How sizing works at FabrikHunter
Vintage sizing is its own thing. Every piece in our store is one of one, hand-picked from a different era, brand, and country, which means a “Medium” from 1990s Carhartt fits nothing like a “Medium” from a modern fast-fashion label. This page is the rule of thumb for buying with confidence.
If you ever need the exact chest, length, waist or inseam of a specific piece, message us on WhatsApp with the SKU and we’ll measure it for you. We’re not running a guessing game.
The rule of thumb, by category
Jackets
Vintage workwear and outerwear typically runs roomier than modern equivalents. A vintage Carhartt M or Patagonia M usually fits like a modern L. If you’re between sizes, the vintage piece often works for the larger size. Designer tailoring (Armani, Boss, YSL) tends to run truer to label but with a slightly slimmer cut through the shoulders.
Pants
We tag pants by waist and inseam where possible (e.g. Size: Waist 32, Length 34). For non-numbered pants (Medium, Large), expect roomier-than-modern through the hip and seat, especially with workwear cuts (Carhartt double-knees, Dickies 874s). Vintage denim runs roomy and shrinks with washing. Designer trousers run truer.
Tops (shirts, polos, oxfords)
Vintage Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger oxfords are cut for a relaxed fit. If you wear a modern slim M, a vintage M will look more oversized. For modern fast-fashion fits, size down one. Workwear button-downs (Carhartt, Dickies) run roomy across the chest.
Knitwear
Wool and cotton knits vary by era. 70s and 80s knits tend to fit boxier and shorter. 90s and 2000s knits trend to a relaxed standard fit. Cashmere stretches with wear, so don’t size up for cashmere.
Caps
Most vintage caps are snapbacks or strapbacks (adjustable). Fitted caps are sized in inches (e.g. 7 1/4); if the listing doesn’t show inches and you wear a fitted, WhatsApp us with the SKU and we’ll measure the inner circumference.
Dresses and skirts (women’s)
Vintage women’s sizing varies wildly by decade. A 1960s “Medium” was cut for very different proportions to a 1990s “Medium”. For dresses we recommend asking for bust, waist, and length on anything you’re unsure about, takes us five minutes on WhatsApp.
How we tag size
Every product page shows the size as it was tagged on intake:
- Standard letter sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL) for tops, jackets, knitwear, T-shirts.
- Waist + length for pants (e.g. Size: Waist 32, Length 34).
- Waist-only for shorts (e.g. Size: Waist 38).
- Free-form for older or specialty items (e.g. Size: One Size, Size: Adjustable).
If a size looks wrong on the page, the tag was off at intake. Tell us and we’ll fix it.
When in doubt, message us
WhatsApp the team with the SKU (it’s on the product page) and we’ll measure the piece for you within the working day. Or come into the store at 39 Stanley, Parkhurst, and try it on.
WhatsApp the team →
Visit 39 Stanley →
What “1 of 1” means at FabrikHunter
Every piece in our store is unique. There’s no “size up” or “size down” option on the same item, because there’s only one of it. If a piece sells before you decide, it’s gone. That’s the trade-off of buying vintage: less choice, more meaning. The win is that nobody else in Joburg is wearing the same thing.
Returns on fit
We do 7-day returns on fit. If it doesn’t fit, send it back within 7 days of delivery in original condition. We’ll refund or swap for another piece in store credit. We don’t return one-of-ones that have been worn or altered, the whole shop runs on respecting next buyer’s hunt.
Last updated: 15 May 2026.