18th Century Blue Aprons

Last updated: Aug 30, 2025

This page focuses on blue aprons worn by men and women in the 18th century. These are largely working-class aprons, presumably in linen or occasionally in wool (as the descriptions below indicate); they seem to be associated with housework and other trades & occupations, especially noted in the text descriptions.

Finer silk aprons also appear in blue, like MFA 43.1036, but these are beyond the scope of these notes.

This passage from Hannah Hewit: or, the female Crusoe uses different styles of aprons as metonymy to describe social strata:

Thus was the church-yard of a Sunday, just after the parson had admonished his parishioners, and charged them not to slander their neighbours, filled with sarcastic rustics making satirical remarks; and thus it went, in gradation, all the way up from the washerwoman to the squire’s lady. The blue apron envied the check, the check the holland, the holland the plain muslin, the plain muslin the sprigged, the sprigged the flounced, the flounced the gauze, and the gauze the blond lace. What does this say more than that human nature is human nature in all stations; and that, however, the other qualities of mankind may fluctuate and vary, envy is always stationary.

Evidence for blue linen aprons

Fries Museum T11025, first half of the 18th century
“Emanuel Pim, was indicted for; breaking and entring the House of William Wayte, and stealing 2 Shirts, a Sheet, a Smock, a Blue Apron, and 3 Handkerchiefs, November 4, in the Night.
Joan Wayte . I hung up some Linnen to dry in my Room below Stairs. I went out between 8 and 9 at Night, and shut my Door after me; but when I returned, which was in about half an Hour, my Door was open, and the Linnen was gone.
Edward Lawrence, Constable. Going by a suspected House, I listened at the Window, and over-heard this Boy, Will. Bear, tell his Mother that he had got a Shirt, and a Shift. I went in and apprehended him. He presently offer'd to discover his Accomplices. As I was going with him to Justice Lade, we came to a House where he said the Prisoner lived with a Woman that past for his Wife. I went in and found the Prisoner and the other Shirt, a Shift, and a Blue Apron; the Prisoner said he found those Goods.
Will. Bear. On Monday Night I met the Prisoner in Paul's Church-yard, he asked me to go with him, and so we went to this House where we saw some Linnen hanging to dry. There was a half Hatch bolted with 2 Bolts. He unbolted them both, but he was forced to hoist himself up and lean over the Hatch to reach the lower Bolt. Then he went in and brought out 2 Shirts, a Shift, a Sheet, 3 Linnen Handkerchiefs, and a Blue Apron.” (OBP, December 4, 1734)
“Mary Thompson, of St. Martins in the Fields, was indicted for stealing a Linnen Apron, value 6 d the Goods of Ann Branson , and 45 s. the Money of Wm Standbank, Dec. 14 …
Ann Branson. I am Standbank’s House-keeper. The Prisoner being a poor Creature, I did what I could to help her, and she now and then did a Jobb for me about the House. The 14th of Dec. I went out, and when I came home the Money was gone. I had wrapped it up in a blue Apron, and laid it up in a Cupboard. I enquired after her and found her out; I carried her before Justice Hilder, with the blue Apron upon her.
The Prisoner said in her Defence, her Husband came and asked her to go out and take a Dram; and being in haste, she took the Apron to tye about her before she went out.” (OBP, January 15, 1736)
“Ann Beezly, of St. Giles’s in the Fields, was indicted for stealing … a Linnen Apron, value 18 d. …
Ann Birch. My Husband dy’d on the 12th Day of last Month; I took the Prisoner to help me in the House as a Chair-Woman, and she robbed me of what I had, and left me sick in Bed. She took away with her … a blue Apron” (OBP, October 11, 1738)
“Philadelphia, November 29. 1750. RUn away the 18th inſt from Benjamin Sharpleſs, of Middletown, Cheſter county, a Dutch ſervant woman, named Chriſtiana Treaſury, about 21 years of age, middling tall, of a ſandy complexion, ſpeaks little Engliſh: Had on when ſhe went away, a Dutch callicoe cap, with a black lace border, a black jacket, without ſkirts, long ſleeves, and green bodyce, with pewter hooks down before, laced with a red lace, a blue linnen apron, ſhort blue petticoat, white linnen ſtockings, high heel’d ſhoes, with ſmall buckles. Whoever takes up the ſaid ſervant, and ſecures her, ſo that her maſter may have her again, ſhall have Forty Shillings reward, paid by Benjamin Sharpless. (Pennsylvania Gazette, November 29, 1750)
“RUN away, about the middle of July laſt, from the ſubſcriber, of Leacock townſhip, Lancaſter county, an Iriſh ſervant woman, named Elizabeth Sampford or Dunbar; ſhe is a luſty well ſet woman, ſlow of ſpeech, about 34 years of age, and has black hair: Had on when ſhe went away, a ſtriped linſey petticoat, a bed gown, and an old red quilted petticoat. Whoever takes up and ſecures ſaid ſervant, ſo as her maſter may have her again, ſhall have a Piſtole reward, and reaſonable charges, paid by me Jeremiah Job.” (The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 9, 1756)
“Charles Ashman was indicted for stealing one linen shirt, value 2 s. one linen apron, value 6 d. … Some time after, in January, the apron was found on him. I was not present when he was stopped. I brought him home; he had that blue apron on him, which is marked with the initial letters of my name.” (OBP, February 20, 1771)
“MARY JAMES and MARY COLD were indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Robert Tallworthy, on the 15th of May about the hour of eleven in the night, and stealing … a blue linen apron, value 6 d.” (OBP, May 19, 1779)
“ELISABETH HUMPHREYS was indicted for stealing a blue linen apron, value 1 s.” (OBP, June 28, 1780
“ROSE FLOOD was indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 14th day of August last, one blue linen apron, value 6 d.” (OBP, September 9, 1789)

