Jean Size Guide: Find Your Ideal Vintage Jean at GOODSapes

GOODSapes: The Essential Destination for Vintage Jeans Lovers

 

At GOODSapes, we offer you trendy and rare pieces, perfect for those who want to adopt a retro and stylish look. We know that finding the ideal vintage jeans, especially online, can be a real headache. Between the different cuts, colors and sizes, it's far too complicated to make your choice.

In our collection, you will find iconic brands like Levi’s and Carhartt, known for their sturdy and timeless designs. But be careful, vintage jean sizes can be different from modern sizes! That’s why we created this article: to help you better understand vintage jean sizes and guide you in converting between American and French sizes. Moreover, jean sizes are not exactly the same for every brand!

Ready to discover the secrets of jean sizing and find your next jean at GOODSapes?

 

 

The Specificities of Vintage Jean Sizes: A World of Their Own

 

 

Vintage jeans, especially those from the 70s to 90s, are distinguished by their particular cuts and sizes. At the time, each brand had its own approach to sizes, often adapted to the standards of the time. Unlike modern sizes, vintage jean sizes are less standardized and can vary even from one model to another for the same brand. Here are the main differences to consider:

1. Often slimmer cuts: Vintage jeans tend to be more fitted at the waist. For example, vintage Levi's in size W32 L32 may feel tighter than modern jeans of the same size.
2. The straight cut, typical of vintage: Unlike the skinny and slim cuts of today, straight cuts were common in vintage, giving them a more classic look.
3. American and French sizes: The sizes of vintage jeans are often expressed in American sizes, using codes like "W" (waist or size) and "L" (length or length), which makes conversion to French sizes sometimes difficult.

Do you spend your time doing Google searches like “size 29 in France” or “w32 l32 French men’s size”? I'll stop you right now, you're in the right place. We'll explore these matches in detail to help you find the jeans that will fit you perfectly.

 

 

Jean Size Matching Guide: How to Convert American and French Sizes?

 

To simplify the selection of your jeans, it is essential to understand the correspondences between American and French sizes. Here's a detailed guide to common conversions you can use to navigate sizes at GOODSapes.

 

 

 

The size of jeans is given in the form Size / Length, generally indicated W/L (in English, Waist / Length). The sizes of our pants are given in US standard (except for the exception marked “FR size”).

At GOODSapes, you will find all the measurements of the vintage jeans in the item description!

 

 

The Main Conversions: An Essential Table

 

Use this chart to find the perfect match based on the sizes listed in vintage jeans available at GOODSapes. Here are some examples of jean size conversions to French jean size and American jean size:

• Size 35 in France: corresponds to a W26 in America, for a waist size of 63-64 cm.
• Size 36 in France: corresponds to a W27, with a waist circumference of 66-67 cm, ideal for small body types.
• Size 37 in France: equivalent to W28, with a waist circumference of 68-69 cm.
• Size 38 in France : equivalent to W29, with a waist circumference of 68-69 cm.
• W28 L32 Women's French Size: corresponds to a French size 36, for a waist circumference of 70-71 cm and a classic leg length.
• W30 L32 Men's French Size: equivalent to a French size 40, i.e. a waist measurement of 76-77 cm.
• W32 L32 Men's French Size: corresponds to a size 42, with a waist measurement of 81-82 cm.
• W34 L32 Women's French Size: corresponds to a French size 44 for a waist circumference of 86-87 cm.
• W36 L32 Men's French Size: equivalent to a size 46 for a waist circumference of 91-92 cm.
• W36 L34 Men's French Size: a size 46, with a slightly longer leg length for an oversized effect.

 

 

Practical Tips for Using these Jean Size Conversion US FR

 

• Know your exact measurements: Measure your waistline and leg length before choosing a size.
• Prefer a size larger if you are looking for a slightly oversized look. For example, if your waist size is 78 cm, you could opt for a W30 instead of a W29 for more comfort.
• Use specific matches for a perfect fit. For example, if you are looking for size 30 pants, this may correspond to a W30, but also check the leg length (L).

 

 

Practical Tips for Choosing the Size of Your Vintage Jeans

 

 

 

Finding the perfect jeans also means knowing the cut specificities of each brand. Here are some practical recommendations for choosing your vintage jeans.

 

Take your precise measurements

Vintage jean sizes can vary greatly. Take the time to measure:

• Your waistline: Wrap a measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist.
• Your leg length: measure from your groin to the bottom of your ankle. This will give you the ideal length (L).

 

Consider the jean cut of each model

Levi's jeans, for example, are often more fitted at the waist and straight at the legs. For example, a Levi's 501 in size w30 l30 men's French size will have a straight cut, ideal for a classic look. As for Carhartt jeans, they are often slightly wider and suitable for a casual style.

 

Choose according to your style and comfort

If you like fitted jeans, choose a specific size that matches your waist size. For a more casual and loose look, don't hesitate to take one size larger. For example, if you are between two sizes like w29 l32 men's French size, choose the larger size for better comfort.

 

 

Levi’s and Carhartt: Two Flagship Brands and Their Specific Sizes

 

 

 

The Levi's and Carhartt brands are among the most sought after when it comes to vintage jeans. Here is some information to help you choose between these two brands.

