Does the sight of an apron hanging on the knob remind you of simpler times? Did Grandma wear an apron baking Christmas cookies? Or does it just seem like an outdated piece of material that is useless to us modern ladies?

Personally, I have never in my life worn an apron. I have just recently started to wear an apron. Are you surprised? The only time I wore one was at reenactments. And I was acting like I was in the 18th century.

But the past few weeks I donned on the ol’ apron as I was canning and cleaning…and a transformation occurred.

The Stigma of Wearing an Apron

“For years, aprons were commonplace and worn with pride. But somewhere along the line the apron became shorthand imagery for all that was holding back women, an emblem of humble domesticity and repression. …”

I grabbed this quote right off of Google, asking what did the apron symbolize.

Was I surprised by this definition of an apron? Nah. I wasn’t. I’m quite aware of the toll feminism has had on the modern woman. If you have followed my blog for awhile it is no secret I’m more of a traditional type gal. I’m also a Christian, where I believe that women need to heed the commands given in Scripture about gender roles and our jobs.

So the fact that I’ve never really sported an apron might be shocking!

I actually made my own apron last year out of some scrap linen. I used Farmhouse On Boone’s directions and I was super happy with how it turned out. Since I made one myself, I was determined to use it. But I just never did that much.

I also had a vintage apron…anywhere from 1940-1960, not really sure. It belonged to my Grandpa’s aunt or maybe even my great great grandma. It is a cute little pinafore apron that has been hanging in my kitchen as a decoration for years.

Why I Started Wearing An Apron

I tend to cave into the good kind of peer pressure. Like when I see my friends canning…I need to can more. Or if I see my friends reading good books…I’ll hope on that too.

So when we had a little challenge to wear a dress and apron around the house and in the garden, I thought it was so fun!

For two weeks I wore a dress and an apron. And guess what? My productivity increased! Funny…

Then I decided I was more comfortable in shorts and an old t-shirt (my go-to house uniform) and suddenly my productivity halted and my laziness skyrocketed.

Now… I’m not saying that the apron fixed everything and then it was all the aprons fault when I had a few hard weeks. There was more factors involved of course! (baby not sleeping, school starting…lots of stuff)

What I AM saying is that the act of putting on the apron made me feel like I was ready to tackle my tasks.

Superheroes Have Capes….Mamas Have Aprons

Before you think I’m too crazy with this theory, you have to know I’m not alone!

I polled my friends on Instagram, and here are some replies about aprons:

“It is just so practical. Otherwise my dresses get so stained.”

“Love aprons with pockets to hold everything!”

“It helps me stay motivated-it’s a work uniform- no lounging in an apron.”

“Just so much easier. I love wearing one when I cook and clean the house.”

“Useful when cooking, too hot and in the way for other times.”

“Keeps my regular clothes clean and POCKETS!!”

“They make me feel infinitely more productive AND CUTE!”

“They serve a purpose.”

“I wear one when washing dishes too because I can’t do it without soaking myself.”

“Pants/dresses have no pockets anymore. You have to have an apron so you have pockets!”

“I am an apron maker I believe more would use them if they used crossback style, the tie behind the neck causes neck ache and headaches.”

“It’s essential!”

“Makes me feel like I’m a professional in my job as a homemaker. It’s part of my uniform.”

“Takes me back to spending time with my grandmothers.”

“I love that I can design my own without a pattern and use different material prints.”

“It’s something I saw my grandmother do, and I’ve always loved it.”

“It keeps your clothes clean, easy to wipe hands without a towel!”

“Reduces laundry and permanent stains.”

“I wear a Japanese pinafore apron because it covers the bulk of my clothes. And it has pockets!”

Reasons to Try Wearing an Apron

In conclusion, here are a few reasons you might want to strap on your apron:

-Increase in productivity

Who doesn’t need a good motivator sometimes? I know I do. I guess when we put on the apron, we are actively taking a step in saying “I’m here to work.” What do ya’ll think? Are you more ready to tackle the day’s tasks with an apron?

-Feeling more feminine

This is definitely one for me. Whenever I have on an apron, I usually have a dress on underneath. And it instantly makes me feel prettier. That might sound silly, but when you’re at home with littles all day, every bit helps!

-Pockets! (an overwhelming bonus, as you could tell!)

I thought this one was pretty funny. Several girls noted that the pockets made the apron immensely more awesome!

-Ready to use dishtowel

Aprons are so handy because you can be doing the dishes, then reach down to wipe your hands real quick without worrying with finding the kitchen towel!

-Built in basket

To carry…anything! (toys, herbs, clothes, garden produce, groceries…the list is endless)

-Stain and mess prevention

This is another practical reason women wore aprons for centuries. It protects your clothes from getting dusty or wet. Or stained with splashing food. Aprons are easier to clean than a set of clothes.

-Easily customizable to your style

There are so many different types of aprons.

A quick search yields unlimited results. Basically anything you want, you can get.

-Badge of honor as a homemaker (but if you hate to wear one, you’re still just as honor worthy, by the way lol)

I just feel a little more homemaker-ly when I wear an apron. Simple as that.

Where Can I Get an Apron?

I also had a few people ask where they could buy a good apron. I think it’s fun to find a vintage apron. Just because maybe it has magic superpowers built up from the woman who made it/bought it. (Kidding.)

But if you can’t do that, here are a few other options.

Make your own! I used this pattern from Farmhouse on Boone. She also has a few more on her blog as well!

The Delightful Cottage Apron shop is just the cutest little Etsy shop I’ve ever seen! Check out her aprons.

Do you always wear an apron?

Let me know!

For more homemaking posts:

Grandmother’s Homemaking Secrets