Evidence for blue wool aprons

“Joseph Barter and Sarah Barter, were indicted for stealing two Spoons, value 2 d. and a Blue woollen Apron, value 2 d. the Goods of Thomas Marshal” (OBP, June 28, 1733)
“she had a blue woollen apron” (OBP, October 12, 1748)
“Dorothy Jukes. My husband’s name is John: we keep a public house in Shoreditch: the two prisoners came to my house about the beginning of November, and asked for work: they said they were hungry: I bought a spade of them for 18 d. they pulled out a crust, and I gave them some cheese. Barnfield went down into the yard, where I had hung out a piece of blue baize. When they were gone, Mr. Simonds and Mr. Lyon came, and asked me if I had not lost my ironing cloth. I looked, and missed the baize. I went with him to Mr. Simonds's house; there were the two prisoners. Barnfield owned he took it, and said he did it to make him an apron.” (OBP, December 11, 1765
“WILLIAM GORBELL and WILLIAM EASDON, otherwise PLUMB, were indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Margaret Fisher, widow, on the 29th of January about the hour of one in the night, and stealing … a blue woollen apron, value one shilling” (OBP, February 21, 1776)
“ELIZABETH BLAND was indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 23d day of June last, one pair of woman’s stays, value 6 s. one linen shift, value 4 s. one woollen apron, value 18 d. one cap, value 2 s. the property of Elizabeth King.
JANE MOORE sworn.
I live in Whitecross-street, the prisoner at the bar pledged these things with me, the 22d, 23d, and 24th of July, I know her a little while before, she pledged them in the name of Elizabeth Blake, here is a pair of stays, a blue apron, a shift, and a cap.” (OBP, September 14, 1785)
“MARTHA GRANT sworn. I am a servant to Mrs. Wheeler, the kitchen maid there. I can swear to the blue flannel apron …
LUCY ROSS sworn. Here is a blue woollen apron found at your house, of whom did you buy it? - I bought it of the woman prisoner, and gave her a groat for it.” (OBP, September 15, 1790)
“RUN AWAY from her maſter, JOAN QUANT, a pariſh apprentice, about 11 years of age, wore away a brown jump, and a blue woollen apron; ſhe went off the 27th of November laſt from her maſter, Mr. James Pike, of Bridgetown, near Totnes.” (The Western Flying Post, December 24, 1792)

