Apron
From Free net encyclopedia
An apron is an outer protective garment that covers primarily the front of the body. It may be worn for hygienic reasons as well as in order to protect clothes from wear and tear. The apron is commonly part of the uniform of several work categories, including waitresses, nurses, homemakers and domestic staff. It is also worn as a decorative garment by women. There are many different apron styles depending on the purpose of the apron. Aprons are also worn in many supermarket establishments such as Morrisons and Waitrose to protect workers clothes from damage, mainly bib aprons.
In addition to cloth, aprons can be made from a variety of materials. Rubber aprons are commonly used by persons working with dangerous chemicals, and lead aprons are commonly worn by persons such as X-ray technicians who work near radiation. Aprons, such as those used by carpenters, may have many pockets to hold tools.Waterproof household aprons, made of oilcloth or PVC are suitable for cooking and washing dishes. The term is also used more generally to refer to an expanse surrounding some object; for example, an airport can have a concrete "apron" around it, where planes and other vehicles can move about. The rubberized air cushion of a hovercraft is also called an apron.
The word apron is from the corruption of the term "a napron" into "an apron". The original spelling of napron is lost.
Styles
Depending on the purpose of an apron, it can be designed in many different ways. A basic distinction is between waist aprons which cover the body from the waist down and a bib apron which also covers the upper part of the body.
An apron is usually held in place by two ribbon-like strips of cloth that are tied in the back. A bib apron may either have a strap in around the neck (perhaps the most widespread use today), or shoulder straps that criss-cross in the back and attach to the waistband. The advantage of the former design is that it makes it especially simple to put on the bib apron. The advantage of the shoulder strap design is that it makes the apron more comfortable to wear; a neck strap can slightly impair ease of movement.
Other types of aprons include the pinafore and the cobbler apron. There are also aprons that will cover the sleeves.
Some modern day aprons will often have humorous expressions or designs. Some modern day aprons have will often have corporate logos.
Apron Stereotypes
Up until the mid 1960s, the apron was seen as an integral part of the attire of many employees and housewives. Cheaper clothes and washing machines made aprons less common. Feminists stress that aprons are equally appropriate for both women and men. However, prevailing social norms ensure that women frequently wear more expensive clothing, and may therefore be more likely to want the protection an apron offers.
Today, the apron has enjoyed a minor renaissance in terms of both women and men now wearing them when performing household chores. However, it still is not as prevalent as it was prior to the 1960s.