I found one from Aug 2008:
Guide #4: SIZING and FIT
I hope to ensure that the Diane von Furstenberg that you buy is the authentic, high-quality, gorgeous piece that it should be!
I do not represent the brand in any way and this guide is based on personal experience as a collector and buyer of these wonderful clothes.Disclaimer: This guide is written without the permission or authority of DvF and they can not vouch for the information contained herein.
I am a DvF-focused personal shopper and buy directly from the DvF shops for my clients, so I am up-to-date on each collection and can spot fakes on eBay very quickly. Let's be clear: I do not work for DvF and am not associated with Diane von Furstenberg Studios LLP or DvF herself , but I am a personal shopper who buys mainly from this designer for my clients. This guide is based on my extensive experience buying DvF and include tidbits and tips I have learned from the DvF shopgirls.
In addition to how to spot a fake (see my original guides at https://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-spot-fake-Diane-von-Furstenberg-dresses-on-eBay_W0QQugidZ10000000000127757 and https://reviews.ebay.com/List-of-the-latest-DvF-wraps-how-to-spot-a-fake-part-2_W0QQugidZ10000000000949772), I also get many inquiries regarding how to figure out what size DvF to buy. So here is a guide with all the info that I usually send out, focused mainly on wraps. I hope it helps you in your DvF quest!
(1) Sizing tends to run small compared to mainstream labels
DvFs do generally run smaller than mainstream American labels (such as Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Old Navy, etc.). My standard DvF size is at least one, if not two, sizes above the clothes I buy from these other retailers. Therefore, do expect that you will probably be purchasing a size larger than you usually do. Now, I say 'standard' DvF size because...
(2) Fit tends to vary from style to style, fabric to fabric, and season to season
I have found that the fit of DvFs vary greatly depending on the style (cut) of the item and then even which fabric the item is made of. On top of that, I have found that the same exact style and fabric dress produced one season can vary significantly from the same item in a different print from another season. Therefore, it is important to first figure out your 'standard' DvF size, which is the usual size you are will end up wearing in 'typical' (a/k/a most) DvFs. Then, find out how the particular style you are considering runs in terms of fit compared to a typical DvF and make adjustments from there. QUICK NOTE: I have found that the DvF collections in 2007 and 2008 run larger than they have been running in the last 5-7 years, so I have been able to size down one size in almost all of the silk wraps. The dresses, however, still vary: I still take my regular size in some styles, but can also size down one and even TWO sizes in some of the styles.
Just off the top of my head, here are a few items which vary quite a bit in sizing.
Examples of recent style-dependent variability:
*Ice Flower Mr. Mao wrap runs nearly two sizes small, so go up two sizes
*Chain Link Combo Willow wrap also runs nearly two sizes small, so go up two sizes
*Polka Dot Antonio wrap runs about one size small, so go up one size
*Marble Paper Dasha wrap runs almost one size large, so go down one size if you are on the small end of your size spectrum (i.e. if you are between a US6 and US8, choose the smaller size)
*Attica style wraps run about one size large, so go down one size
*Kyanne style wraps in the 100% super-soft viscose run at one to two sizes small, so go up at least one size and definitely go up two sizes if you happen to be busty
*Jude style wraps tend to be roomier because of the sleeveless design (see Section 3 below for my notes on wraps), so many clients choose to go down one size
*Tyler style wraps are adjustable in the shoulders, so clients are able to also wear one size down in addition to their regular size
*To adjust for the tailored bust on the Kye wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up at least one size, if not two sizes
*To adjust for the keyhole opening on the Madame wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up at least one size
*To adjust for the wider, almost portrait, necklines on the Jane wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up one size if more bust coverage is preferred
*To adjust for the wider portrait necklines on the Rita wraps, clients are strongly recommended to go up one size if more bust coverage is preferred
*To adjust for the roominess in the lower back of the Taffy dresses, clients are able to go down one size if small-waisted or a tighter fit through the torso is preferred
Examples of by-fabric variability:*DvF's 100% wool items tend to run small, so go up one size. This holds true for both wrap and non-wrap dresses. Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Revolutionary Duenne wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the wool Revolutionary Duenne wrap.*The shiny 100% viscose fabric items, as seen on the Willowflower Rita and Silver Svetlana, also run about a size small (especially with the Rita's more open neckline!), so go up one size if you are on the large end of your size spectrum (i.e. if you are between a US6 and US8, choose the larger size). Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Rita wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the viscose Rita wrap, even though I have already recommended that you go up one size in the silk jersey Rita already.
