Caring for and Collecting Vintage Aprons

Vintage aprons are a fun and practical way to bring a touch of vintage to your life and wardrobe. Find out the history of aprons, where to buy vintage aprons, and how to care for vintage aprons!

I love to dress in a vintage-inspired way every day and that means lots of dresses and skirts. People often ask how I keep my dresses looking clean while doing chores and cooking each day, the answer for me is the same as it has been for generations, aprons!

I have been collecting vintage aprons for years now. I have at least a dozen at this point. I have them in all different colors. I love to pick one that matches my outfit and wear it while I do chores and cook meals. It keeps my outfit looking beautiful and most of mine have a pocket or two so it even adds extra pockets which is always nice while doing chores.

A Brief History of Aprons

Aprons have been used for centuries as a protective garment worn over clothing to keep them clean during cooking or other messy tasks. The word “apron” is derived from the Old French word “naperon,” which means a small tablecloth. The first recorded use of the term “apron” in English was in the 14th century.

During the Industrial Revolution, aprons became more standardized and were mass-produced for use in factories and other workplaces. These aprons were often made of lighter materials like cotton or polyester and were designed to be easily washed and reused.

In the mid-20th century, aprons became a popular fashion accessory, worn by women as a way to add color and style to their outfits. These aprons were often made of lighter fabrics like cotton or nylon and were decorated with patterns, embroidery, or applique.

Wearing Vintage Aprons

If you want to live more like a retro housewife you simply can’t forget about your apron. It will become a very important part of your daily uniform, just like the housewives of the mid-century.

Finding Vintage Aprons

I have found most of my vintage aprons at antique stores. You can often find them at thrift stores as well if you want to hunt for them. If you aren’t wanting to spend a lot of time searching a great option is Etsy.

I love to look for vintage aprons on Etsy because you can find some really unique ones without having to leave the house. You can also find new aprons that are in a vintage style if you’d prefer a new apron but still want the retro housewife feel.

Other stores to check out for vintage aprons, or vintage-inspired aprons, include-

You can also sometimes find vintage aprons at garage sales, on Facebook marketplace, or on eBay so be sure to keep your eye out if you are wanting to start a collection.

Vintage Apron Patterns

If you know how to sew you can do what many vintage housewives did and make your own vintage-inspired apron. There are a lot of great patterns out there. My sewing skills aren’t great but this is something I hope to try soon. Most of the patterns seem pretty simple.

These are some places to look for vintage apron patterns-

You can also learn more about sewing on Craftsy. I love Craftsy for learning vintage homemaking skills.

How to Care for Vintage Aprons

Vintage aprons require special care to maintain their condition and prevent damage. Here are some tips for taking care of vintage aprons:

Check the fabric: Before washing a vintage apron, check the fabric type and its condition. If the fabric is fragile or prone to tearing, it may not be suitable for machine washing. I have found that most of my cotton vintage aprons are strong enough for the gentle cycle.
Hand wash with mild detergent: For more delicate vintage aprons, it’s best to hand wash vintage aprons with a mild detergent in cool or lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents that can damage delicate fabrics or cause colors to fade.
Gently scrub stains: For stubborn stains, gently scrub the affected area with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that can cause discoloration.
Air dry: After washing, air dry vintage aprons by laying them flat on a clean, dry surface or on a clothesline. I love drying my vintage aprons on my clothesline, the photo above is some of my collections drying on my line. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can damage delicate fabrics.
Store carefully: Store vintage aprons in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding or creasing the fabric, as this can cause permanent wrinkles or damage to delicate fabrics.

By following these tips, you can help preserve the condition and lifespan of your vintage aprons for years to come.