Blue aprons on butchers

“He had grey Cloaths on then, and a blue Apron; and the other had the same Cloaths he has now, and a blue Apron … the Prisoners [Griffith Merrick and John Davis] came up in blue Aprons, as if they had been Poulterers” (OBP, June 29, 1743)
The Female Bruisers by John Collet, 1768
“EIGHT POUNDS Reward. RUN AWAY from the ſubſcribers, living in Baltimore county, within fifteen miles of Baltimore town, near to the Garriſon Church, province of Maryland --- Two convict ſervant men … The other named WILLIAM BROWN, an Engliſhman, though talks much on the Iriſh brogue, is of a light complexion, full faced, is about five feet eleven inches high, about thirty years old, is a butcher by trade, has got his blue apron and ſteel with him” (The Pennsylvania Journal, September 13, 1770)
A butcher’s boy in Slight of Hand by a Monkey – or the Lady’s Head Unloaded, 1776
“That’s impoſſible, ſir, for I can’t change my dreſs in leſs than an hour. I am firſt a houſe-painter, and the ſame coat, with the addition of a blue apron and a greaſy night-cap, ſerves me for a butcher.” (The Humours of an Election: A Farce, 1780)
Female Influence; or, the Devons—e Canvas, 1784
“[John] Cone is about 23 years old, five feet nine inches high, of a pale complexion, long viſaged, with black curled hair; was dreſſed in a blue frock, a brown great coat, blue apron, botts, and a round hat; was born at Hſleworth, in Suffolk, and is by trade a Butcher.” (The Newcastle Weekly Courant, February 19, 1785)
Advice to the Electors of Westminster, or the Case as it is, 1790
The Prospect Before Us, 1791
Lord B— Boxing a Butcher at Brighton, 1791
“Abſconded from her Maſter’s ſervice, on Wedneſday the 10th of Auguſt, MARY NOON, apprentice to Thomas Sanderſon, Butcher, High-ſtreet, Leiceſter; ſhe is about 16 years of age, freſh complexion; had on, when ſhe went away, a light drab gown, dark drab petticoat, plaid handkerchief, cap with blue ribbon, blue apron, and without a hat.” (Leicester Journal, August 19, 1791)
Content and Discontent, 1792
I Von’t take a Farden less
Market Day, 1796
“William Lancaſter, the notorious highwayman, who was examined at Bow-ſtreet laſt week, on ſuſpicion of having robbed Lord Borringdon on Wimbledon Common, but who was diſcharged on account of his perſon not being identified, was on Tueſday evening laſt ſhot dead on Finchley Common by Lord Strathmore. After ſtopping the poſt-chaiſe-driver, he proceded to the window of the chaiſe, and ſnapped his pſtol, at him, which was pointed in at the window; but luckily miſſing fire, his Lordſhip that inſtant diſcharged the contents of his piſtol at him, which pierced his throat, of which wound he died in a few minutes after. He had diſguiſed himſelf in a Welch wig, and had on a blue apron, reſembling a butcher in appearance.” (The Bath Journal, February 6, 1797)
London Correſponding Society alarm’d, 1798
Monmouth Street Mutton, 1798

Blue aprons on curriers

Per Johnson, a currier is “one who dreſſes and pares leather for thoſe who make shoes, or other things.”

“ESCAPED from JUSTICE, HERMAN ANNING, an apprentice to Edward Hodge, of Colyton, in the county of Devon, currier: About five feet three inches high, pale complexion, dark ſtraight hair, and aged about 19; wore a round hat, dark blue coat, much worn, with white buttons, dark drab-coloured cloth waiſtcoat, leather breeches, blue apron, light worſted ſtockings, and caſed buckles.” (The Western Flying Post, October 18, 1784)
“RUN-AWAY HUSBANDS. WHEREAS the following Perſons have abſconded, and left their Families chargeable to the Town of Leeds, viz. BENJAMIN COLLINSON, by Trade a Currier, about 23 or 24 Years of Age, a ſlender Man, about five Feet three Inches high, is thin faced, fair Complexion, light coloured Hair, and light-grey Eyes; had on when he went off, an olive-coloured Coat, a blue Waiſtcoat, and a blue Apron.” (The Leeds Intelligencer and Yorkshire General Advertiser, February 7, 1786)

Blue aprons on domestic servants

A Woman and a Fish-pedlar in a Kitchen by Willem van Mieris, 1713
The Pot-Boy, c. 1720
From the album of Johann Franz Hörmannsperger, 1736: servants bringing beverages in Lustig und Frölich inß Gemein and Lustig wohl auf, Musicanten streichts drauf
The Water Cistern by Jean-Siméon Chardin, 1733 or later (possibly 1737-9)
The Woman Drawing Water at the Cistern by Jean-Siméon Chardin, c. 1733-1739
Servant Returning from the Market by Jean-Siméon Chardin, 1738
“RUN away on the 14th of March paſt, from David Niven of Mill-Creek Hundred in New-Caſtle County, an Iriſh Servant Woman, named Mary Aloan, aged about 26 Years, ſhort and well-ſet, of a ſwarthy Complexion, ſomething long-viſag’d, with grey Eyes: Had on when ſhe went away, a new linſey Gown ſtrip’d with black, blue, and white Stripes, a blue Apron, new Shoes and Stockings, Whoever ſecures the ſaid Servant ſo that ſhe may be had again, ſhall have Fort Shillings Reward and reaſonable Charges paid by David Niven.” (The Pennsylvania Gazette, April 13, 1738)
Saying Grace by Jean-Siméon Chardin, 1740
“Philadelphia, November 29. 1750. RUn away the 18th inſt from Benjamin Sharpleſs, of Middletown, Cheſter county, a Dutch ſervant woman, named Chriſtiana Treaſury, about 21 years of age, middling tall, of a ſandy complexion, ſpeaks little Engliſh: Had on when ſhe went away, a Dutch callicoe cap, with a black lace border, a black jacket, without ſkirts, long ſleeves, and green bodyce, with pewter hooks down before, laced with a red lace, a blue linnen apron, ſhort blue petticoat, white linnen ſtockings, high heel’d ſhoes, with ſmall buckles. Whoever takes up the ſaid ſervant, and ſecures her, ſo that her maſter may have her again, ſhall have Forty Shillings reward, paid by Benjamin Sharpless. (Pennsylvania Gazette, November 29, 1750)
“RUN away, on the 19th of laſt month, from the ſubſcriber, living in Saliſbury townſhip, Lancaſter county, two ſervants, viz. a man and his wife … The woman is named Chriſtiana, a Dutch woman, about 23 years of age, and of a brown complexion: Had on a Dutch cap, black worſted and wool jacket and petticoat, a grey petticoat, a narrow ſtriped bed gown, a blue apron, and half worn ſhoes without ſtockings” (The Pennsylvania Gazette, August 12, 1756)
Susan Carrol by Paul Sandby, c. 1752-1780
A London potboy by Louis Philippe Boitard, 1759
The Kitchen by Willem Joseph Laquy, c. 1760-1771
In the Painter’s Studio by Jan Josef Horemans II

