History of Clothing - Aprons - Practical and Decorative Fashion Classics
An apron is a garment worn at the front of the body, since ancient times, for practical, decorative, as well as ritualistic purposes. From the French word 'naperon', meaning a small tablecloth, aprons have been worn to protect garments, and indicate status. Aprons can depict the rank or a group affiliation of the wearer and have appeared as cultural icons. They are back in vogue, convenient and retro-chic.
Aprons are often the first garment made by someone learning to sew. They can be simple and tough, or a delicate and attractive fashion accessories.
Aprons can be made of cotton, muslin, linen, canvas, leather (a blacksmith), rubber, or lead (X-ray technician).
At the end of this article, you can view a video that will show you how to make an apron without a pattern.
Child Wearing a Pinafore
Raggedy Ann Wears a Pinafore
Types of Aprons
Most aprons tie at the waist.
- A half apron is a small piece of fabric that extends from the waist to mid thigh or longer.
- A full or bib apron covers the chest and ties or loops behind the neck and ties at the waist. Slip on aprons are like hospital gowns or a backwards, sleeveless shirt.
- A pinafore is an apron that features more fabric over the shoulders than a conventional full or bib apron. Pinafores often include decorative ruffles, or 'wings' of fabric above the shoulder. Often worn by little girls, a pinafore is not worn merely for work, but worn as an attractive garment that can be trimmed with ribbons or bows.
Though the pinafore is a garment of the past, pinafores are familiar to us through classic characters such as the famous doll, Raggedy Ann, and in John Tennial's famous illustrations of Alice (In Wonderland).
Medieval Man Slaughters a Pig - And Wears and Apron
Aprons Through the Ages
In artistic depictions of ancient people, there seems to be a fine line between an apron and a loincloth.
In ancient Crete, aprons were worn by the fertility goddess, and sacred aprons were worn by Assyrian priests. Egyptian pharoahs wore jewel encrusted aprons.
In Europe, during the Middle Ages, aprons were worn by homemakers, working people, tradesmen, and artisans. Distinctive aprons could indicate a man's trade. English barbers wore checkered aprons. Stonemasons wore white aprons to protect their clothing from the white dust created by their tools on the stone.
Cobblers wore black to protect garments from the black wax used on shoes. Butchers wore blue stripes. Butlers wore green aprons. Blue was commonly worn by weavers, spinners, and gardeners.
Aprons are still worn in Masonic ceremonies and are often part of a working person's uniform, often featuring a corporate logo emblazoned on the front.
Early American Botanist John Bartram Wearing an Apron
By the 16th century, aprons became a fashion statement and were attractive and embellished with decorations. As a fashion, the wearing of aprons has waxed and waned in popularity over the years.
Native Americans wore aprons for both practical and ceremonial reasons. The early American colonists are often depicted wearing aprons. In the old days, people owned few garments and had to protect and keep them as clean as possible.
Paintings often show subjects wearing aprons to signify a specific type of work. Women shown wearing aprons depict warmth, practicality, homeyness, sentiment, and hospitality.
Donna Reed as the Quintessential American Housewife Wearing an Apron
Vintage Apron
Norman Rockwell Ilustration of Woman in Apron
Apron as a Cultural Icon of the Mid 20th Century
Though aprons had long been popular and often included in a picture of a homemaker, the late 1940's saw the apron become the icon of the American housewife as domestic goddess. After the horrors of World War II, people who grew up with the privations of the Great Depression welcomed the simple aspects of home life and family. It must be remembered that during the war, as well as during the Great Depression, families were often uprooted, and members separated, many never to be seen again. A simple, well run home with an intact family seemed like paradise.
The apron became the symbol of family, mother, and apple pie ideals. Aprons signified a cozy kitchen, and enough food for everyone. This uniform of the American housewife could be plain and practical, fun themed and kitschy, or sheer and ruffled for dress or hostess duties.