*The super-soft viscose material -- not the shiny 100% viscose like in the Rita or Svetlana wraps -- has 5% lycra in it, so it is more adjustable than the standard DvF silk jersey items. Depending on the style, you can either go down one size (such as in the Willow style from Summer 2005 and in the Jane style from 2005 if you are not extra-busty) or just stick with your usual size (such as in the Justin style).
*In general, the 100% rayon items run smaller than the same style in 100% silk jersey. The black rayon Julian and Jeanne wraps tend to run almost a size smaller because of the fabric. The Aftonella, for example, ran at least one size small, so clients were urged to choose on size larger than usual. Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Julian or Jeanne wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the rayon Julian or Jeanne wrap.
EXCEPTION TO THE RULE: When DvF introduced the chocolate brown rayon Julian, however, they fit more like the standard DvFs, so I recommended that my clients stick with their usual size for that item.
NOTE: I have yet to really study the newer fabric DvF is using in the new Julian and Jeanne wraps (no longer 100% rayon, but 85% viscose/15% polyamide) to figure out if they run larger/smaller/standard, but I'll update this guide once I know.
Examples of season-to-season variability:
*The Rene dresses from Spring 2004 tend to run one size small. The prints from that collection include Leopard Orange, Leafscroll Red and Williamina. These dresses were also shorter than previous Rene dresses.
*The Rene dresses from earlier collections (~1998-2002) run longer than the more recent (2003- now)Rene dresses.
*The vintage collection wraps from Summer 2005 are shorter than usual (~39"), so this is an issue taller clients needed to be aware of. The prints from that collection include La Scala, Stones Throw, Arrowhead and Prairie Flower. The Graphic Grass print from earlier that year is also rather short.
Examples of recent style-dependent variability:
*Ice Flower Mr. Mao wrap runs nearly two sizes small, so go up two sizes
*Chain Link Combo Willow wrap also runs nearly two sizes small, so go up two sizes
*Polka Dot Antonio wrap runs about one size small, so go up one size
*Marble Paper Dasha wrap runs almost one size large, so go down one size if you are on the small end of your size spectrum (i.e. if you are between a US6 and US8, choose the smaller size)
*Attica style wraps run about one size large, so go down one size
*Kyanne style wraps in the 100% super-soft viscose run at one to two sizes small, so go up at least one size and definitely go up two sizes if you happen to be busty
*Jude style wraps tend to be roomier because of the sleeveless design (see Section 3 below for my notes on wraps), so many clients choose to go down one size
*Tyler style wraps are adjustable in the shoulders, so clients are able to also wear one size down in addition to their regular size
*To adjust for the tailored bust on the Kye wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up at least one size, if not two sizes
*To adjust for the keyhole opening on the Madame wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up at least one size
*To adjust for the wider, almost portrait, necklines on the Jane wraps, clients who are a C cup or larger are strongly recommended to go up one size if more bust coverage is preferred
*To adjust for the wider portrait necklines on the Rita wraps, clients are strongly recommended to go up one size if more bust coverage is preferred
*To adjust for the roominess in the lower back of the Taffy dresses, clients are able to go down one size if small-waisted or a tighter fit through the torso is preferred
Examples of by-fabric variability:*DvF's 100% wool items tend to run small, so go up one size. This holds true for both wrap and non-wrap dresses. Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Revolutionary Duenne wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the wool Revolutionary Duenne wrap.*The shiny 100% viscose fabric items, as seen on the Willowflower Rita and Silver Svetlana, also run about a size small (especially with the Rita's more open neckline!), so go up one size if you are on the large end of your size spectrum (i.e. if you are between a US6 and US8, choose the larger size). Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Rita wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the viscose Rita wrap, even though I have already recommended that you go up one size in the silk jersey Rita already.
*The super-soft viscose material -- not the shiny 100% viscose like in the Rita or Svetlana wraps -- has 5% lycra in it, so it is more adjustable than the standard DvF silk jersey items. Depending on the style, you can either go down one size (such as in the Willow style from Summer 2005 and in the Jane style from 2005 if you are not extra-busty) or just stick with your usual size (such as in the Justin style).
