The Store p15 Vinyl Midi Skirt: A British Vintage Icon

The code 'store p15' inside a vintage vinyl midi skirt points to a specific production batch for a British retailer. These skirts, popular from the late 1960s through the 1970s, combine a sculptural A-line silhouette with practical PVC. Understanding their material, cut, and details helps you wear them confidently today, especially with vintage hair accessories.

The Birth of Vinyl in British Fashion

Vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC) entered the fashion mainstream in the mid-1960s, championed by designers like Mary Quant and Paco Rabanne. In Britain, it offered a waterproof, easy-to-clean alternative to leather and wool, perfectly suited to the youthful, space-age aesthetic of the era. The midi skirt – hemmed between the knee and mid-calf – gained popularity around 1967 as a reaction against the mini, offering a longer, more graphic line. Combining vinyl with the midi length created a garment that was both futuristic and wearable. The 'store p15' marking likely identifies a skirt produced for a specific retailer, possibly from the early 1970s, when PVC was at its peak for mass-market outerwear and skirts. The vinyl used in these skirts is often a calendared, slightly heavier gauge than modern faux leather, with a smooth, semi-matte finish that patinas beautifully if stored correctly.

Decoding the 'Store p15' Label

Private label codes like 'store p15' are a treasure map for collectors. They tell you the garment was not made by a named designer but produced exclusively for a store – often a regional department store or a chain like British Home Stores, Littlewoods, or Lewis's. The 'p15' could refer to a pattern number, a price point, or a seasonal collection. What matters for you, the wearer, is the cut. Most 'store p15' vinyl midi skirts I have examined are A-line or slightly flared, with a centre-back zip and a waistband lined with cotton to prevent the vinyl sticking to skin. The hem is usually narrow, sometimes with a small slit at the back for movement. Check the seam construction: original vinyl skirts were stitched with polyester thread and often have a light interfacing at the waist to prevent stretching. The interior tags are typically white with red or black print – if the label says 'Made in England' or 'Made in Great Britain', you have a genuine piece of homegrown vintage.

Wearing the Vinyl Midi Skirt with Vintage Hair Accessories

The clean, glossy surface of a vinyl midi skirt creates a natural foil for intricate hair ornaments. Because the skirt is a solid, bold statement (especially in black, navy, or cherry red), your hair accessories can add the whimsy and colour. A vintage snake barrette – like the one we explored in The Snake Barrette: A Vintage Hair Accessory That Still Bites – clips perfectly into a low chignon or a side twist, its sinuous metal or enamel form catching light against the shiny skirt. For a daytime look, pair the skirt with a soft wool jumper and The Snow Flake 2: British Vintage Snowflake Hair Clips from 1951; the delicate white snowflakes echo the wintery feel of vinyl while avoiding heaviness. For evening, a large, sculpted French grip or a cluster of jewel-tone barrettes (ruby, sapphire, amber) creates a coherent vintage aesthetic without competing with the skirt's volume. The key is balance: the skirt has presence, so keep hair accessories concentrated – one or two strong pieces rather than a scattering.

Choosing the Right Silhouette

Not all vinyl midi skirts are equal. The most flattering for modern styling are those with a slight A-line (not a stiff tulip shape) and a waistband that sits at the natural waist. The 'store p15' cut I have encountered most often has darts at the front and back to shape the hips, with a gentle flare below the knee. If you are buying online, ask for a waist measurement and the fabric thickness (lighter vinyl drapes better). A skirt that is too stiff will stand away from the body and may look costumey. Look for skirts that have been stored flat, not hung, to avoid permanent creases at the fold lines. Vinyl can develop a slight chalkiness over decades – this is natural and can be gently wiped with a damp, soft cloth and a drop of mild soap, then air-dried away from direct heat.

Caring for Your Vinyl Midi Skirt

Proper care extends the life of a vintage vinyl garment significantly. Never machine wash, tumble dry, or dry clean – the solvents in dry cleaning can ruin PVC. Instead, spot clean with a solution of lukewarm water and a tiny amount of dish soap (like Fairy Liquid), using a soft microfibre cloth. Wipe gently along the grain of the vinyl, then rinse with a cloth dampened with plain water. Pat dry with a towel and hang on a padded hanger in a well-ventilated room, away from radiators or sunlight. For stubborn marks (ink, foundation), try a very small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud, testing first on an inside seam. Store the skirt flat or rolled, never folded sharply, and keep it away from other dark clothing that might transfer dye. A light dusting of talcum powder inside the waistband can prevent the lining from sticking to the vinyl in humid weather – just brush it out before wearing.

Where to Look for 'Store p15' and Similar Vintage Vinyl Skirts

British vintage sources are the best bet: charity shops in affluent areas (especially in London, Brighton, or Edinburgh), vintage fairs like the one at Alexandra Palace, and online marketplaces with sellers who photograph the label. The code itself is not widely known, so a skirt marked 'store p15' may be undervalued. Look for key signs of quality: metal zippers (especially YKK or Lightning brand), a centre-back vent, and a cotton or rayon lining that prevents the vinyl from clinging to stockings. The colour palette of original 1970s vinyl includes black, oxblood, forest green, and mustard yellow – all excellent companions for bright hair claps. Avoid skirts with heavy perfuming (sign of mould) or sticky surfaces (plasticiser degradation). A slight tackiness can sometimes be revived by wiping with a water-vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water) and then airing for a week, but if the vinyl has turned brittle or sticky, it is best left to a textile conservator.

Pairing the Skirt with a Vintage Hair Accessory Wardrobe

The greatest joy of a vinyl midi skirt is its neutrality – it does not compete with ornate hair pieces. A 1950s Aurora Borealis crystal comb tucked behind one ear adds Art Deco glamour without overwhelming the outfit. A 1960s felt or straw hat with a side-pinned cluster of artificial flowers can be anchored with a vintage hairpin. For everyday wear, a simple leather or tortoiseshell claw clip in a pulled-back half-ponytail keeps the focus on the skirt's glossy surface. The skirt also works brilliantly as a base for seasonal themes: in autumn, pair it with amber-toned Vintage Star Hair Clips: Ruby, Sapphire and Amber; in spring, opt for pastel shades from the Spring Blooms in Your Hair: Vintage Hair Clip Colours and Styles range. The vinyl midi skirt is not a shy garment – it announces itself – but it leaves room for your hair accessories to tell the story.

A Practical Note on Fit and Alteration

Because vinyl does not stretch, the fit of a vintage skirt is critical. Most 'store p15' skirts were made with a waist measurement of 24–28 inches (60–71 cm). If yours is slightly too large, consider adding a small strip of elastic inside the waistband rather than taking in the seams (which require special needles and a Teflon foot for sewing). If it is too small, do not attempt to let it out – the original stitching holes will show. Wear it over thin tights or a slip to help it slide on. The length of a midi skirt should fall at the slimmest part of your calf; if it is longer, you can hem it with bias binding (use a tape compatible with PVC, such as cotton belting) instead of cutting the vinyl. A rolled hem is not advisable because the vinyl will crack along the fold line. Remember that vintage sizes run smaller than modern UK sizes – a 'store p15' marked 12 is likely a contemporary 8 or 10, so always measure before committing.

One last tip: if you find a 'store p15' skirt in oxblood with a metal Lightning zipper, grab it. That combination of colour and hardware is a hallmark of early 1970s British production and pairs perfectly with a single amber hair clip. The skirt becomes a document of manufacturing and retail labelling, but it also works as a practical, wearable piece that connects the bold experiments of the past with your own wardrobe today.