Whatever Happened to Aprons?

Modern American women are overlooking one of the most useful pieces of clothing ever invented: the apron.

Once a common sight in every American kitchen, the apron has become a nostalgic piece that just isn't appreciated in today's fast-paced world. It has become a symbol of servitude in many people's eyes. But today's busy working women shouldn't be so quick to dismiss this handly little helper.

Where did the apron go? The apron, unused and seemingly unwanted for decades, has simply gone away quietly to die. It huddles in piles with vintage dresser scarves and handkerchiefs in thrift shops and antique malls, hoping that maybe someday someone will dig it out and put it to good use.

Following are a few good reasons why you should be that person.

Aprons can help save time. A good covering apron to throw over her clothes can enable a woman to come home from work, start dinner, and play with her children and pets without having to change out of her good work clothes first.

Need to get yourself ready for an outing before the kids? No problem. Gussie up, tie on a bibbed apron to protect your clothing, clean up the kids and remove the apron just before you walk out the door.

Aprons are prettier than the alternatives. Many hobbies are messy and require clothing that we don't mind messing up. Take gardening, for example. Many people are rediscovering the benefits of growing their own food, whether it be in a potted patio garden or their own little plot of earth. Fewer things are more rewarding than feasting upon the fruits of your own labor.

But this healthy hobby has an ugly side.

In a world without aprons, it seems easiest to just throw on sweats and t-shirts so we don't dirty our everyday clothes while toiling the soil. Have you ever seen what sweatpants do to our butts, ladies? Depending on our body type, they either stretch across our hind end magnifying every lump and bump, or they sag terribly, giving the impression that the wearer needs a diaper change.

This ugliness could be avoided by simply tying on an apron over our everyday clothes instead. Get one with pockets and you'll have a handy place to stash your gardening tools and gloves.

So, where can you get one? Now that I've convinced you to go out and buy an apron, where are you going to find one? Well, there are the aforementioned thrift shops and antique malls. Or, if you're handy you could make one yourself.

For those of us who have neither the time nor the patience to make one, there's Ebay. If you can't find one already listed, posting a Want It Now post may prompt some dear sewing soul to whip one up for you.

Finally, if you don't care about the aesthetics of your apron, you can probably find simple chef-type aprons at Walmart and similar stores. However, for best results I suggest a pretty frilly one that matches your kitchen. Happy homemaking!