Oilily Vintage Dress

My last post was all about size labels in clothing and how sizing has generally changed over the years. Read my post here. Today, I want to talk about children’s clothing labels. Well, one clothing label in particular . . . . . . . Oilily.

I don’t often list children’s vintage clothing, but this pretty frock was simply too sweet to pass by. In addition, I know the Oilily label quite well; a Dutch fashion house known for bright and cheerful women’s and children’s wear. The brand started in 1963 and this charming little dress dates c.1980s. Unfortunately the size label is now quite faded through washing over the years. However, I could just make out one of the digits ’8′.  Oh ek! What does that mean?

My first task was to bring the dress home and measure it (I also washed, pressed, and replaced the elastic in each cuff!) It’s so difficult to judge from the photograph below, but the dress seems quite large at the chest with a generous amount of fabric. The chest measures just over 28 inches (71cm) although the centre-back length is fairly short at 19 inches (48cm).

So once I’d measured the dress, I visited the official Oilily website for size guidance. Ugh! It’s so frustrating to click on the “Size Guide” link, only to find . . . . . . . . nothing! Just a couple of cute images of children that lead you nowhere! It’s really disappointing and not very professional of Oilily I must say.

Vintage Girl’s Dress by Oilily c.1980s

This is a perfect example of why you should always go by the measurements of the actual garment (if possible), rather than relying on the size label alone. Not that I’d know what the label means anyway! Why can’t the label include the age, instead of confusing me with digits that possibly relate more to the height of the child, or chest measurement of the child or whatever! I’m so confused by it all!!

So I then Googled “Oilily size chart” and found various online guides, each one including different information. This US chart was quite helpful (although I’m in the UK) and if you look to the top of their page, they also quote the following:

This is the size chart Oilily provided. It is just a guidance, because sometimes Oilily runs either smaller or larger than the standard sizing. Always provide (when selling) or ask (when buying) for measurements!

Good advice! There are other Oilily size charts of course. Here’s one I found on eBay.  Anyway, after doing all the sizing research, I finally decided the label must be ’86′ which makes this dress suitable for ages 18-24 months . . . . . . I think!

The dress is currently listed in my eBay shop so if you’re interested in placing a bid, my advice is to measure something similar in your child’s wardrobe and compare to the measurements I’ve provided for you.

Phew! I now need a lie down . . . . . . . see you soon!