the same type as a reference.
- Measure on a flat surface and without stretching.
- Compare equivalent points, not different systems.
- Check chest, shoulders, length, and sleeve for tops.
- Check waist, rise, and inseam for pants.
- Take into account fabric, elasticity, lining, and type of cut.
- For footwear, compare the last, width, and inner length.
- Read the condition, photos, and return policy.
- If a decisive measurement is missing, ask before buying.
Buying second-hand clothes online or in Tarragona
At Outlet Deja Vu, you can browse pre-loved, second-hand, and outlet garments in the online catalog. Since many pieces are unique units, always check the product description and condition of each item.
If you prefer to check the drape and size personally, visit the store at Carrer de la Unió, 8, 43001 Tarragona. Check the updated hours and contact details before visiting on holidays.
To better understand the catalog categories, you can also read the guide on the differences between second-hand, pre-loved, vintage, and outlet.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to measure the body or a garment?
To buy a specific garment online, it is usually simpler to compare its flat measurements with another similar garment that already fits you well. Body measurements are still useful, but they require interpreting the ease of the pattern.
Do I have to double the armpit-to-armpit measurement?
Only if you want to estimate the full circumference. To compare two garments measured while laid flat, do not double it: directly compare one armpit-to-armpit measurement with the other.
Why might a vintage size fit differently?
Patterns, sizing systems, and cuts change according to era and manufacturer. Use the label as a secondary reference and prioritize the actual measurements.
Which measurement is most important in a jacket?
Usually the chest and shoulders, followed by the length and sleeve. If you will be wearing a sweater underneath, compare it with a jacket you already use with similar layers.