Mass produced aprons featured kitchen themes, the fabric printed with pot and pans; spoons; toasters; and other kitchen items. Homemade aprons were a popular use of fabric remnants and made welcome gifts or sale items at church bazaars. Homemade aprons could be decorated with ruffles, contrasting fabrics, rick-rack, trim, or handkerchief pockets.
Special masculine aprons were made for the man of the house, the master of the grill at family cook outs. Aprons for fathers depicted outdoor grills, spatulas, and written statements about Dad's grilling talents
The Apron Falls Out of Favor
In the late 1960's, the idealization of housework fell out of favor. Aprons were suddenly viewed as old fashioned garments worn by grandmothers and fuddie-duddies. The very idea of being a housewife seemed dull and ordinary as women reached outside the home for satisfaction and reward.
Aprons remained a staple of the workplace as a means of protecting garments. Aprons were also worn as a kind of work uniform, and of course, by people who worked in the food trades - meat cutters, waitresses, and cooks as well as hairdressers and barbers.
Young Woman in a Homemade Apron
Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 Film "The Wizard of Oz" - Wearing an Apron
 | Amazon Price: $7.99 List Price: $39.00 |
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The Revival of the Apron
In recent years, the lowly apron has made a comeback due to several cultural factors.
The increased popularity of cooking and the back to the kitchen movement brought aprons back in a big way. Between cooking shows on the Food Network, and a new appreciation for quality meals made from scratch, the apron is once again used for practical reasons. Full aprons with extra long ties (that go around the back and tie at the front), and aprons made of sturdy fabrics gained popularity.
The rise of the craft movement created an interest in hand made aprons, both full and half aprons. Once again, homemade aprons show up at church bazaars, and are a popular sale items on Internet craft sites like Etsy.
An interest in retro fashions and the vintage look has induced young women to take an interest in old fashioned style aprons. Pattern companies offer new versions and reprinted versions of vintage styles.
As the popularity of the apron has increased, the humble garment has often become decorated and made beautiful. Fashionable boutiques like Anthropologie offer handsomely made aprons, created by using several different attractive and often unusual fabrics with whimsical decorations.
The apron has been around for a long time and has seen several incarnations, most of us have several - for cooking, for craft work, or for holidays. They are, and will probably remain practical and sentimental favorites - totems of craft, hard work, with a bit of showmanship thrown in for good measure.
Girl in Apron - Painting
The apron has long been a symbol of generosity and hospitality.
Woman in an Apron circa 1918
Full Apron circa 1922
WAAC in an Apron circa 1942
Vintage Style Slip On Aprons
Vintage Apron Patterns
- PATTERNS VINTAGE APRONS
Vintage sewing patterns at sovintagepatterns.com 1900s to the 80s Vintage sewing patterns from Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls, Vogue, Hollywood, Advance , DuBarry & more. Heirloom lace and fabrics, antique sewing tools View photos & order onl
Fashions of the 1930's
- Fashion History - Ladies' Fashion Designs of the 1930's With Pictures
Here are the historic fashion design trends of 1932. The pictures of these vintage dress styles were offered to the readers of the Ladies Home Journal in May of 1932. Most of the fashions illustrated were for...
Fashions of the 1940's
- Fashion History - Design Trends of the 1940's With Pictures
The influence of World War II on fashion was huge. Shortages and rationing limited the use of fabric and other materials used in fashion design. Hemlines were up and hair was longer, read on and check out pictures, links, and videos on the fashion tr
Aprons in Traditional Costume
- Aprons: Part of the Traditional Womens Costume in Europe
Aprons are practically designed to protect the wearer's clothes from stains and damages. But in some European countries, this piece of outer garment has been used as historical costumes of women.
Comments
Dolores~~ Like Katie, I treasure some aprons my MIL and a favorite teacher gave me shortly before their deaths & this article was a BEAUTIFUL review of this fabulous garment~~ your pictures are gorgeous. Voted UP-- thank you.
