9 Best Vintage Kilo Sale Events Worth Visiting
Have you ever been to a vintage kilo sale? Do you want to know what they’re about? Here are 9 vintage kilo sale events that are worth a visit!
After looking into different ways to shop more sustainably with fashion I came across vintage kilo sales. I noticed kilo events popping up all over my Instagram too so I decided to give it a go!
I searched for upcoming events near me and found one hosted by Shop Kilo in Chester the following week!
I started my sustainable fashion journey around 4 years ago and had only been to vintage shops so the vintage kilo sale was new to me. Before I attended my first event I was expecting it to be full of people, clothes flying everywhere and people fighting for the pieces they wanted (a bit like that scene in Friends where Monica goes wedding dress shopping). But it wasn’t like that at all!
And, I have to say, I’m hooked!
Here is what I found out about this brilliant vintage concept…
Image taken at Chester Race Course Shop Kilo Event by me
Check out eventbrite and find out if a vintage kilo sale is coming to your town soon…
Everything you need to know about vintage kilo sales!
What is a vintage kilo sale?
A vintage kilo sale is a unique shopping event where tonnes of handpicked vintage clothes (pre-owned stock) are sold by weight rather than individually priced.
How does a vintage kilo sale work?
Location
Vintage kilo sales occur frequently across the country, with my first experience taking place at a pop-up event hosted at Chester Racecourse, which was fantastic. While some kilo events have a permanent location, many are situated in London.
Tickets
Some events provide free general admission tickets, along with the option to purchase early bird tickets, granting entry approximately an hour before the general admission starts.
I purchased an early bird ticket for £3.50 at the Chester event, which was definitely worth it for the opportunity to discover the best items before the crowds.
However, other events may have a fixed fee for admission and continuously introduce new stock throughout the day, making early bird admission unnecessary.
Clothing Selection
At these vintage clothing sales, racks of vintage clothes are set up, and you are invited to browse through the selection. Vintage kilo sales often offer a wide selection of clothing styles, ranging from clothing from different eras to various types of garments (e.g., dresses, shirts, jackets) from classic leather jackets to retro favourites. If you love vintage you will love this way of sustainable shopping.
However, the availability of specific sizes, styles, and brands may vary, so it’s essential to manage your expectations and be open to exploring different options.
You might have to rummage a bit to find pieces you like but there are different items at each event so you never know what you might find.
I have also found that people are generally really polite, letting each other look through the racks etc. No Monica fights in sight.
1. Vintage floral dress
2. Retro Fila jacket
3. Vintage denim dress
Payment
Instead of paying for each item individually, you will fill a bag or basket with your favourite items that you want to purchase. Once you have chosen your items, you will proceed to the weighing stations where your bag or basket is weighed and then charged based on the weight of the clothing.
Prices are typically set per kilogram, usually around £15-£20 per kilo. Plus you can use your credit cards! Bonus!
Me and my sister waiting in the queue for the weighing stations.
Are vintage kilo sales worth the money?
Whether a vintage kilo sale is worth the money depends on several factors, including the quality of the clothing, the variety of styles available, and the pricing structure.
I think that kilo sales can offer the opportunity to find unique vintage pieces at a lower cost compared to traditional vintage stores (usually around a third of the price) but it is essential to consider the condition of the clothing and whether the pricing aligns with your budget and expectations.
How do I find a vintage kilo sale?
You can click on this link to eventbrite and find out if there is a vintage kilo sale coming to your town soon, or follow some events on Instagram to find out when they are popping up.
I have put together a list of the best 9 vintage clothing kilo sale events worth checking out.
9 Best Vintage Clothing Kilo Sale Events Worth Visiting in the UK
1. Shop Kilo (UK)
2. Preloved Kilo (UK)
3. Worth the Weight (UK)
4. Judys (UK)
5. Goldsmith Kilo (London)
6. Vintage Vera (UK)
7. To be Worn Again (UK)
8. Vino Kilo (Europe)
9. Be Thrifty (Europe)
Very important tips you should know when attending a vintage kilo sale
- Vintage kilo sales can attract large crowds of shoppers, particularly during peak times. Get there early, you don’t want to miss out on anything you might love. If you can, get the ‘early bird tickets’. There is usually a little bit of a queue but it won’t take too long!
- BYOB- bring your own bags. I always forget mine and it is very annoying having to try and carry clothes on my shoulder as I rummage for more.
- If you like an item, pop it in your bag and when you have finished going through it make sure you love every piece. Sometimes when items are cheap we feel more inclined to overconsume but you could try the #30wears challenge and ask yourself ‘Will I wear this 30 times?’ Find out more here.
- In case there is no space in the changing room wear leggings or something tight. There are usually lots of mirrors around so you can throw on your dress or jeans over the top and you’ll still be able to see how they fit.
- Carefully inspect the clothing before purchasing and check all the items for stains and wear. You’ll never get away from this when you’re shopping secondhand but if it is an item you love you can probably repair or clean it.
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I absolutely love this post! It has inspired me to go along to the next one. So informative and really clear to read your experiences. It has definitely tempted me to attend an event! I really liked the tip about wearing leggings to try on items! Fab tip and something I would have never thought of!!
Thanks so much! So nice to hear your thoughts. You should definitely give it a go! x