As a child growing up in the late 1960’s, I remember wearing an leather barbecue apron while helping my mother in the kitchen. I remember the thrill of tying that apron on, just like my mother, it made me feel grown up and important.
The apron was traditionally used to protect clothing while cooking or doing housework almost always worn in the home by women of the 1940’s and 1950’s. As more households were able to afford a washing machine, making it easier to keep their clothes clean, the apron fell out of fashion in the United States somewhere in the late 1960’s. Although in my household, my mother, grandmother and sisters wore aprons into the 1970’s.
Why the resurgence of the apron now?
As before, there are many different styles of aprons, although now the apron is considerably more stylish. Aprons are now considered fashionable and chic. There are cute half aprons, with patterns and colors non-existent in the past. There are full bib aprons, covering the majority of the body of the wearer. Today’s aprons not only help a woman keep her clothing clean while cooking, she can maintain her fashion style, and feel beautiful. Aprons of today are fun and fashionable, and believe it or not, sexy. Many are patterned after vintage aprons of days gone by, giving women an old- fashioned feminine look. Women of today are also back in the kitchen cooking, serving their families less take out, and making healthier food choices. Today’s aprons for women are flirty and sexy, adding a romantic touch to many meals.
Men of today also wear aprons! Back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, most men did not enter the kitchen except to sit down at the dinner table. They went to work, came home and expected their wife to have dinner on the table. All that has changed, with more women working to help support their families, and many men choosing to stay home and raise their children, while their wives earn the paycheck. With so many designs and colors to choose from, men can find an apron to fit their own personal style and personality. From grilling aprons to kitchen aprons, there is an apron for every task.
Once again, children are re-entering the kitchen, learning how to prepare healthy meals along side their parents. Children’s apron have become big sellers, as most young children want to be just like Mom and Dad.
The resurgence of aprons as a chic, fashionable, and practical covering has made cooking a fun family activity. And one I hope will continue in years to come. Wouldn’t it be great to look back in twenty years and find the resurgence of the apron has helped our children learn to not only to cook and eat healthier, but to spend quality time as a family.