I also love this Hub. I have a few beautiful aprons hanging in my kitchen closet but never think to wear them. Think I'll drag one out today. Wonderfully enjoyable Hub as usual.
You touched a cord with this one, Dolores. I always remember my mother and grandmother wearing aprons in the house. They were signs that all was right in the world.
Dolores you have produce another great hub.... the video you posted made it look so easy I think even a stay at home dad could accomplish it....lol......great tidbits you included in your hub...I agree 100% that aprons became the symbol of apple pie ideals.....I never realized that Dorothy was wearing an apron....I have seen that movie many many times....voted up and useful....great job
I really make a mess when I cook. I think I will go out a find a few aprons. This was a fun hub about aprons. I liked the video. I think I will share it with my daughter. I am not too good at sewing either. LOL
voted up
My grandmother started me wearing an apron when I was a little girl and I've been hooked on them ever since. Lovely hub.
Dolores Monet, This was delightful! Great hub and as always well researched and concise! This has brought back many great memories! My Mother made me a few pinafores growing up and helped me make my first apron.
Thank you for sharing, Peace & Blessings!
katie - I love aprons too and the old ones are so special. I wear an apron every day for practical purposes. I am a slob. Thanks for the input and sentimental approach to your aprons.
marcou - thank you very much! I love to go into Anthropologie just too look at their fabulous aprons - I should sneak a picture of one or two.
suziecat - how do you cook without an apron? Maybe you are just a tidy person.
drbj - you are so right - there is a comforting feeling about seeing an apron - you know some good food is acomin'. Thanks!
cogerson - I tried to post a picture of the John Tennial drawing of Alice but it would not load. Must try again. Dorothy and Alice are 2 of my favorite characters, tow lovely apron wearing gals. Thanks!
granny - I am no great seamstress but one Christmas I went on an apron binge and made 7 aprons to give as gifts. What a fun obsession that was! I made the blueish one on the lovely young lady above. Thank you!
Genna - me too. I could not live without one. Thank you!
DeBorrah - thank you. You must have been such a cute little girl in your pinafores. You don't see them around much these days. Peace and blessings right back at you!
I am enjoying your fashion-series! I love aprons and have a variety of them - I tend to go for the brightly patterned ones! My mother never wore an apron - but my grandmother did. Maybe the apron skips generations(?) Thanks for a fun hub:)
What an interesting hub. I've seen so many stylish aprons on Amazon. I think I'm going to get one. I cook almost everyday and spill stuff on my clothes sometimes. Plus, I want to look cute in my kitchen! hehehe Voted up and awesome. :)
Thanks for this hub--I enjoyed reading it especially with its historical background. Thanks for the interview as well, Dolores.
What a rich Hub! Aprons were not only practical things but also statements of style.
You know, one of the first things we learned to make in home ec in the seventh grade was an apron. Believe it or not, I still have mine. It wasn't something that required a pattern, just a basic knowledge of gathering, attaching a bib to a skirt, measuring from neck to waist, and hand finishing and embellishing.
There's so much to be said about these "over-cloths" and you've started the ball rolling. I'm thinking morticians and surgeons in addition to butchers and cobblers. LOL
The historical pics are priceless.
I am satisfy with this hub.Thanks a lot for this hub.
I enjoyed very much special historical background.
tracykarl - it's so cool how the idea of aprons evoke sentimental feelings, of mother and grandmother. My mother never wore an apron either. She was a very neat person. Thanks!
Om - I started wearing an apron after ruining several shirts. It's okay if an apron is messy. Large stains on blouses just doesn't do it. Thanks!
juneaukid - Hi, Richard. As I said, there is a fine line between an apron and a loincloth. Aprons may well be one of the oldest garments of all. And the interview? My pleasure! Thanks!
