When I took sewing classes a few years ago, the instructor told me to always make the size of the pattern that is one size up from what you normally would wear. Example...if you are a size 6....go up to a size 8. Depends on the pattern as well....measurements always seem to be different. You can buy current "remake" patterns at Butterick and Simplicity. Just type in "retro" or "vintage" in the search and some patterns will come up. Then, when Hancocks or Joanns run them on sale for $1.00 or $1.99, pick them up then. Hope this helps.