Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Re-Discovering Aprons

Young women are becoming interested in aprons -- and making their own. Creating one is an easy project for beginners learning how to sew.

Aprons are supremely useful. They protect your clothes when cooking, baking or gardening. They offer pockets when you need a place to carry something (like eggs). And they give you a ready rag to wipe your hands on when dirty or wet.

When I was growing up in the early-1960's, aprons were popular -- but they fell out of favor a decade later when feminist activism began. Aprons were seen as a symbol of domestic servitude and shunned for what they represented. Which is a shame because they are merely pieces of cloth and useful ones at that. Projecting a lot of political baggage onto something like an apron is misplaced. We can work to change attitudes to increase respect for women without throwing away an item that actually helps women in practical life.

I haven't mentioned yet my favorite part of aprons -- their fashion. Aprons are colorful and fun. You can choose any print you like. Young women today are finding aprons adorably retro and choosing vintage and playful prints. You can pick one in any style you like, from plain and functional to frilly and feminine.

My friend Aimee made me an apron a few years ago which I wear all the time. I'm showing it to you below along with a few other samples of current aprons -- including a Tardis!

Do you own an apron?













11 comments:

  1. I am also a fan of aprons. I have one that I painted on and another one bought at Anthro that I love.

    They are practical. I don't have an issue wearing one and I consider myself a feminist. My husband doesn't have an issue with wearing a BBQ apron.

    You look adorable in yours.

    PS I got a super duper cute pug card in the mail this week that I LOVE! : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  2. I'm definitely on "team apron" and own a few (some vintage, some contemporary, some full length, some half/hostess length). They're such a handy classic and great way to let even more of one's personal style shine through their at home fashion choices.

    ♥ Jessica

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  3. Your apron your friend made for you is just darling! (As are your heels - oh my goodness!) I think aprons are wonderful...but do not own one myself. If we weren't moving around so much, though, I would definitely get one similar to yours. :)

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  4. I wear an apron daily. I have two of the full ones and half a dozen or so half aprons, or as we call them in Britain, pinnies.

    I know who's going to love the tardis one! x

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  5. I actually had a few back when I was in art school (wore them for cooking too). I don't cook as much as I used to but I do love aprons.

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  6. I used to have a whole lot of them but as time went along I got rid of them and as I don't cook much any more I haven't replaced any of them ... You look absolutely adorable in yours ... makes me want to go out and buy myself one!!!

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  7. I really like aprons but I never think to wear them. I have two- both were presents- one with parrots on and the other is Cath Kidston covered in cherries, not as cute as these but pleasant prints regardless!x

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  8. Love yours, and the ones you selected, too. I wear one too, when i am serving dinner, or cleaning sometimes, it is a funny retro thing to do and when i see my reflection, I also laugh a bit. ( and then think of the dry cleaning bills I am paying!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

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  9. My Wife has a few, i only have the Hangover one with the baby on the front. which is awesome :)

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  10. Wow, I don't look nearly so cute in my kitchen! You look adorable. I'm definitely going to have to upgrade my apron. ha

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