*In general, the 100% rayon items run smaller than the same style in 100% silk jersey. The black rayon Julian and Jeanne wraps tend to run almost a size smaller because of the fabric. The Aftonella, for example, ran at least one size small, so clients were urged to choose on size larger than usual. Example: If you know you're a certain size in the silk jersey Julian or Jeanne wrap, you will most likely be happier with one size larger in the rayon Julian or Jeanne wrap.
EXCEPTION TO THE RULE: When DvF introduced the chocolate brown rayon Julian, however, they fit more like the standard DvFs, so I recommended that my clients stick with their usual size for that item.
NOTE: I have yet to really study the newer fabric DvF is using in the new Julian and Jeanne wraps (no longer 100% rayon, but 85% viscose/15% polyamide) to figure out if they run larger/smaller/standard, but I'll update this guide once I know.
Examples of season-to-season variability:
*The Rene dresses from Spring 2004 tend to run one size small. The prints from that collection include Leopard Orange, Leafscroll Red and Williamina. These dresses were also shorter than previous Rene dresses.
*The Rene dresses from earlier collections (~1998-2002) run longer than the more recent (2003- now)Rene dresses.
*The vintage collection wraps from Summer 2005 are shorter than usual (~39"), so this is an issue taller clients needed to be aware of. The prints from that collection include La Scala, Stones Throw, Arrowhead and Prairie Flower. The Graphic Grass print from earlier that year is also rather short.
(3) Notes on wrap dresses, separates, etc.
A few other observations on DvF:
*The wrap style IS adjustable. This means that you don't have to wear only your standard DvF size. With the adjustability of the waistline, you have the ability to alter what your neckline looks like. Some clients like more decollete, so they opt for a smaller size than their standard DvF size when it comes to wraps. Others prefer more coverage, so they sometimes go for a larger size in wraps or simply wear a pretty camisole underneath. their usual size. It also means that if you are a US8 and you see a hard-to-find US6 or US10 wrap that you're just dying to own, either size could very well fit you just as fine as a US8. Most wraps do not require a perfect fit the way a wedding gown or trousers need to fit.
*It seems as if DvF generally designs for an A/B cup size bust, so if you are a C cup or higher, you need to take that into consideration when choosing your size.
*The size chart provided on the DvF website did not upload well into this guide, so I could not include it for quick reference. In general, I find that in wraps, your bust measurement is most likely going to dictate which size you need, followed by the waist measurement. The hip measurement is almost irrelevant unless the item is cut especially narrow or if your waist is exceptionally small compared to your bust & hips. That said, my waist is at least 3.5 inches larger than the guideline they provide for the size I usually wear. The bust measurement is pretty much spot on and the hip measurement provided is larger than me (but, again, the hips don't really matter). I find that the DvF size guide is not so good for trousers (I need a larger size than their chart indicates, but my legs are not long enough for the size I end up needing to buy!) but pretty accurate for most dresses (again, with the bust being the primary indicator in some styles, and the waist being a good indicator in other styles).
*The bicep area of DvF sleeves tend to be snug (even for those of us not as musuclar as Madonna in that area!), so it will sometimes affect the fit of the wrap across the bust. This is the main reason why many people are able to go down one size in the Jude style compared to the Julian or Justin styles in the same print & fabric.
*Necklines on wraps: Sometimes, a particular wrap is perfect on you in every way except that the front keeps slipping open. It could be that you need a larger or smaller size, or perhaps that particular style/fabric is not sitting right on your frame. Before giving up and selling/trading that wrap you love, simply have a hidden hook&eye sewn in where you want the wrap to close. It is a great solution for making wraps a touch more hassle-free. Or, you can just throw on a camisole underneath. I have also found that the stretch viscose fabric is a little clingier, since it has lycra, so it seems to hug on to the bust a little better and, thus, stay closed better. I also find the Willow and Kye wraps to stay in place rather well, but that could just be the way those cuts fall on my particular physique.
*Most DvF trousers to have very long inseams, at least 34" to 36". If you are not long-legged, be prepared to have them tailored, which does affect the line of the piece.
*DvF's silk jersey is unlike any other designer's fabric. There is a lovely drape and a bit of natural stretch so that it flatters a wide range of figures. It does not wrinkle, which makes it perfect for globe-trotting. That also means that you may be able to fit into two or three sizes in a particular dress style, just because of the natural flexibility of the silk weave. That is why so many fit measurements are given as ranges in the descriptions of DvFs.