Blue aprons on dyers

“[Joseph Vialls.] I had a blue apron on … I am a Scowerer, and Dyer, by trade” (OBP, July 11, 1759)
“I thought, and the person thought, that he had a blue, or a green apron, and thought he was a dyer.” (OBP, July 3, 1771)

Blue aprons on gardeners

“RAN away from the Subſcriber, living in Annapolis, a Servant Man, named Henry Day, a Gardener by Trade, is a well-ſet Man, of a fair Complexion, about 5 Feet 8 Inches high: Had on when he went away, a dark coloured Bearſkin Coat, with Metal Buttons, a blue Cloth Waiſtcoat, a Pair of Country-made Buckſkin Breeches, with Metal Buttons, a Check Shirt, a blue Gardener’s Apron, and is otherwiſe well cloathed. He is much addicted to Liquor, is a bold impudent Fellow, and has been in the Army: But may be eaſily known, if ſearched, as he has a ſmall Rupture in his Groin, but on which Side, is uncertain. Whoever takes up the ſaid Servant, commits him to Priſon, and ſends Word thereof to his Maſter, ſhall have what the Law allows. William Thornton.” (Maryland Gazette, March 26, 1752)
Bob Nunn, one of the Duke’s gardeners at the Great Lodge by Paul Sandby, c. 1752-1765
“Q. Did Kidden describe Blee to you?
Cooper. He said we might find him by his dress, that he had got a blue apron on like a gardener, a blue coat, and a carroty beard …
Q. from Berry. What colour’d apron had you on?
Blee. I believe it was a blue apron, I have worn divers sorts.” (OBP, June 3, 1756)
“The ſuſpected Thief is a Man about 25 Years of Age, light curled Hair, was dreſſed in light coloured Cloathing and a blue Apron, pretending to be a Gardner.” (The Public Advertiser, April 23, 1765)
“APPRENTICE ABSCONDED. WHEREAS JOSEPH PEACH, Apprentice to Thomas Purſeglove, Gardener, in St. Peter’s Pariſh, Derby, ran way from his ſaid Maſter, on Monday the 28th of July laſt, and has not ſince been heard of. He is about 13 Years of Age, ſtrong and well made; a red Mark under his right Eye, and a Scar under the left Side of his Chin. He wore his own Flaxen Hair, and had on a dark brown Waiſtcoat with Sleeves, and a white Flannel Waiſtcoat under, and Leather Breeches; with a blue Gardener’s Apron round him.” (The Derby Mercury, Friday, August 1, 1777)
“a gardener, who was emptying ſome weeds out of his blue apron upon the dunghill” (The Adventures of a Pincushion, 1788)
“WILLIAM CADDICK was indicted for feloniously assaulting Mary Ann Rowe, on the King’s highway, on the 20th of December last, and putting her in fear and danger of her life, and feloniously taking from her person, and against her will, a silk handkerchief, value 6 d. a linen handkerchief, value 3 d. a woollen apron, value 3 d. … The prisoner came to our house, and called me down stairs, and told me he came from my father, who had sent him to tell me to get two handkerchiefs, and a cloth, and a blue apron. My father is a gardener.” (OBP, January 14, 1789)
“LEFT his maſter’s ſervice, a few days ſnice, in a very abrupt manner, One ELIAS NEWBERRY, a gardener. He has carried away with him monies not belonging to him. He had on, when he went away, an old-faſhioned long-waiſted dark drab coat, a white kind of waiſtcoat, and ribbed fuſtian breeches, much worn, and a blut gardener’s apron.” (The Western Flying Post, February 13, 1792)
“WANDERED, From his Father’s houſe, at the King’s Stables, foot of the Caſtle, on Thurſday night laſt, JAMES ANDERSON, a Young Man, a little deranged in his mind. He had on a bottle-green coat, much wore, ſtripped veſt, round hat, and a gardener’s blue apron. He is about five feet high, twenty-ſix years of age, black complexion, and his beard had not been ſhaven for ſome time. — Information concerning him will be thankfully received by his diſconſolate parants, and all expences paid. Addreſs to William Anderſon, currier, foot of the Caſtle.” (The Edinburgh Advertiser, December 24, 1799)

