Any tips for a Vintage kilo sale?

[RestingStitchFace]

I'm toying with going to my first ever Vintage kilo sale tomorrow. Anyone got any sage pieces of advice? What can I expect when I'm inside. Also, what sizes do they go up to? (Thanks to the joys of perimenopause, currently tipping the scales at a size 16, which is biggest I've ever been and I'm lacking confidence somewhat.

Do these places do clothes for ample women or am l likely to be the literal elephant in the room. I have a fear of finding myself surrounded by 18-year old art students with waists like wasps and looking like a total muppet....

I've been to a few although not for a while. At this time of year there tend to be a lot of students but also dealers (if you're there early) and enough middle aged people for me not to feel out of place. In any cae the students and I tend to want different things - they're after denim, plaid shirts and dressing up outfits for 70s/80s/90s parties, whereas I'm mainly looking for tweed and silk, so we co-exist quite happily.

I've mainly bought Harris tweed jackets, 60s coats and jackets (although they're getting hard to find), silk shirts and men's paisley scarves (the last two are really cheap cos it's by weight). They can be great and they can be shit but I rarely come away totally empty handed.

I would say sizing is pretty mixed but bear in mind that anything from, let's say pre 1990 will be sized smaller than we're used to.

Which brings me to trying on. There may be no changing cubicles and, even if there are, the queues might be horrendous. I typically wear a midi skirt over leggings and then several layers on top, ending in some kind of T shirt or vest so I can try on in public while retaining my dignity (although nobody really notices or cares - they're all doing the same).

It's definitely worth getting there early - this is when the dealers tend to go. They may say they put new stuff out all day but it stands to reason that they'll put the best things out first. If there's a a 'pre-opening hour' with a higher entry fee then it's worth taking advantage. But I've never seen any covetable labels beyond some Jaeger or M&S St Michael - any high end stuff has been filtered out.

Have a good time!

Oh and I find a cross body bag works best - keeps your hands free.

Proper vintage sizing is usually about 2 sizes smaller. So a vintage size 14 would be like a modern size 10.

Oh, you'll have fun!

Yes, lots of students and youngsters, but you won't be out of place.

There is usually a LOT of stuff rammed onto the rails, usually arranged by item type, but all sizes together - there's a lot of rummaging. Minimal opportunities to try on, so you do need to take a punt on a few things. Remember the weight aspect, so you need to be certain that something heavy, such as a coat, is right for you.

I've picked up vintage jeans, 80s midi skirts and silk shirts...no amazing finds, but worthwhile. DD2 (my partner in crime) lives for vintage hawaiian/floral short-sleeved shirts (the louder the better).

I go to one of these every month, to stock my Ebay shop. Observations as follows:
Everything Floisme says is spot on, esp. wrt trying things on.
Men and women of all shapes, sizes and ages attend. You won't feel out of place, I promise.
No guarantee of sizes at all.
Clothes are only sorted into type so to find your size, you'll need to be prepared to root about.
Make sure you've got some white vinegar at home. The garments might appear clean but they all have that vintage smell. Take them outside and spray with white vinegar. Put them in the wash after a couple of hours, that'll remove the niffs. If it's a hand wash/dry clean item, spray once, allow to dry and spray again.
The majority of labels will be cut out so you won't know the size or the brand. Take a tape measure with you.
Also take hand sanitiser.
Inspect every item carefully. Rips etc. can sometimes be missed.
Have fun!

Thank you wise counsel of Mumsnet!

Just exited the sale and grabbing a quick coffee. Unfortunately my fashion wingman wasn't with me so I was lacking purchasing confidence a bit. Didn't buy much in way of clothes in the end, but went mad on accessories. I am going to be the QUEEN of the silk scarf this Autumn!!

All your wise words proved invaluable. Grabbed some lovely silk blouses etc which, on closer inspection had stains, rips etc. So dodged a bullet there. And Jesus - how much polyester did we wear in the 80's??

Final tally:
About 10 scarves - some very air-hostessy in style which is absolutely my bag.
Suede sheepy-lined gloves for dog walking.
Brown leather gloves
Red pleather purse
Black leather handbag
Red over-sized stripy Breton style tee.
Total spend: £15.75!

Pausing for quick refreshment pit stop before home. Will post photos later!

This was so much fun!

Ooh, love a kilo sale! Reminds me of jumble sales of my youth. Good haul, OP.