Hi, Sally. Everytime I see the word 'cobblers' I think of those fruity desserts! You can see where my mind is. I remember making those aprons in home ec. It's so cool that you still have yours. I dimly remember the whole home ec scene and can't recall my apron at all. I probably thought that aprons just were not cool. Thanks!
dusy - thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Lovely hub. Very well done.
Great hub, and we blacksmiths still wear our leather aprons to keep flying molten metal from making us cuss, LOL dusty
Hi, Dusty - are you really a blacksmith? How cool is that! That molten metal is so messy!
Dolores, I've hammered out many a knife and reshaped worn horse shoes. I like making things out of old railroad spikes like knives and axes. My shoulders are torn up and swinging the hammers has slowed me way down. I built a punch press to do the hammer work and like a dummy I sold it and need to make another, but I'm slowing down but still wear leather when welding and that spatters every where with a wire feeder too, thanks dusty
I really enjoyed reading this article! My grandmother made me an apron so I could help her in the kitchen. She always insisted on aprons and for good reason --- less clothes to wash after cooking…
Hi, Dusty - well you are living large! So many people waste their time on this earth. You seem to have grabbed life by the horns to experience so much. You are the man!
Hi, Nancy - so sweet that your dear grandmother made you a little apron! I suppose that meant a lot, a wonderful memory. I could not do without an apron. I am a slob. The flour flies! Thanks!
This is a lovely hub! It reminds me of some of the aprons
that my mother gave me and some that I have sewn. Great read. :)
A Creative Thinker - thank you. I would not be without an apron for cooking and other projects. And a hand made apron is so much fun!
I wear an apron in the kitchen preparing dinner every night and then the dishes, and I often forget to take it off -- heaing to bed with it on. I guarantee you mine would not rank up there with Decorative Fashion. Ha!
Great hub as always Dolores. One of the things that I remember about my Grandma is that she always wore a full-length pinafore-style apron. You should turn all your clothing hubs into a book?
Sally - I don't know, some may think wearing an apron in the bedroom might be a bit attractive. But if it's smeared with tomato sauce or dusted with four, not so cool. Ha ha. Thank you!
Hi CMHypno - what a nice thing to say. I've left some big holes and neglected some important historic fashion eras mostly sticking to the stuff that I like and understand. A book? Whoah!
Thanks for this hub, Very nice history,
Interesting Dolores. When I was a kid all the mums and women wore aprons, often all day. As they became liberated I guess they burnt them along with their bras :)
ethel - well the bra might be history but I could not do without an apron. I have several. Between cooking food, making soap, and other messy occupations, my clothes would all be ruined! Thanks!
In the UK aprons are hard to come by but they are making a slight comeback. Artists and chefs still use them but most homes no longer house an apron or pinny as we used to call them
Hi, Ethel! Aprons here in the US are kind of big right now. Maybe it's the food movement and the idea that people are returning to home cooked meals. Aprons are almost a fashion statement with some people and pop up in boutiques - expensive and way to pretty to actually use. I like the word 'pinny.' I read about that when doing my research. Called a pinny because they used to pin them on. Thanks!
I too love aprons, the older the better, yet my favorite was given to me for Christmas by my daughter, what made it so special was she had my mamas picture put on the bib. by using velcro to secure a laminated picture, which allows you to remove it so you can wash the apron. I spent many loving hours cooking with my mama, now I still can. R.I.P. mama.
La Donna - oh my that sounds so sweet! What a wonderful idea for a gift! Thank you so much for sharing that!
katiem2 13 months ago
Oh how cool, you've touch another cord near and dear to my heart. From the time I was a little girl I loved wearing my Grandma's aprons. She's consistently given me great timely aprons. Since she's passed I find myself looking for great aprons in antique shops and the like.
How exciting aprons are becoming a new trend. I love this hub and the great aprons you've highlighted. Now I wanta get my hands on some of these great aprons. I'm getting the cherry print one for sure, love it! Thanks for this great resource!
Voted up and adored! :) Katie