“ONE kilogram of clothes, please”, said no one ever. While zero-waste stores have been popping up across the city in the last few years - selling loose beans, pasta, grains and even cleaning products -, buying clothing by weight is something most of us would not think of.

But with the cost-of-living and climate crises unfolding, people are coming up with new ways to buy and sell to help save money and the planet.

Last weekend, I made my way down to the Briggait for the Glasgow Kilo Sale, a vintage fashion market where, you guessed it, you pay for your clothes by weight.

Glasgow Times: Kilo sales are pop-up events organised by vintage clothing markets in British cities on a rotational basis.Kilo sales are pop-up events organised by vintage clothing markets in British cities on a rotational basis.

How does a kilo sale work?

There are various markets across the UK who operate kilo sales in British cities on a rotational basis.

Last Saturday, May 21, Shop Kilo was in town with its selection of preloved goods.

The concept is simple: rummage the endless rails packed of unique vintage pieces as well as iconic brands. Instead of paying the value of a single item, the staff will place your items on a scale and you will be charged by weight.

One kilogram of clothes at Shop Kilo will set you back £20, but different markets charge different prices.

Of course, if you pick up clothes weighing more or less than one kilogram, the cost will be calculated accordingly.

There is an entry fee to the market: for Shop Kilo it was £3 between 10:30 and 11:30, and £2 until 3pm.

From 3pm until 4pm, entry is free and the cost of one kilogram goes down to £15.

Glasgow Times: At kilo sales, you pay for your new clothes according to their total weight.At kilo sales, you pay for your new clothes according to their total weight.

Is a kilo sale worth the money?

It’s hard to tell. As you pay by weight, and not the estimated price of a single item, you might end up paying more for something very heavy but cheap.

However, I spotted high-end brands like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger at a much lower price than at regular vintage sales.

My advice is get a good mix of items to get your money’s worth - you don’t want to end up with just one coat weighing two or three kilograms costing £40 to £60, when it would be cheaper based on value.

Glasgow Times: At kilo sales you are charged a fixed price per kilogram of clothes.At kilo sales you are charged a fixed price per kilogram of clothes.

How does buying second-hand clothes help the environment?

According to climate action NGO, WRAP, an estimated £140m worth of clothing is sent to UK landfill each year.

Fast fashion brands are criticised for their unsustainable use of water, land and fossil fuels, as well as the impact of toxic chemicals and the use of cheap, plastic-based textiles that harm the environment.

Buying preloved helps avoid waste and disincentivise the fast fashion industry. Plus, you can find good-quality clothing at cheaper prices.

Glasgow Times: Buying second-hand helps the environment as it diverts clothes from landfill.Buying second-hand helps the environment as it diverts clothes from landfill.

The verdict

Going early is a must, as the sales fill up quickly and although stock is added throughout the day, there is definitely less choice in the afternoon.

The market is huge so arm yourself with patience and get stuck in. It helps if you have an idea of what items you might need and make sure you can get a few good outfit combinations with your existing wardrobe to really get your money’s worth.

Set a budget and try to gauge the weight of the clothes you are picking. Although there is no option to weigh your clothes before going to the till, if you exceed your set weight the staff will let you discard the extra items.

Glasgow Times: Stock is added throughout the day at kilo sales but make sure you get down early to get the best pick of vintage pieces.Stock is added throughout the day at kilo sales but make sure you get down early to get the best pick of vintage pieces.

I picked three skirts and two shirts but ended up selecting only two skirts and one shirt that will make good office outfits.

These weighed 0.6kg, for a total of £12.60. In my experience, even with the price of the entry ticket, this turned out cheaper than most charity shops or preloved clothing apps.

But in the end, whether you bag some new clothes or not, kilo sales are definitely fun events. You will find people of all ages and styles and it’s a good place for finding inspiration for your wardrobe.

Keep an eye on Shop Kilo's social media to find out when they are next in town.

Would you buy clothes by weight? Where do you find the cheapest clothes? Let us know in the comments.