*DvF's silk mesh material is, I believe, exclusive to her designs, and is an amazing material that seems to expand or stretch to fit just about every figure. This means that you can probably wear a larger range of sizes in that fabric than you could of an item in the regular silk jersey. The material is woven so that is looks rather small when laid out and then expands to gently hug your curves without being binding. A wonderful break-through material! It is also super light-weight and never wrinkles, although it tends to be more delicate and can run if it gets snagged/caught on jewelry.
*The wrap style IS adjustable. This means that you don't have to wear only your standard DvF size. With the adjustability of the waistline, you have the ability to alter what your neckline looks like. Some clients like more decollete, so they opt for a smaller size than their standard DvF size when it comes to wraps. Others prefer more coverage, so they sometimes go for a larger size in wraps or simply wear a pretty camisole underneath. their usual size. It also means that if you are a US8 and you see a hard-to-find US6 or US10 wrap that you're just dying to own, either size could very well fit you just as fine as a US8. Most wraps do not require a perfect fit the way a wedding gown or trousers need to fit.
*It seems as if DvF generally designs for an A/B cup size bust, so if you are a C cup or higher, you need to take that into consideration when choosing your size.
*The size chart provided on the DvF website did not upload well into this guide, so I could not include it for quick reference. In general, I find that in wraps, your bust measurement is most likely going to dictate which size you need, followed by the waist measurement. The hip measurement is almost irrelevant unless the item is cut especially narrow or if your waist is exceptionally small compared to your bust & hips. That said, my waist is at least 3.5 inches larger than the guideline they provide for the size I usually wear. The bust measurement is pretty much spot on and the hip measurement provided is larger than me (but, again, the hips don't really matter). I find that the DvF size guide is not so good for trousers (I need a larger size than their chart indicates, but my legs are not long enough for the size I end up needing to buy!) but pretty accurate for most dresses (again, with the bust being the primary indicator in some styles, and the waist being a good indicator in other styles).
*The bicep area of DvF sleeves tend to be snug (even for those of us not as musuclar as Madonna in that area!), so it will sometimes affect the fit of the wrap across the bust. This is the main reason why many people are able to go down one size in the Jude style compared to the Julian or Justin styles in the same print & fabric.
*Necklines on wraps: Sometimes, a particular wrap is perfect on you in every way except that the front keeps slipping open. It could be that you need a larger or smaller size, or perhaps that particular style/fabric is not sitting right on your frame. Before giving up and selling/trading that wrap you love, simply have a hidden hook&eye sewn in where you want the wrap to close. It is a great solution for making wraps a touch more hassle-free. Or, you can just throw on a camisole underneath. I have also found that the stretch viscose fabric is a little clingier, since it has lycra, so it seems to hug on to the bust a little better and, thus, stay closed better. I also find the Willow and Kye wraps to stay in place rather well, but that could just be the way those cuts fall on my particular physique.
*Most DvF trousers to have very long inseams, at least 34" to 36". If you are not long-legged, be prepared to have them tailored, which does affect the line of the piece.
*DvF's silk jersey is unlike any other designer's fabric. There is a lovely drape and a bit of natural stretch so that it flatters a wide range of figures. It does not wrinkle, which makes it perfect for globe-trotting. That also means that you may be able to fit into two or three sizes in a particular dress style, just because of the natural flexibility of the silk weave. That is why so many fit measurements are given as ranges in the descriptions of DvFs.
*DvF's silk mesh material is, I believe, exclusive to her designs, and is an amazing material that seems to expand or stretch to fit just about every figure. This means that you can probably wear a larger range of sizes in that fabric than you could of an item in the regular silk jersey. The material is woven so that is looks rather small when laid out and then expands to gently hug your curves without being binding. A wonderful break-through material! It is also super light-weight and never wrinkles, although it tends to be more delicate and can run if it gets snagged/caught on jewelry.
If you have any ideas or input about DvF fit, please do send them to me and I can eventually add your advice to this guide! I will probably author a DvF fabric care guide at some point in the future, but if you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact me. You can reach me through my blog (dvfs.blogspot.com) or stop by just to look at the photos posted there or to find out more info about DvF styles, fit and availability.
Happy shopping!!
Happy shopping!!
posted by DvF! | Tuesday, March 27, 2018
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