Aprons Return to the Kitchen
By Marye Audet
Apron Rennaissance
Donna Reed wore an apron. Mrs. Cleaver wore an apron. All of the best t.v moms of the classic sit-coms wore aprons. Even pin-up girls wore aprons- and little else.
What is it about the humble apron that is so intriguing, so feminine, and so sexy while at the same time being so practical?
Whether you long for a bib apron with straps or a half apron with ruffles there is an apron for you. Aprons for men, aprons for women, aprons for children abound on the internet and are being snapped up in the thrift and antique shops. Aprons seem to be returning to the kitchen in droves.
 | Amazon Price: $6.99 List Price: $16.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $7.37 List Price: $16.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.50 List Price: $19.99 |
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Vintage Aprons
Vintage aprons hold a special place in people's hearts. They are often beautiful whether they are the everyday variety or made for a hostessing occasion.
Not surprisingly, many people are collecting these vintage aprons. They are often inexpensive, and can be displayed in a number of creative ways:
- Hanging on hooks or pegs
- Used as valences in the kitchen
- Make an indoor clothesline against a wall
- Hang on a door knob
- Sew into a plastic bag holder
- Use your imagination!
Stylish Aprons for the Mid-Century Homemaker
Aprons were at their stylish peak during the 40s and 50s. Prior to that they were a mostly utilitarian garment however during those years a homemaker often had one apron for working in the kitchen and one for actually serving the food. It was a sign that she was an experience homemaker, good at her job.
Aprons and Women's Lib
By the 60s aprons began to be seen as a symbol of the oppression of women and were relegated to chefs and men at the grill. Women began wiping their hands on their comfy jeans, and the towel that was on the counter or conveniently tucked into a back pocket. For most aprons were passe.
21st Century Popularity
In the past few years the resurgence of the popularity of aprons has been amazing. Maybe it is the desire to relive the graciousness and comfort of the American Dream of the mid century. Maybe it is because aprons are a great way to protect clothing. Maybe it is because they are just so darn cute!
Taking Care of Vintage Aprons
Vintage aprons should be hand washed in mild soap and hung to dry away from direct sunlight. Stains can be rubbed with a little lemon juice and then the apron left in the sun to dry. Rinse well and wash as suggested.
As far as being collectible, you can find vintage aprons all over the internet. eBay is one place that they can be inexpensively purchased:
Finding Vintage Aprons on the Internet
There are other great places to find these aprons. Thrift shops and garage sales, as well as Internet resources are full of one cute apron after another. Some of the best online resources are:
- Rick Rack Attack Home Page
Tons of vintage aprons in all styles, linen calendar towels and vintage tea towels. - Vintage Aprons from the Thirties, Forties, Fifties and Sixties at Ballyhoo Vintage Clothing
Vintage Aprons at Ballyhoo Vintage Clothing
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Darling Vintage Ticking Embroidered Apron "A Womans Work is Never Done!"
Current Bid: $16.00
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VINTAGE APRON SAMPLE ARTS & CRAFTS PATTERN CUTOUT / WAMSUTTA OTC
Current Bid: $24.95
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Vintage Apron with Quilted Panel- Front Pockets Floral Print Yellow/Orange/Green
Current Bid: $4.00
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Not Just Vintage Aprons
It isn't just vintage aprons that are being sought, though.
Aprons of all types are popular now. Funny aprons with humorous sayings, canvas aprons for men, and aprons for the Easy Bake Oven crowd. There are many cottage businesses that are providing aprons as fast as their sewing machines can go.
When you are choosing an apron consider how you cook and what your needs are. If you do a lot of baking then a full bib apron of a long wearing fabric like canvas is probably the best type for you. If you are cooking simple foods than a cut half apron may be what you are after.
Men who wear aprons when barbecuing often like the full canvas apron with funny sayings. These make great gifts for Father's Day!
Places to find aprons on the internet are:
Make a Denim Apron
Sew Your Own:Free Patterns for Aprons
Another way to get aprons is to sew them. You can use either vintage inspired fabric or any good quality cotton fabric. All of the big pattern companies make patterns for aprons of all styles.
You can also find free apron patterns online:
- Smock Apron Pattern
- Apron (butcher style)
pattern and instruction for making butcher style apron - craftygal table - Instructions for Making a Retro Kitchen Apron
Craftygal brings you fresh content on a broad range of crafting topics; encouraging self-expression through essays and articles covering craft instruction, recipes, interviews, and personal experiences. - Apron Tutorial - Jeans Apron #2
- Carryall Apron -Martha Stewart
Get crafty with Martha Stewart on marthastewart.com. Holiday and seasonal crafts, kids crafts, scrapbooking, knitting and needlework, templates and patterns, clip-art, crafty gifts, crafting ideas by technique and material, crafts how-to videos, and - : Valentine Apron 101
- Crocheted Apron
- Quilt Block Apron Pattern : Child
Free quilt block apron pattern for little girls featuring diamond quilt block bib, attached hand towel and pocket. Our own sewing pattern with fully illustrated instructions.
