Historically, women wore aprons in order to protect their clothing while doing housework, such as cooking, cleaning, and washing. The apron was always valued for its function, but eventually women became creative, and began making their own aprons with style. By the 1950s, the apron was seen as a symbol of the happy American housewife, along with high heels and a pearl necklace. However, a few decades later, the apron all but disappeared from use, thanks to the women’s lib movement and the advent of the washing machine. Not only did women cast off the symbol of working in the home, but even those who stayed home didn’t need them to protect their clothing as they once did.
Today, the apron is making a comeback. Both women and men now use the apron for function and fashion. Women are enjoying the nostalgic feelings they get from wearing aprons. Many women actually resurrect their mothers’ and grandmothers’ aprons, creating a special bond with their past. An even bigger trend, though, is updating the classic apron as a fashion accessory for today. Quite a few companies have sprung up to supply the demand for cute, flirty, feminine aprons.
There are many styles of aprons for women to wear. One distinction worth noting is the difference between the bib apron and the waist apron. A bib apron covers both the upper and lower parts of the body, offering more protection than the waist apron, which only covers the lower half. Decorative, fashionable aprons are available in all sorts of prints, including floral, fruit, stripes, polka dots, and others. They are often adorned with ruffles, ribbons, lace, and other feminine details. Though women don’t usually wear dresses around the home as they once did, these little trifles can provide the feminine styling of a dress without all the discomfort.
Men tend to use aprons most often for cooking and barbecuing. Thanks to the Food Network and the growing popularity of gourmet chefs, more men are interested in cooking than ever. As more men find themselves in the kitchen, aprons become the obvious choice for protecting their clothes. They also lend a professional air to the man who wants to gain a little respect in that typically female domain, the kitchen. Chef’s coats and long, professional waist aprons are the best choice to achieve this goal.
For men who prefer barbecuing in the back yard or the park, funny aprons are a great choice. These barbecue aprons are generally made of canvas and are much sturdier than the decorative aprons women tend to wear. They come in a variety of colors, and have a funny cartoon, slogan, or saying screened onto the bib area of the apron. A fun-loving man can contribute to the light-hearted atmosphere of a backyard barbecue or picnic in the park with a funny, creative apron.
Be careful when you buy your first apron, though…they can be addictive! Once you get one, you may just love it so much you’ll find yourself starting a collection.
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