In wanting pretty aprons, women of the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s were harking back to the 18th century, when aprons were a fashion accessory. Made of sheer linen, wool, or taffeta and worn with ribbons, embroidery, and ruffles, these garments were often included as part of a woman’s wedding attire.

In the 20th century, aprons reached the peak of their popularity during the 1950s, when available designs were endless: chintz, gingham, organdy, smocked, embroidered, stenciled, rickracked, even crocheted or knitted. Aprons shaped like kittens or pumpkins, aprons covered with sequins, or made of nylon net—all were worn daily by the mothers of baby boomers.

Most women made aprons only for their own use. But some, like Claudia McGraw of Black Mountain, North Carolina, were more industrious. One day in the early 1930s, Claudia hung some of the pretty aprons she’d made on the walls of her popular tearoom. She sold them all in a matter of hours. She began taking orders from customers and wealthy tourists, and was soon sewing dozens of aprons a month. When she sent some samples to a distributor in New York City, the response was overwhelming. For the next 15 years, Claudia made aprons full-time, assisted by as many as 12 employees. It’s said that Greta Garbo bought eight of Claudia’s aprons over the years, all in the same long, frilly, bibbed style.


Maybe you have seen or even own, one of Claudia's aprons. There are other apron makers out there too, if you know of others that are good share it with us. We'd love to hear about your aprons!