Vintage T-Shirt Forum & Community Authentication Appraisals

Has anyone ever noticed how many ebay auctions will have "M" in the title for a shirt that fits 17" armpit to armpit? What's the deal? It makes more sense to write XS or a size that actually reflects the garment so that prospective buyers can search for the item. Am I missing something?

You're right Bubs, it can be a bit confusing. I sometimes will put a M if it's a medium that measures about 18 pit to pit (what i consider a true 80's medium measurement) in hopes of attracting someone who is looking for a specific shirt and who is familiar with vintage sizing. If i were to put a S on that listing, it may stop that person from clicking on it, because they may think it is actually tagged a small and knowing a size small from the 80s won't fit them, they don't even bother. Not sure if that makes sense or not, but fuck, i just got out of bed and haven't had any coffee yet.

I agree with StivTaters, if that's even his real name. "In my day" I used to put both...M/S just so the title would still attract both sized browsers and it would encourage them to confirm the size in the listing. The odd time I could only fit one of the sizes in the title, I would of course get the person who bought without looking at the size data and then complain it wasn't a M...even though it clear stated fits like: S. "But that's the way it was and we liked it!"

If you list the actual (not stated) size, some folks will complain that you misrepresented the item. Only, because THEY failed to read the description. I understand what you are saying though.