Aprons: An Old Fashion Tradition

The question of the day:  Are aprons an important part of the modern woman's kitchen or not?

I say... YES!  It is important to not only look great in the kitchen, but to feel great too.  Wearing a fabulous apron and keeping your clothing clean at the same time can do just that.

I recently received a Sassy Cook'n Apron from CSN Stores.  The Purple Peepers design was too cute with its pom-pom trimming along the bottom edge.  The whimsical trim gives the apron a young, edgy feel that I love.

Besides the fun design, this particular apron has many other positives.  It is long enough to conceal my clothes (I tend to make huge messes.) and cute enough to wear around company.  The belt is long enough to wrap around back and to in the front  keeping the apron snug and secure. 

I would definitely get another Sassy Cook' N Apron for myself and/or as a gift for a new wife or mother. 

Fun and Functional.

Now, on to some interesting facts I found about aprons.

Here's a brief rundown of the "Age of Aprons".

Origin:
The English word "apron" came from "naperon," the old French word for napkin or small tablecloth.

Twelfth century:
Guess who wore aprons first? Men, as hygienic, protective wear.

Fourteenth century: Dark-colored aprons started to be worn tied at the waist.

Sixteenth and seventeenth centuries:
Colors denoted the trade of the wearer. English barbers wore a checked pattern; butchers and porters, green; and masons, white.



Seventeenth century:
Romantic notions began to blossom. Your beau is thinking of you if the apron becomes untied and drops off.

Eighteenth century:The pinafore apron was "pinned" to clothing.

Nineteenth century: Cooks began turning the apron only once before washing. Any more, and the stains aren't hidden.

1900-1920:
Long aprons cover and protect clothing.

1920:
Straight-line aprons are the style.

1930:
Beautiful prints with bright sashes, along with crocheted aprons, make an appearance.

1940:
Printed half-aprons tied around the waist, and aprons made of handkerchiefs, are popular. Picture credit to The Apron Queen.

1950:
Full-skirted plastic aprons, and ones with cross-stitch designs, gain U.S. popularity.

1960:
Half-aprons with attached hand towels are sure-fire hits, along with aprons sewn with plastic hoops or valance material. Picture from Fabrics.net

1970 to present:
Barbecue, anyone? Grilling is a popular design or theme for modern-day aprons.


For Fairview's Judy Vetrovec, the history of aprons is as important as their beauty and practicality.

Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Article courtesy of c2007 ANG Newspapers.