Apron

An apron is a functional accessory that layers over ones outfit to protect ones clothes and skin from incidental stains and marks. As a top layer that covers the front body, the apron is also worn as a uniform, adornment, ceremonial garb or fashion statement. Apron styles adapt to the tastes of the times to suite the values and jobs of the current culture. The practical, fashionable sentimental nature of the apron has made it a cherished accessory for centuries. Because aprons provide comfort, protection and a sense of preparedness—the apron will always be a go-to garment for people who work, clean, entertain and create. Because the apron is a top layer, the apron will continue to be worn as a fashion accessory both inside—and outside—the home.

Aprons were used by both the Native Indians and the pilgrims when America was first colonized—and have been well worn in America ever since. The apron fell out of favor in the 1960s after its rise to celebrity in the 50’s when it became the post-war symbol for family and domesticity. As women started looking outside the home for satisfaction and work, they looked away from the domesticated apron. People started doing their work without an apron entirely or they choose to wear a bib apron (it’s unisex, simple, boxy design represented the opposite of the 1950s housewife). The bib apron (also known as the “French chefs apron” or “barbecue apron”) remains the dominate apron on the market and is offered in a multitude of variations, colors, detailing and fabrications.

Simple, functional aprons were already a staple by the time the Pilgrims docked on the shore of Plymouth Rock. American Indians wore aprons for both practical and ceremonial purposes. Early female settlers wore plain, long white aprons. Later, Quaker women wore long and colorful silk aprons. As cities in New England grew, more elaborate options began to appear. Classy American women in the 18th century wore embroidered aprons that sometimes dipped at the front of the waist (so as to not obscure the bodice of the gown) from 1900 through the 1920s, well-heeled women wore ornate, heavily embroidered aprons.

The “Hooverette” or “Hoover apron” emerged in the 1910s, named after the man in charge of the U.S. Food Administration at the time, Herbert H. Hoover. This wraparound apron was popular into the 1920s when fancy half-aprons became fashionable. Stores began selling patterns and kits to make and adorn aprons. Aprons of this period followed the silhouette of dapper fashions—long, with no waist line.

Women working outside the home wore whatever protective garments their jobs required, including coveralls, smocks, or aprons. At home, they worked in full-length aprons with hefty pockets and a cinched waistline that were often decorated with buttons, pockets and contrasting colors.

Aprons became plain during the Great Depression. Since fabric was scarce, women would make aprons out of Flour Sacks and feed sacks to protect their clothing. Pinafore aprons, or “pinnies” as they were affectionately called, began to gain popularity. Dorothy famously wore a blue and white gingham pinafore in The Wizard of Oz.

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Wikipedia