Aprons Through The Ages

The apron, a household style icon

Which household garment can be found in the house today, centuries after it was first invented? What could have lasted longer than jeans, the miniskirt and the LBD? Why it is none other than the humble pinny, perhaps the most unexpectedly iconic garment in our fashion history.

A part of our culture

Not only is the apron a household style icon, it is an important symbol of our changing culture that has over the decades been adapted to suit all needs. And it was the apron - not the bra - that was burnt at the dawn of the feminist revolution.

The pinny's progress: from function to fashion

During the depression of the 30s a new wave of creative tailoring emerged with women recycling scraps of material to make their aprons. This trend continued until the end of the Second World War when a new style of pinny featuring bold patterns, floral prints and ever brighter colours appeared. The pinny was now something to clean in, and be seen in too.

The popularity of the apron continued until the 1970s and 80s when it became a symbol of outdated values. It was at this point that the apron seemed doomed....

From fashion history to new trend

But the apron has not been consigned to the attic of fashion history yet!
Recent trends have seen the revival of the apron, as both a fashionable and functional garment. This means that you don't have to choose between function and style when keeping your home clean.

Text and photography courtesy of Domestos ©2007