Blue aprons on market and street vendors

The Vegetable Seller by Pieter Angillis, c. 1725-1728
Vegetable Seller, Covent Garden by Pieter Angillis, c. 1726
Covent Garden by Pieter Angillis, c. 1726
Old Covent Garden by Joseph van Aken, 1725-1730
Covent Garden Piazza and Market, London by Joseph van Aken, 1726-1730
The Old Stocks Market by Joseph van Aken
A milkmaid in The Distressed Poet by William Hogarth, 1733-1735
Covent Garden Market by Balthazar Nebot, 1737 (Tate/Guildhall/Christie’s)
London Cries: A tinker, Black Heart Cherries, two women holding a basket, and an oyster seller by Paul Sandby, c. 1759; possibly also Milk above or Milk below and Pretty little toys for Girls and Boys
The Grote Markt at The Hague by Paulus Constantijn La Fargue, 1760
“Tho' neither in ſilks nor in ſattins I’m ſeen, / My garb, if but homely, is wholeſome and clean; / An apron of blue, with a plain ruſſet gown, / And ſpotted ſilk handkerchief, all are my own; / For which with the fruits of my labour I pay, / And that is much more than my betters can ſay.” (The Happy Milk-Maid, Sung by Miſs Milne, at Vauxhall)

Blue aprons on publicans

Francis Grose’s Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1785) shares a few terms that demonstrate how ubiquitous blue aprons were among English publicans of the 18th century:

Admiral of the blue, who carries his flag on his mainmaſt, a landlord or publican wearing a blue apron; as was formerly the cuſtom among gentlemen of that vocation.

Blue flag, he has hoiſted the blue flag, he has commenced publican, or taken a public houſe; alluding the blue aprons worn by publicans.

(H/T Adam Hodges-LeClaire)

