The History of Laundry Baskets (Hampers)

The word “hamper” originally referred to wicker storage baskets that women used to store sewing supplies. It was also used to refer to an early type of travel storage (similar to a suitcase) or to indicate a type of wicker basket designed for storing food. Eventually, the term hamper was applied to laundry baskets meant to hold clothing for washing. In 1879, Sears, Roebuck and Co. began offering wicker laundry baskets in three sizes. (They sold for between 65 and 85 cents each, depending on the selected size.) In the 1900s, magazines like Home & Garden and Popular Science touted various laundry baskets designed to be aesthetically pleasing, easily camouflaged, or even integrated into other parts of the home, such as a vanity. With the postwar construction boom in the 1950s, built-in metal wall hampers became common; some even included a place to store soap or detergent as well as dirty clothes. Other hideaway models also remained popular; many were designed to fit neatly under stairs or beneath a counter. In 1966, the Sears catalogue included three full pages of hampers, including wicker and vinyl options. Apartment-sized hampers were introduced in the late 20th century, and wheeled models soon followed. Kid-specific laundry hamper designs were also introduced around the same time; they were typically made from molded plastic and shaped to resemble fun creatures like whales or dinosaurs. In the 21st century, space-saving collapsible laundry baskets became increasingly common, as did baskets molded to fit snugly against the hip for easier carrying. Today, laundry baskets remain ubiquitous in American homes and are available at a variety of price points, from affordable and durable plastic options to luxury wicker or woven cloth models.