For love of God people, if you are going to sell a Uniform or any clothing item on ebay, etsy, etc., please list the measurements. I don't mean "size M"(unless you are buying a Gap T-shirt) or "fits a tall thin build". None of this are helpful.
British Tunics are often marked, for example size 14, size 21, etc. For us Yanks on this side of the pond that doesn't really mean much. There possibly is a chart or table that shows how these corresponds in terms of actual measurements. I have asked that famous Uniform maker
Kashket & Partners if they have such a thing. If I receive one I'll be sure to post.
For starters if you are selling a Tunic, Jacket, Suit Coat, etc., at a minimum please list:
The chest measurement, usually you can measure from armpit to armpit and double that number.
The sleeve length, a bit more accurate if measured from shoulder seam to cuff.
The overall length, some measure from base of collar to bottom, some include the collar.
If you are selling something like a tailcoat, a measurement from the collar to waist in front is also helpful.
The neck, this is more accurate if you measure around the inside of the collar.
The back width, measure across the back from sleeve seam to sleeve seam.
If you are selling trousers, breeches, pants, etc., at a minimum please list:
The waist, simply lay the pants down flat, measure across the waist and double.
The inseam, measure from the highest part of the crotch to the bottom of the cuff.
The outside length, some find this helpful. Measure from the hip, down the side of the leg to the base of cuff.
If you are selling caps, hats, helmets or a busby that does not have a size marked, simply measure around the inside of the headband. Most people are smart enough to measure their own head.
If you are selling kilts or skirts, please include the waist measurement and length, usually referred as "drop" for kilts. Kilts are usually slightly adjustable. I would recommend fastening the kilt on the middle buckle holes and measure across the waist and double that number. I usually include the waist measurement and that it is adjustable about 1 or 2 inches either way in a sales listing. For skirts, if the back is longer than the front include both measurements.
There are of course people that sell rare Uniforms and consider them to be "collectable, not meant to be worn". Well, there isn't much one can do here. I did ask someone once and well, the reply was less than polite.
As a rule of thumb I always include the disclaimer
"approximate measurements are....". There will always be some idiot that wants a refund because you said the Tunic "
is a 38 inch chest" and the buyer says it is 37.5 inches.
Hopefully if you include these measurements you will save yourself some time and trouble when selling Uniforms or clothing. Nothing bugs me more than 12 potential buyers asking me "what size is this?". Well, ok, there are things that bug me more but you hopefully get my point.
Please remember that these are not absolute rules, just a guideline that has saved me a lot time.
The Royal Company of Archers Field Uniform.