Hob Selling Beer at the Wake by John Laguerre, c. 1725
“There was the other Pressoner [Jeremy] Fitzpatrick, a sitting upon a Pench py the Fire, with a plue Apron on … Fitzpatrick put on a blue Apron, which I never saw him wear before, but I suppose he did it, that he might pass for the Landlord of the House … And ash for my wearing a blue Apron, if you pleash to be after ashking any Body that knowsh it, they will tell you that I kept an Ale-house twelve Yearsh ago, but meeting with Mishfortunes, I wash forsh’d to leave it off, and turn Merchant.” (OBP, March 2, 1726)
“Francis Baggonett of St. Martin’s in the Fields, was indicted for assaulting Mary Barber in the dwelling house of the said Francis, putting her in fear …
Mary Barber. On the 12th of November about four o'clock in the afternoon, I was going by the White Lion Tavern in the Strand, the Prisoner was standing at the door with a blue apron on” (OBP, January 16, 1745)
A Victualler or Publican, Erected out of his own Implements without y^e Aſsistance of Nature, 1746
“A few Days ſince a Lad belonging to a Hatter in Popping’s-Alley, Fleet-Street, being ſent with a Hat to a Waiter at the Roſe in Cheapſide, was met at the Door by a Gentleman of the Profeſſion, properly equipped in a blue Apron, &c.” (Jackson’s Oxford Journal, November 2, 1754)
An Election Entertainment by William Hogarth, 1754-55
“But my Mother’s Circumſtances being much on the Decline, and being tratable that Way, I from time to time began to aſſiſt her occaſionally in the public Houſe, till at length I put on my blue Apron and my Snuffers, waſhed Mops, cleaned Rooms, and in one Word, became a profeſſed and common Drawer.” (George Whitefield, The Two First Parts of His Life, 1756)
A serving boy in the background of a Tavern Interior by John S C Schaak, 1762
“RUN-away, from Patrick Kannidy, Victular, living on Society-Hill: A Servant Lad, about 20 or 22 Years of age, a ſhort, thick, well ſet fellow, with browniſh curly hair, about 5 feet high, is marked a little with the Small-Pox; had on when he went away, an half-worn blue Cloth Coat, a ſhort brown Waiſt-Coat without Sleeves, a pair of Buckskin Breeches, a check Shirt, a Pair of blue Stockings, and a Pair of light coloured ditto, a Pair of half-worn Shoes; it is ſpppoſed he has a Pair of Silver-Buckles, an old Beaver Hat, a little greaſy, a ſtriped croſs-barred red and white ſilk Handkerchief; is pretty much given to Talk and Company-keeping --- He lately came from Ireland, and goes by the name of Michal Magerney:-- He is Butcher by Trade:--- He took with him a blue Apron, a Knife and Steel to ſharpen.” (The Pennsylvania Journal, May 5, 1763)
“The woman who cohabited with another woman, lately deceaſed, 36 years, as her huſband, and kept a public-houſe at Poplar a great part of that time, but retired from thence laſt Saturday ſe’ennight, on account of the diſcovery made of her ſex, returned to that pariſh laſt Thurſday, accompanied by a gentleman to ſettle her affairs, in order to quit the buſineſs. She was dreſſed in a riding habit, with a black hat and feather: ſo that her acquaintance could hardly believe her to be the ſame perſon, ſhe having generally appeared in an old man’s coat, woolen cap, blue apron, &c.” (Annual Register for the Year 1766)
“Charles Ashman was indicted for stealing … one linen apron, value 6 d. …
Thomas Vaughan. I am waiter at the Crooked Billet, Kingsland Road. The house takes in travellers to lodge … in January, the apron was found on [Ashman]. I was not present when he was stopped. I brought him home; he had that blue apron on him, which is marked with the initial letters of my name.” (ODB, February 20, 1771)
The publican at the Cocks tavern in Billingsgate Triumphant, or Poll Dab a Match for the Frenchman, 1775
A man pointing at dancers on the green before an inn by John Collet
“It was the cuſtom of all who loved a cheerful glaſs, to adjourn to the tavern ſoon after dinner, and leave the more ſober folks to themſelves. Here a waiter in a blue apron attended (as was the faſhion then) and all things in the room were contrived ſo as to humor the illuſion.” (Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser, July 21, 1785; from an anecdote about Mr. Thomas Mathew in Tipperary, Ireland, from Sheridan’s Life of Swift)
“GEORGE WOOD sworn. I keep the Black horse in Kingsland-road. I missed a work basket in which was a bit of tape, the string of my blue apron, which I knew.” (OBP, February 24, 1790)
At the Inn Door by Henry Singleton, 4th quarter 18th century-pre 1839 (also The Ale-House Door: “Come my Dear! I’ll pledge you!” 1790); some photos of this painting show a greener color on the apron, like this version from The Dress of the People: Everyday Fashion in Eighteenth-Century England

