Vintage and Y2K-era athletic wear typically runs 1–2 sizes smaller than modern sizing. We recommend sizing up when in doubt. Always check the measurements in each individual listing — those are the most reliable guide.
How to measure yourself
- Chest / Bust — measure around the fullest part of your chest, tape parallel to the ground
- Waist — measure around your natural waist, about an inch above your belly button
- Hips — measure around the fullest part of your hips
- Inseam — from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle along the inside of your leg
How we measure each listing
- Pit-to-pit — measured flat across the chest from armpit seam to armpit seam. Double for full chest circumference.
- Length — from the highest point of the shoulder down to the bottom hem
- Waist — measured flat across the waistband. Double for full circumference.
- Inseam — from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg
General vintage sizing reference
Use this as a starting point only. Always cross-reference with the measurements in the specific listing.
| Tag Size | Modern US | Chest (in) | Waist (in) | Hips (in) | Inseam (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0–2 | 30–32 | 24–26 | 33–35 | 28–30 |
| S | 4–6 | 33–35 | 27–29 | 36–38 | 29–31 |
| M | 8–10 | 36–38 | 30–32 | 39–41 | 30–32 |
| L | 12–14 | 39–41 | 33–35 | 42–44 | 31–33 |
| XL | 16–18 | 42–44 | 36–38 | 45–47 | 32–34 |
| XXL | 20–22 | 45–48 | 39–42 | 48–51 | 32–34 |
Brand-specific notes
Lululemon
Lululemon uses their own numeric sizing (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12). A Lululemon 6 is approximately a standard US 6–8 / Medium. Older pieces (pre-2015) tend to run slightly smaller than current sizing.
Nike, Adidas, Reebok (Y2K era)
Pieces from the late 1990s and early 2000s tend to run 1–2 sizes smaller than their label by modern standards. A tagged XL from 2001 often fits like a modern L. We note when something fits true to size.
Champion
Champion sizing is generally more consistent with modern US sizing. Reverse weave pieces run boxy and oversized by design — this is intentional and part of their character.
Still not sure? Email us with your measurements and the listing you’re looking at. We’ll tell you exactly how it should fit.