The Store P436 Ricrac Hairclip: A Vintage British Accessory

The Store P436 Ricrac Hairclip first appeared in British haberdasheries during the late 1950s. It captures the tactile pleasure of ricrac braid – a small, exuberant clip that stands out from the sleek metal barrettes and demure pearl slides of the decade. The P436 embraced the whimsical zigzag trim that had become a hallmark of home sewing and children’s clothing. Its design is deceptively simple: a spring-loaded metal clip base, often nickel-plated or coated in a muted gold tone, with a length of ricrac ribbon threaded through slots at the top. The ribbon itself – typically cotton or a cotton-polyester blend – forms a series of tight Vs that sit proudly above the hair, catching the light and moving with every turn of the head.

A Brief History of Ricrac in British Fashion

Ricrac, also known as zigzag braid, gained popularity in Britain during the 1940s and 1950s as a decorative trim on everything from pinafores to tea towels. Its name is thought to be a playful corruption of “rickrack,” echoing the sound of the zigzag. By the mid-1950s, manufacturers such as the Birmingham-based firm Store began experimenting with ricrac as a standalone hair accessory. The P436 model was part of a series that included matching headbands and button-on clips for children, though the adult-sized hairclip proved the most enduring. Its appeal lay in its affordability and cheerful imperfection – each clip had a handmade quality, with the ribbon sewn or glued onto the metal base in a way that left slight variations between pieces.

Design and Materials of the P436

The Store P436 is distinguished by its proportions. The clip itself measures roughly 5 cm in length and 1.5 cm in width – large enough to hold a section of hair securely but small enough to feel delicate. The ricrac ribbon is typically 1 cm wide, folded back and forth to create three or four visible zigzags. Common colours include scarlet red, navy blue, forest green, and black, though rarer pastel shades (pale pink, mint) occasionally surface at vintage fairs. The metal spring mechanism is strong; many surviving examples still snap shut with a satisfying click. Unlike the more ornate diamante or tortoiseshell pieces of the same era, the P436 was designed for everyday wear – a practical accessory that added a touch of play to a school uniform or a Saturday shopping trip.

Variations and Rarity

Collectors have identified at least four distinct sub-variants of the P436. The earliest examples (circa 1957–1960) use a wider ricrac with a looser weave, giving the zigzags a softer, almost wavy appearance. Later versions from the 1960s feature tighter, more angular points and a brighter synthetic dye. A particularly sought-after variant is the “double-row” P436, where two parallel strips of ricrac are threaded through the same clip – a design that required more manual labour and was discontinued after a short production run. If you come across one, expect to pay a premium. The clip’s packaging is also collectible: original cards stamped “Store P436 – Ricrac Hairclip” with a line drawing of a girl wearing the clip are rare and can double the value.

Collecting the P436 Today

British vintage fairs, particularly those in the Midlands and the Home Counties, remain the best hunting grounds for the P436. Online marketplaces are flooded with reproductions and later copies, so knowing the hallmarks of an authentic piece is essential. Look for a small “Store” logo impressed into the metal near the hinge – it is often faint but present. The ricrac should be firmly attached; if it wobbles, the glue has degraded and reattachment will be needed. Condition matters: rust on the metal or frayed ribbon edges reduce the clip’s value, though minor wear can be charming. For a deeper dive into how a single vintage hair clip can reshape an entire accessory category, you might enjoy reading about Ziggy Colors 4: The Vintage Hair Clip That Changed British Accessories, a later design that borrowed the P436’s playful spirit while introducing bold colour-blocking.

Caring for Your P436 Ricrac Hairclip

Because the P436 combines metal and fabric, care requires a gentle hand. Avoid submerging the clip in water – instead, wipe the metal parts with a dry cotton bud and use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to remove dust from the ricrac folds. If the ribbon becomes flattened, you can steam it lightly by holding the clip a few inches above a kettle spout, then reshaping the zigzags with your fingers. Store the clip in a dry place away from direct sunlight; prolonged exposure will fade the ribbon and may cause the metal to tarnish. A small cloth pouch or a compartmented jewellery box is ideal. Never use chemical cleaners or abrasive polishes – they will strip the metal’s finish and weaken the fabric fibres.

When to Restore vs. When to Leave Alone

A common dilemma among collectors is whether to replace worn ricrac ribbon. My advice: unless the ribbon is so frayed that it is falling apart, leave it original. A slightly faded or thinned ricrac tells the story of its life – the dances, the school plays, the daily routines of its previous owner. If you must replace it, source vintage ricrac from a haberdashery (many still carry deadstock from the 1960s) and match the weave and width exactly. A mismatched ribbon will look jarring and reduce the clip’s authenticity.

Styling the P436 with a Modern Wardrobe

The P436’s charm lies in its ability to bridge decades. Here are three ways to wear it today:

• With a low ponytail. Gather your hair at the nape of the neck and secure with a clear elastic. Slide the P436 over the elastic so the ricrac sits on top. This works especially well with a navy or black clip against a white shirt.
• As a side-swept accent. Take a small section of hair from your temple, twist it lightly, and clip it back with the P436. The zigzags will peek out from behind your ear – an unexpected detail that draws the eye.
• On a half-up style. Clip the P436 at the crown to hold back the top layer of hair. Let the rest fall loose. Pair with a structured blazer or a silk scarf for a 1960s-inspired look that feels current.

The clip also works beautifully as a decorative accent on a hat band or pinned to a lapel – a trick borrowed from mid-century women who treated hair accessories as multipurpose ornaments. Avoid over-accessorising; the ricrac is already a statement, so let it shine on its own.

A Final Note on Provenance

When you find a P436 with its original card, keep the card. Collectors value provenance as much as the clip itself – a complete package with the Store branding and the line drawing of the girl is a small piece of British retail history. Store it flat in an acid-free sleeve, separate from the clip to prevent the metal from staining the card. The P436 Ricrac Hairclip is a modest object, but with its original card and packaging, it becomes a tangible piece of 1950s British retail history – a reminder that fashion often finds joy in the smallest zigzag.