Additional depictions & descriptions of men in blue aprons

From the album of Johann Franz Hörmannsperger, 1736: Mein Schönes Frauenzimmer Hier Habens ein Schöne Döcken, Was Befelchen sie mein Herr Officier und Herr Caporal
The House of Cards by Jean-Siméon Chardin, probably 1737
“I saw the Prisoner [Samuel Booker] drop a Snuff-colour’d Coat, and a Brown Waistcoat … he threw them out of a blue Apron he had on.” (OBP, December 8, 1742)
The Tooth Puller by Pietro Longhi, 1746
“I was at Crouch-end the 6th Day of May, these People came down very much frighten’d, the two Women, and said, they were robbed; I said what manner of Person was it that robbed you; they said, he is a Man with a blue grey Coat, a red Cap, and blue Apron.” (OBP, June 4, 1747)
“One of them (the Perſon who committed the Murder) is a ſlight-made, tall, pall-faced young Man, who wore his own Black Hair, and had on a Blue-grey Coat, with White-metal Buttons, and a Blue Apron ty’d round him” (The Gloucester Journal, February 11, 1752)
“WHEREAS, on the 7th Day of this Inſtant April, a pack of PINIONS, in a Pack-cloth marked with the letters J.S. was delivered, from the Houſe of John Purnell, known by the Sign of the Lamb, in Tetbury, to a lad, about 17 or 18 Years of Age, who had on a Light-coloured Cloth Coat, and a Blue Apron tied with Red Cloth Strings” (The Gloucester Journal, April 24, 1753)
“he had a blue apron on, which he said belong’d to his wife, and upon observing it, it appeared to be double and was a bag.” (OBP, September 6, 1753)
Canvassing for Votes by William Hogarth, 1754-55
Broken Eggs by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, 1756
“DESERTED From the 60th Regiment of Foot, commanded by Robret Anſtruther, Eſq; and from a Recruiting Party of the ſaid Regiment, at Bridgwater in Somerſetſshire: THOMAS FREEMAN, 28 Years of Age, Five Feet and Seven Inches high, dark brown Complexion, brown Hair, had on a blue Coat and blue Apron; was born at Minehead in the ſaid County, enliſted at Bridgwater aforeſaid, and deſerted thense the ſeventh day of September, 1756” (The Western Flying Post, September 20, 1756)
London Cries: A Fishmonger by Paul Sandby, c. 1759
“Whereas BENJAMIN SCHOFIELD (Apprentice to Mr. Joseph Bilton, of Eddercliff, near Leedes,) made his Eſcape out of a Window in his ſaid Maſter’s Houſe … He is about eighteen Years of Age, very tall and ſtraight, of a ruddy Complexion, thick Lips, and very ſtraight Hair; had on when he made his Eſcape, a drab Coat with white Metal Buttons, a blue Apron, and leather Breeches.” (The Leeds Intelligencer and Yorkshire General Advertiser, January 20, 1761)
“WHEREAS Mary Smith was taken Eaſter Sunday in Man’s Cloaths in an open Barn, in the Pariſh of Layton, and ſtands now committed to Barking for ſtealing the Wigs of a Gentleman’s Faily, and for further Examination at the Petty Seſſions at Ilford Saturday the 18th Inſtant: She is about 23 Years of Age, about five Feet high, not ſlight made for a Woman, much pitted with the Small-pox, a Scar in her Forehead, had on a Man’s Hat, a grizzle Wig, blue-grey Coat, Leather Breeches, and a Drawer’s blue Apron, and black Stockings” (The Public Advertiser, April 3, 1761)
“He told me a gentleman of a middle size, in a light-coloured coat and a blue apron” (OBP, April 13, 1768)
“He pointed to him with his bloody hand, and said, That is the man in the blue apron. It being candle light, he said presently after, I beg pardon, Mr. Spinnage, it is the man in a green apron. (The prisoner had a green apron on.) Blue and green are very easily mistaken for each other by candlelight.” (OBP, April 5, 1769)
“he had a red waistcoat and blue apron on, and I believe a light coloured coat” (OBP, September 8, 1773)
“HENRY HAWES, commonly known by the name of DUNNY PEGG, by trade a Brick-maker, about five feet ſeven inches high, between 20 and 30 years of age, freſh coloured, brown lank hair, is rather hard of hearing, born in Drum Lane, Brentford, was dreſſed in a brown coat, white ſwanſkin waistcoat, and blue apron; has worked in the brick fields at Battle-Bridge, Kingſland, Hoxton, and Hackney.” (The Newcastle Weekly Courant, September 24, 1774)
“the prisoner who was before me [William Harrison], had it in a blue apron that was tied before him” (OBP, April 26, 1775)
“my neighbours then came up, and some of them searching about found a blue apron near the place where Johnson lay at, with my things in it. I said, if they were my things, they were six shirts and six handkerchiefs; it was opened, and the things were found in it … When he was in the shop before, I observed he had a blue apron tied round him (a blue apron shewn her). It was like that” (OBP, October 18, 1775)
“A fine Deception was put on the Preſs-gang at Darlington a few Days ago: About eight or ten jolly Tars, who had to paſs through that Place, being apprehenſive of being impreſſed, applied to ſome Heavers of teh Shuttle (whom they met with at a Public Houſe at the Out-ſkirts of the Town) to change Cloaths, which for a Pot or two of Stingo was ſoon agreed to, and the honeſt Tars, thus equipped with blue Aprons, &c. ſteered their Courſe through the Town, and paſſed the Gang, who had not the leaſt Suſpicion of their crafty Brethren.” (The Public Advertiser, August 12, 1778)
A Carpenter by Pehr Hilleström
The encampment at Montagu House by Paul Sandby, 1780
“I am sure the man brought back is the same person that jumped out of the window: he had a brown coat and a blue apron: when he jumped out of the window, he looked up, and I saw his face.” (OBP, September 12, 1781)
“I ran after him, and took him with the firkin of butter, and held him till the officer came to assist me; I took him to my master’s house, he rested on a post, he was tying round his blue apron as I suppose to hide it” (OBP, January 9, 1782)
“As I was at work for Mr. Dear, my mistress told us to pursue after the great coat, it was taken away. I and another man went towards Newington; I enquired of a man that I met, whether he saw a man, he said no; I was going over the bridge, and saw this man with the great coat wrapped in his blue apron, under his arm” (OBP, January 9, 1782)
“I saw the prisoner take one loin of mutton, and part of another loin, two breasts of mutton, two joints of beef, and one pound of suet from the shop, and tied them up in his apron … the meat was tied up as tight as it was possible for a man’s apron to be tied up … I found this meat tied up in a blue apron almost at the parlour-door; he said he did not mean to take it, he put it there to keep it clean; it was tied very tight.” (OBP, February 22, 1786)
“I did not particularly notice his face, but I saw he had a blue apron on” (OBP, September 12, 1787)
“I saw the prisoner Vandebus come out of Mr. Seabrook’s yard with a bundle in a blue apron, and part of a green skirt hanging out” (OBP, September 12, 1787)
“he had a blue coat on, a flannel waistcoat, and a blue apron wrapped round his body” (OBP, October 24, 1787)
“he was stopped, and brought back with the clock in his apron; he had a blue apron on.” (OBP, May 7, 1788)
“[John] Reed is about five feet ten inches high, with dark long brown hair, and is ſtrong built; had on a dark brown coat, with round buttons, printed linen waiſtcoat, and a blue woollen apron.” (The Bath Chronicle, August 30, 1792)
“RAN-A-WAY From Fleckney, in the County of Leiceſter, on the 13th of May Inſtant, ROBERT DEACON, Frame-work-knitter. He is about 5 Feet 9 Inches high, freſh Complexion; had on when he went away, light coloured Coat, red Waiſtcoat, blue Apron, light ſtriped Breeches, round Hat, Buckle and Band, Shoe Strings.” (Leicester Journal, May 17, 1799)

