Vintage Aprons | Knowing the Past

Apron is really one of the most versatile clothing accessories that ever invented in history. Actually, you can find it anywhere. From your mother’s kitchen to professional career apron is there. But, did you ever wonder where this versatile accessory comes from? Like, who invented it, who wore it first, is it really made for women alone?

Way back in history, aprons are also part of men's dresses, men doing heavy works such as the blacksmith, leather smiths, metal forgers, cobblers, carvers, fish mongers and even the clock makers. (See images below) Such heavy and dirty works, sturdy apron was very useful for both protection and cleanliness. Aprons by then were made from thick heavy leather.

In 17th century when women start to wear aprons. Actually, by that time women who use aprons are the housemaids. The use of apron for them is to keep their dress clean because most housemaids by that time had only one everyday dress. And in 18th century, almost every woman has at least one apron. Regardless if you are a mother, housemaid or daughter, if you are a middle-class woman, you worn an apron. Aprons by then were a status quo. Wealthier women don’t wear aprons because they have slaves or servants to do the dirty works for them. 

So, going back to my question...when was really the apron seen and who was the first person used it? Based from what I've researched, the first apron was cited in Middle-Ages. But if you are familiar with the Bible, apron was stated there. The Bible says that Adam and Eve, after realizing they were naked," sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons." - Genesis 3:7 *KJV – Amazing right? Ever since the creation of man aprons have been around. That’s a wow right? Me too I was surprised.

Well, I know it’s not really the aprons we know today but still apron is apron a body covering that covers the front part of our body.

I must cut my story here now because if we dig into details about the history of aprons that would take me a day or two to write it here. I just cited here some of the facts that interest me about the history of aprons.

Thanks for reading!