 

Levi’s: A Straight Cut and Balanced Sizes

 

Levi's is an iconic brand that has marked the history of jeans, notably with its legendary model, the Levi's 501. This model is distinguished by its straight cut and its timeless style. To get a perfectly fitted fit with a Levi's 501, knowing your size is essential. However, it is important to note that each model may size differently. At Levi's, sizes may vary depending on the collection and the fabric used, even for the same model.

 

The main size parameters for Levi's jeans

 

Levi's jeans, particularly the 501 model, follow two basic measurements to determine size:

1. Waist circumference (W): Measurement taken at the thinnest part of the waist. This helps ensure that the jeans fit comfortably at the waistband without being too tight.

2. Inseam length (L): This measurement is taken from the inseam to the hem, ensuring a suitable length, whether the jeans are worn slightly cropped or long for a classic look .

 

How to measure for the perfect vintage Levi's 501 jeans

 

• Waist measurement: Use a measuring tape and wrap it around the narrowest part of your abdomen, keeping a comfortable measurement, neither too tight nor too loose.
• Inseam: Measure the distance between the groin and the ankle to get the exact length. If you already have a pair of Levi's jeans that fit you well, you can also measure from where the seams meet under the fly to the hem.

 

Levi's sizes for women and men

 

Be careful, beyond the size, the cut also plays a key role in how your jeans will fit. At Levi's, each cut corresponds to a particular model, offering different style and comfort. For example, the famous Levi's 501 is distinguished by its regular cut for a classic look.

For the 500 range, Levi’s most iconic, here are some popular cuts:

• Levi's 501: regular, straight and comfortable cut, ideal for a casual look.
• Levi's 505: straight cut but slightly looser, perfect for those looking for a relaxed fit.
• Levi's 511: slim cut for a more fitted look while maintaining comfort.
• Levi's 517: bootcut cut, slightly flared at the bottom, perfect to wear with boots.
• Levi's 527: slim bootcut cut, fitted at the thighs and flared at the bottom, for a bold style.

 

Levi's 501 Jean size guide

 

• Waist measurement 71 cm → Levi's size: 28
• Waist measurement 81 cm → Levi's size: 32
• Waist measurement 107 cm → Levi's size: 42

These sizes are given for information purposes only and may vary slightly depending on the model and manufacture.

 

Carhartt WIP: Workwear Style for a Loose Fit

 

Carhartt is a brand that stands out for its workwear style and its often larger sizes. Carhartt jeans are designed to provide comfort, making them a great choice for those looking for a pair of jeans that are both rugged and casual.

To wear Carhartt pants that fit you perfectly while maintaining a stylish and fitted cut, it is essential to choose the right size. But be careful, even if one model suits you well, this does not guarantee that the same size will be ideal for another model. Indeed, sizes often vary between models and even brands.

 

Size parameters for Carhartt pants

 

At Carhartt, pant size is generally defined by two main measurements:

1. Waist circumference: the measurement of the narrowest part of your abdomen. (W)
2. Leg length: from crotch to hem. (L)

However, for a comfortable and flattering fit, other parameters such as the width at the bottom of the leg can be integrated depending on the model.

 

Take the right steps

 

1. Waist measurement: Place a tape measure around the deepest part of your abdomen, without tucking in or inflating your stomach. Make sure you have a fitted but comfortable measurement.
2. Inseam: Measures from groin to ankle. If you are using existing pants, measure from the intersection of the seams under the fly to the hem.

 

Carhartt sizes: women's and men's

 

Carhartt Workwear clothing, often designed to be loose-fitting, can run large. For example, for items with the T+ logo, it is often recommended to take one size smaller than your usual size.

 

Indicative size guide for Carhartt WIP pants

 

• Waist measurement 71 cm → Carhartt size: 28
• Waist measurement 81 cm → Carhartt size: 32
• Waist measurement 107 cm → Carhartt size: 42

These values ​​are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the model.

 

By knowing the specifics of Levi's and Carhartt, you can easily choose the cut and style that suits you.

 

 

FAQ: Your Questions About Vintage Jeans Size

 

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about vintage jean sizing. Use this FAQ to clear your doubts and find the perfect size.

• How to convert an American size to a French size?
  • Use the conversion guides in this article for accurate conversion. For example, size 30x32 correspondence: this is equivalent to a French 40.
• What size in France corresponds to the w29 l32?
  • This corresponds to a French size 38, ideal for a fitted look.
• What is the correspondence for women's size w36 l32 jeans?
  • This is equivalent to a French size 46, perfect for an oversized look.
• What is the correspondence for a US pants size in France?
  • US size 30 pants generally correspond to a French size 40.

These answers are designed to make it easier and guide you in choosing the perfect size.

 

Conclusion and invitation to discover our GOODSapes online thrift store

 

Finding the perfect size for vintage jeans can seem complex, but GOODSapes is here to make it easier. We select the best vintage pieces to offer you jeans that combine quality, authenticity and unique style. With our sizing advice and matching guide, you can easily find the vintage Levi's or Carhartt jeans of your dreams.

Don't wait any longer to discover our unique pieces at GOODSapes! Visit our online store and add timeless jeans to your wardrobe that will enhance your style.

 

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