Additional depictions & descriptions of women in blue aprons

The Pancake Woman by Willem van Mieris, c. 1710-1719
A Grocer’s Shop by Willem van Mieris, 1717
The Spinner by Willem van Mieris
“Mary Jones, of St. James Garlickhith, was indicted for breaking open the Dwelling House of Elizabeth Foster in the Day time, no body being therein, and taking thence … a Sarsenet Hood, a Kenting Hood and a Blue Apron, the Goods of the said Elizabeth Foster” (OBP, March 3, 1720)
“The Prisoner [Elizabeth Field] open’d the Door with a Picklock-Key, took the Goods, put some of them in a small Bag, and ty’d the rest up in a large Blue Apron of hers” (OBP, October 11, 1721)
Little Beggar Girl and Woman Spinning by Giacomo Ceruti, 1720s
Women Working on Pillow Lace by Giacomo Ceruti, 1720s
Interior with a Mother Attending her Children by Willem van Mieris, 1728
From the album of Johann Franz Hörmannsperger, 1736: Mein Schönes Frauenzimmer Hier Habens ein Schöne Döcken
Workshop interior by Jan Josef Horemans I
A woman carrying a basket in Castle Hill with the Henry III Tower and the Mary Tudor Tower seen from the south by Paul Sandby, c. 1765
An old woman in The Recruiting Sargeant by John Collet, 1767
A woman (possibly a domestic servant in a bib apron?) on the steps at Henry III Tower and the Round Tower from the Black Rod by Paul Sandby, c. 1770
“Suſpected PERSONS now in the Houſe of Correction at Morpeth … BRIDGET BLEWMAN, is about 30 years of age, five feet ſix or ſeven inches high, of a tawny complexion, grey eyes, black eye-brows, a little ſcar on the right ſide of her chin; had on, when apprehended, a black ſhagged hat tied with a black ribband round the crown, blue and white linen handkerchief, red cloak trimmed with black and white ſkin, purple, white and yellow printed bed-gown, blue worſted damaſk gown, black petticoat, blue apron, blue worſted ſtockings, high heel’d ſhoes, with a pair of carved ſilver plated buckles. The perſons above deſcribed are part of a gang … Bridget Blewman is ſuppoſed to be the perſon who frequently travels about as a fortune-teller and doctreſs, pretending to be dumb.” (The Newcastle Weekly Courant, April 16, 1774)
Several of the illustrations in an album of watercolor paintings of costumes, c. 1775, including fols. 3, 17, 18, and 37
“I saw her blue apron turned up with a bundle.” (OBP, July 23, 1783)
“after I found the linen, I had them cried, one of the bundles was in a handkerchief, the other in a blue apron … How was the bundles? - One in a red and white spotted handkerchief, and the other in a blue apron … She had a bundle in a blue apron, and another in a red spotted handkerchief … In what package was this wet linen that was brought to your house by your servant? - In a blue apron like this, with a small bundle of small clothes in a red and white handkerchief.” (OBP, October 29, 1783)
“[Barbara M’Donald, whose maiden name was Lambert] appears to be about 40 years old, is alſo tall and ſtrong made, of a fair complection, and has a long ſcar on the lower part of her right cheek; and when ſhe went off, wore a black ſilk bonnet, a red cloak, bound with black, a drab-coloured bedgown, lined with brown plaiding, a black ſilk Barcelona handkerchief, and a blue apron.” (THe Newcastle Weekly Courant, December 10, 1785)
“I was behind the counter serving a young woman with a blue apron” (OBP, December 9, 1789)
Morning by Francis Wheatley, 1799

H/T to Grymm Grymmsson on this topic and suggested images.