The St Michael brand, synonymous with quality and heritage, traces its roots back to 1875 when N. Corah and Sons of Leicester registered the St Margaret name for their hosiery products. This name, inspired by the location of their factory in the parish of St Margaret in Leicester, became a hallmark of one of the largest hosiery factories in Europe. In 1926, seeking to protect their distribution channels while catering directly to Marks & Spencer, Corahs adopted the alternative brand name “St Michael.” This clever branding decision, likely influenced by Simon Marks in honor of his father and company co-founder, Michael Marks, helped cement a lasting legacy associated with high standards and quality.

By 1927, the St Michael name had made its debut, and by 1928 it was officially registered as a trademark. Initially, it was used exclusively for products from Corahs, but its success soon led to widespread adoption. By the mid-20th century, almost every item sold by Marks & Spencer bore the St Michael brand. This period marked an era where the St Michael name became a symbol of reliable, high-quality goods, ranging from clothing to household items, making it a beloved brand across generations.

Despite its discontinuation in 2000 as part of a broader rebranding strategy, the St Michael brand left an indelible mark on the retail world. Its legacy lived on through the “St Michael Quality Promise,” a testament to its enduring reputation. Fast forward to 2021, the brand experienced a resurgence, propelled by its growing popularity on vintage clothing resale websites. Marks & Spencer’s decision to reintroduce the St Michael brand speaks volumes about its timeless appeal and the nostalgic value it holds for consumers who cherish the quality and style of vintage St Michael products.

M&S St Michael Commercial

How to tell if St Michael is vintage from the logo

St Michael, a brand associated with Marks & Spencer, has a long history and its logo has evolved over the decades. The distinct changes in the logo designs can help in identifying the vintage era of the St Michael products. Here’s a detailed look at the different eras based on the logos provided.

1950s to 1980s St Michael logo

• The logo features the text “St Michael” in a bold, italicized script.
• The text is enclosed within a rectangular box that has a diagonal slant on the right side.
• The font used is quite classic and cursive, typical of mid-20th century design.
• This era’s logo often appears in black and white or sometimes in color versions depending on the product.

1980s to now St Michael logo

• The logo maintains the “St Michael” script text but introduces a more modern and cleaner look.
• The rectangular box surrounding the text is now more prominently angled, giving it a dynamic feel.
• The color scheme often includes a bold red text with a black outline, which was a popular choice in late 20th century design.
• The script is slightly more refined and less cursive, indicating a transition towards a more contemporary style.

How to tell if St Michael is vintage from the tags

St Michael, a brand by Marks & Spencer, has a rich history and its clothing tags have evolved significantly over the decades. The tags provide clues to the era of production, with each decade featuring distinct styles and details. Below is a guide to help identify vintage St Michael clothing by examining the tags.

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1950s vintage St Michael tags

• Simple rectangular tags with “St Michael” in cursive lettering.
• Frequently include the material composition and care instructions.
• Size indicators are typically straightforward, often presented in inches.

1960s vintage St Michael tags

• Tags are often rectangular with bold cursive “St Michael” branding.
• Material and size information included, with some variations in font and layout.
• Introduction of additional details such as “Made in Britain” on the tags.

1970s vintage St Michael tags

• More colorful tags, often incorporating orange and red elements.
• Bold “St Michael” logo, sometimes accompanied by specific material information.
• Tags may include size and fit information, often in inches and detailed format.

1980s vintage St Michael tags

• Variety in tag shapes and sizes, from rectangular to small square tags.
• Bold serif “St Michael” logo, often paired with detailed product information.
• More frequent use of care instructions and country of origin labels.

1990s vintage St Michael tags

• Tags often include the “Marks & Spencer” branding alongside “St Michael”.
• Detailed material compositions and care instructions.
• Size information typically presented in multiple measurement systems (e.g., UK, EU, US).

2000s vintage St Michael tags

• Modernized tags with a sleek look, maintaining the classic “St Michael” logo.
• Introduction of more detailed care labels and material breakdown.
• Size indicators are clear and often include international measurements.