How Aprons Made A Comeback
The last few decades saw them become an unfashionable symbol of domestic drudgery, signifying archaic ideas of womanhood. Yet with a renewed focus on cleanliness, the humble apron is back in vogue.
In a recent interview with The Spectator, former Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue Alex Shulman, told Emily Bearn she is happiest in, of all things, ‘her dun-coloured kitchen apron’. Much like Alex, from attempting to grow spinach (no luck) to testing out varying shades of eggshell (they all look the same), this year has seen me, too, discover the joys of donning an apron.
Preserve your clothes
It was around late Spring that I reopened the doors of my wardrobe, determined to put on something other than my beloved denim cut-offs and another pilled cashmere pullover. But with the lines between ‘at work’ and ‘getting stuff done at home’ now infinitely blurred, it’s hard to keep so much as a white t-shirt pristine.
I should also mention I am alarmingly clumsy. The likelihood of my spilling something is so comically high, it has become second nature to check washing instructions before buying anything in white or cream. I’ve also been known to eat breakfast leaning over the sink in just a bra.
Many is the pressed linen shirt or pleated skirt that’s had a run-in with an errant splodge of blackberry preserve. It was around Saint Swithun’s Day, that a final, unfortunate dalliance between a sharpie pen and hand screen printed skirt, saw me, turn resolutely to my faithful apron.
An essential piece of workwear
During the Middle Ages, aprons were commonplace uniform amongst tradesmen, from blacksmiths and armourers to leather smiths, fishmongers and clock makers, with distinguishing styles emerging between the trades.
Cobblers for example, wore black to protect against the heavy wax used on shoes and the blue and white stripes worn by butchers are familiar to many. The traditional livery for butlers has always been green, whilst stonemasons wore white to conceal the dust of their work - with the white tabard remaining a key item of Masonic ceremonial attire.
3 key styles
Covering much of the body and fastening with a neck and waist loop, the bib apron provide almost full coverage and are, generally, the most commonly seen style.
Channelling street foods sellers and market stallholders, waist aprons are less of a commitment, covering just the mid-section of the body. Their oversized pockets are great for pens, phone and wooden spoons - with the added benefit of still showing something of your outfit.
Reminiscent of rosy-cheeked dinner ladies and or nursery school workers, tabards cover front and back, and fasten with side ties, or waistbands. The effect is rather like wearing an oversized vest.
The apron brands to know
Another Alexandra, chef, food writer and the author of (the really excellent) Land & Sea, Alexandra Dudley, naturally, owns a few and waxes lyrical on her collection of pastel-hues.
‘For many years I didn’t wear one, but too many stains and splatters changed that. I have quite a few - two very old, tatty ones that I’ve had since I was at school, as well as smarter ones for use when catering at events, and others for when I’m taking photos.’
Alexandra, – who taught everyone I know just what to do with marrows, and, via IGTV, shares the secrets of her renowned giant chocolate chunk cookies - favours those made by Northern Irish brand Enrich & Endure.
‘I have an oatmeal one and a turmeric one which I love, because it means if I am cooking anything with saffron or turmeric there is no danger of staining.’
Which style of apron to choose
Be sure to choose a hardy fabric that will wash well and has deep pockets. Barbeque pinstripes feel unimaginative, and overly pretty florals can unintentionally serve as reminders of outdated ideals. Instead, look to the earthy shades of sage and calico linen at Toast, or inky shades of heavyweight denim from Shropshire brand Risdon & Risdon.
Styles that criss-cross at the back, rather than having a fixed neck loop, offer a pared-back Scandi style and allow for greater ease of movement. If matching your outfit to your table is the aim, shell whites are ideal for setting off a floral tablecloth.
The benefits of an apron reach far beyond the confines of the kitchen and I struggle to think of a task that isn’t better served with one on. From potting herbs and wrestling with dahlias, to taking out the bins or cooking a simple dinner for friends; tying those strings allows me to become the strong, capable woman I’ve always wanted to be.
