How to Buy One-of-One Clothes Online: Measuring and Finding Your Fit

Shopping for one-of-one clothing is a little different from buying from a big chain. There is no second size on the shelf and no identical piece to swap. Each upcycled garment is remade from mitumba, which means its measurements belong to that piece alone.

The good news is that a few minutes with a tape measure makes online shopping far more reliable. Here is how to do it.

Why size labels are only a starting point

Mitumba garments arrive from all over the world, with labels from different countries and brands. Once they are cut apart and remade, the original size tag tells you very little. That is why the actual measurements of a piece matter much more than a letter such as M or L.

What you need

• A soft tape measure (a tailor's tape from any market works)
• A mirror, or better, a friend
• A garment you already own that fits you well
• A notebook or your phone

Measuring your body

Wear light clothing and stand relaxed. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

1. Chest or bust: around the fullest part, keeping the tape level under your arms.
2. Waist: around your natural waist, usually the narrowest point above the belly button.
3. Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
4. Shoulders: across your back, from the edge of one shoulder to the other.
5. Length: from the top of your shoulder down to where you like a top or dress to end.
6. Inside leg: for trousers, from the crotch to the ankle.

Write these down and keep them on your phone for every future order.

Measuring a garment you love

This is often the most useful trick of all. Lay a well-fitting shirt, dress or jacket flat and measure it across the chest, waist and length. Compare those numbers with the measurements of the piece you are considering. If they are close, you are on safe ground.

Think about how a piece wears

Numbers are only part of the picture. Read the product description for clues about cut and fabric:

• Oversized streetwear is meant to be roomy, so do not expect it to match your body measurements closely.
• Denim and heavy cotton hold their shape and have little stretch.
• Kitenge and shirting are crisp but forgiving through movement.
• Asymmetric and wrap styles often suit a wider range of figures.

When you are between sizes

With remade clothing, it is usually easier for a tailor to take something in than to let it out. If you are torn, the slightly roomier piece is often the safer choice, especially for jackets you plan to layer over other clothes.

Ask before you order

If a measurement is missing or you are unsure how something will sit, contact us before checking out. We would much rather answer a question about shoulder width than have a one-of-one piece go to the wrong wardrobe. You can also ask about care, fabric origin or how a piece might be styled.

A quick checklist before you buy

• Compare your measurements with the listed garment measurements.
• Read the description for cut, fabric and how it wears.
• Check the photos from every angle for length and proportion.
• Review delivery times and costs for your town.
• Decide quickly if you love it, because there is only one.

Your piece, and nobody else's

Buying one-of-one clothing takes a moment more thought, but the reward is a garment with a story no one else is wearing. Get your measurements ready and browse the collection.