Women’s Work Aprons of the 1840s and 1850s shown in photos. A Reference.

Early Photographic Images of American Women Wearing Aprons

Curious to understand how aprons were constructed and worn by American women in the mid-1800s, I have collected some example photographs and references. The second quarter of the 19th century – roughly 1830 to 1855 – interests me the most.

Following the earlier Regency fashions and preceding the hoop skirts and bustles later in the century, this pioneering era at the leading edge of the industrial revolution seems to be underappreciated by modern students of fashion history. In the mid-19th century, the aprons worn by working women were often of the “half-apron” style with the strings made long enough to wrap around and tie in the front. Smocks and over-shirts were worn over clothing as well, especially by men and boys. Pinafore type aprons also can be seen in use in this era.

Aprons: From fashion to function.

Pretty and practical throughout every era, aprons are used to protect the clothing of both women and men from dust and grime. Aprons are easier to wash and replace than larger or more complex (and therefore expensive) garments, and can be donned and doffed with relative ease.

Aprons have come in all shapes and sizes and different styles flourished at various points in time.  In addition to use as utilitarian garments, aprons have also served as fashionable accessories. Upper class English and French women of the 1700s wore ornately decorated white aprons as a means of conspicuous consumption rather than a genuine method protecting the wearer’s gown underneath. In the mid-20th century, “hostess aprons” were advertised to women as a way to protect and enhance an outfit when welcoming dinner guests to her table. Today, we still wear aprons in largely the same form as they have existed for the last 300 years, though now for function instead of fashion.

Wouldn’t that be something to see aprons walking down the catwalk or to the opera like they once were? They say all fashion trends are recycled. I’ll continue to look for beauty in the practical attire of ordinary women.

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Learn more about the clothing of ordinary 19th Century Women

Snarky skincare advice for backwoods women [Mid-19th Century Sunbonnets, Part 1]

Romanticized Myth or Pioneering Reality? [Mid-19th Century Sunbonnets, Part 2]

6 Reasons Why This Historic Photo of St. Louis is Amazing [Mid-19th Century Sunbonnets, Part 3]

Dress Fabrics of the 1830’s, 1840’s and 1850’s: A Reference.

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Find more example images in my Pinterest Collections

Much more exists online than what is public domain or creative commons. Check my Pinterest boards. There you’ll find links to additional images that I’ve collected.