The Buttercups Midi Colors Product Line: A Collector’s Guide

If you have ever run your thumb across the smooth, warm surface of a vintage Buttercups midi clip, you will know the quiet thrill of holding a piece of British hair accessory history. These clips, produced primarily in the 1970s and early 1980s, are distinguished by their compact size, gentle spring tension, and a colour palette that seems to capture the light of a summer meadow. The Buttercups Midi Colors range is not one single set but a family of releases, each with its own chromatic identity. Understanding the nuances of these colours, the materials used, and the subtle differences between production runs will make you a more confident collector and a more appreciative wearer.

The term “midi” refers to the clip length — typically between 50 and 65 millimetres — a sweet spot between the dainty mini clips (often used for side sections) and the full-sized maxi clips that anchor elaborate updos. Buttercups produced their midi clips in two primary shapes: the classic curved “banana” clip and the flat, slightly scalloped “snap” clip. Both were made from cellulose acetate, a plant-based plastic that ages beautifully if cared for. The colour, however, is where the Buttercups Midi Colors truly shine.

The Palette: More Than Just Yellow

Despite the brand name, Buttercups Midi Colors are not limited to sunny yellows. The range includes at least eight distinct colourways, each given a poetic name by the manufacturer. Here is a practical overview of the most collectible shades:

• Butter Yellow – The original and most common. A warm, opaque yellow with a subtle cream undertone. It pairs effortlessly with pastel maxi dresses and straw hats.
• Lilac Mist – A soft, dusty purple that appears almost grey in low light. Highly sought after for its versatility with both cool and warm wardrobe tones.
• Baby Blue – A pale, chalky blue reminiscent of 1970s Wedgwood china. Often found in two-piece clip sets alongside a white or cream companion.
• Rose Petal – A muted pink with a faint brownish cast, typical of the late 1970s. It is neither candy pink nor blush; it is a grown-up, sophisticated shade.
• Mint Cream – A light green that leans towards teal. This colour is rarer and commands higher prices in the secondary market.
• Tortoiseshell – Not a true Buttercups colour but a later addition. Some midi clips were produced in a translucent brown mottle, though purists argue these belong to a different product line.

Each colour was achieved by mixing pigment into the acetate base before the sheet was cut and pressed. This means the colour runs all the way through the material — there is no painted or coated surface to chip. Over decades, some shades may darken or yellow slightly, but a genuine Buttercups clip should retain a consistent, even hue.

Materials and Construction: What to Look For

Authentic Buttercups Midi Colors clips are made from cellulose acetate, not the cheaper polystyrene or acrylic that flooded the market in the 1980s. Acetate has a distinctive, almost waxy feel when warmed by the hand. It is also slightly flexible — a genuine Buttercups clip will bend a little before snapping, whereas a brittle plastic will crack. The metal spring mechanism is usually nickel-plated steel, often marked with a tiny “Buttercups” stamp on the inside of the clip arm. Look for this stamp; it is the surest sign of authenticity.

The clips were produced in two main styles: the single-piece snap clip (where the top and bottom are joined by a hinge at the back) and the two-piece set (where two identical clips are sold together, often in contrasting colours). The two-piece sets are particularly charming and were marketed as “day and night” companions. If you find a matching pair in different colours, you have a rare treasure. For more on the appeal of these coordinated sets, see our article on The Quiet Power of 1970s Two-Piece Hair Clip Sets.

Dating Your Buttercups Midi Clip

Dating a Buttercups clip is part detective work, part instinct. The company operated from a small factory in Birmingham between 1968 and 1985. Early clips (1968–1973) have a deeper curve and a slightly thicker acetate sheet. The colour names were not printed on the packaging until 1975, so early examples are identified only by their hue and the stamp. Mid-period clips (1974–1980) are the most common; they feature the iconic “Buttercups” logo in a serif font on the clip arm. Late production (1981–1985) used a simpler, sans-serif stamp and sometimes a lighter-weight metal spring. If you find a clip with no stamp at all, it is likely a reproduction or a different brand — proceed with caution.

Styling with Modern Wardrobes

The beauty of Buttercups Midi Colors lies in their scale. They are large enough to hold a section of hair securely but small enough to look delicate. I use a single butter yellow clip to gather a side twist on a casual day, or two lilac clips to frame a low ponytail for evening. They work wonderfully with the flowing silhouettes of 1970s maxi dresses; if you own such a dress, our guide on How to Match Vintage Hair Accessories with 1970s Maxi Dresses offers specific colour pairing suggestions.

For a contemporary look, try clipping a mint cream Buttercups midi into a sleek, centre-parted low bun. The soft green adds a whisper of colour without overwhelming a minimalist outfit. Alternatively, wear a single rose petal clip at the nape of the neck to echo the blush tones in a modern silk blouse. The key is to let the clip be a deliberate accent, not an afterthought.

Care and Preservation

Cellulose acetate is sensitive to heat, humidity, and prolonged sunlight. Never leave your Buttercups clips on a radiator or in a car dashboard. To clean them, wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth — never use alcohol or acetone, as these will dissolve the acetate. If a clip becomes cloudy or develops a white bloom (a sign of plasticiser migration), a very light rub with a tiny drop of mineral oil can restore clarity. Store them flat in a lined box, away from other hard accessories that might scratch the surface.

With proper care, a Buttercups midi clip will outlive its owner. The colours may deepen, the metal may tarnish, but the charm remains. Collecting these clips is not just about owning a pretty object; it is about preserving a small, tangible piece of British design history.