Check for Quality
Whether you are collecting vintage aprons or wearing vintage inspired aprons, owning them can be a lot of fun.
When buying any aprons always check the seams and the quality of the fabric. When you are unable to do so, for example when you buy online, be sure that you thoroughly understand the return policy of the seller. Using Paypal can benefit because if there is something wrong with the item you can dispute the payment.
Enjoy these colorful reminders of a simpler era!
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1 NEW SPUN POLY CRAFT / COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT KITCHEN BIB APRONS
Current Bid: $3.97
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1 NEW SPUN POLY CRAFT / COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT KITCHEN BIB APRONS
Current Bid: $3.97
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1 NEW SPUN POLY CRAFT / COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT KITCHEN BIB APRONS
Current Bid: $3.97
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1 NEW SPUN POLY CRAFT / COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT KITCHEN BIB APRONS
Current Bid: $3.97
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Comments
Unusual topic. My aprons are all utility models! Thanks for an entertaining hub.
What a cute Hub and a great idea! My mother-in-law wouldn't have been caught dead in the kitchen without an apron. I still have a couple of her aprons I refuse to get rid of. Personally, I have never used one, but probably should! lol
Great hub - I enjoy wearing my apron. I think it makes me feel more in control in the kitchen...more sure of myself, or something. ;) - Deb
I inherited some of my grandma's aprons and you're right about them being stylish -- her aprons are from the 40's and 50's and they are totally cool. My kids used to play house with them. They are priceless as far as I'm concerned and will be handed down to my daughters. (I myself have never used an apron, but sometimes after a stint in my kitchen before a party I look down and wish I did!) Very nice article, pics and video!
Super article. I wrote a short story hub entitled "The Apron"! They symbolize so much for women, both positive and negative. I think they are just darling. I collect vintage aprons.
I DIG aprons! This is cool, although I think that apron-making girl could have done better than a string for a waist tie. Even the seam of the jeans would be nicer.
My grandmother wore an apron everyday. Got up at 5:00 every morning. Had sausage,biscuits and gravy every morning and lived to be 100. Enjoyed your hub.
I love your hub. I made about five aprons for family members at Christmas. I used an apron that my granny wore as a pattern. They were a big hit with my aunts. I love preserving family history and heritage. I also have a clothes pin bag that my granny made before she passed away. I have also made one of those that I use when hanging clothes on the line to dry. I look forward to more postings on your hub.
Holly Hobbie
Wonderful Hub, thank you! Like a few comments before me, I too collect aprons, have for years. And I actually use them too. Your hub made me sit here and think of exactly why though.. what is it about this humble garment? I do feel more in control in the kitchen, though an apron also makes me feel more comfy in the kitchen. I feel sexy in an apron, (and at 50, trust me I have plenty on beneath it), but there's something about an apron.. my husband sneaking up behind me... MMmmm.. well, guess I have something else to think about now... thanks again Marye ~wink~
Wishing love and laughter
Very useful ideas...
Thanks!!
Very informative content. I can see you put a lot of thought and hard work into creating your hub. Hope it pays of for you.
I love aprons! Thank you!
The day I got married I started wearing aprons and that is probably, because I love to cook. I always get very massy in the kitchen. It protects my cloth from stains. Also handy for wiping your hands, when they get sticky from cooing with grease and suggar. Why I love aprons so much is that all my aprons have handy nifty pockets.
A refreshing and original writing. I like your topics, new and interesting for me. Thanks.
So funny that I've been thinking about getting an apron after moving into a new place with a nice, big kitchen that has inspired me to really cook. An apron seemed like the next step. LOL. Thanks for the info!
I also have a clothes pin bag that my granny made before she passed away. I have also made one of those that I use when hanging clothes on the line to dry. I look forward to more postings on your hub.
i have plenty of them with me , but they just keep hanging out there and i miss them most of time. wish i could use them some day
Funny! I collect vintage aprons. Love them
I love aprons! My mother never wears one--but she doesn't really ever cook. My mother in law always wore an apron. I started wearing aprons after ruining way too many of my favorite tops. Carrots seem the worst for staining.
Wonderful hub which has the best pics of apron that best suits all purpose you want to use it for.
Your hub is really great and I love to wear colorful aprons and love the above collection of aprons..:)
Truly the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly.
I always have aprons in my kitchen. I can't cook without wearing one. Thinking of buying new sexy aprons after reading your hub. Thanks.
Thanks for the great post..Nice
Love aprons! Great pictures:)
Good hub. Very entertaining and I am always looking for aprons.
Hope aprons catch on WorldWide, they look so homely.
Great hub and voted up.
dutch84 4 years ago
i just did a "suit and tie" hub...
I swear I wasn't copying your fashion editorial idea!
...just a coincidence.
By the way, great article!