I absolutely adore my apron. It was handmade for me by my Great Aunt Mary, which sounds just as picturesque as you’re thinking it is. It has seen a lot of wear and tear over the years I’ve owned it.
And it has also created a lot of memories for my children and me.
When I have on my apron, my kiddos know that something fabulous is about to fill their bellies: melt-in-your-mouth homemade pancakes or our favorite chicken casserole or barbecue meatballs or homemade pumpkin bread or….the list goes on!
By wearing my apron, my family knows some serious cooking is about to take place, and then some serious eatin’.
But are aprons really necessary?
I believe they are.
I would guess that I wear my apron at least 4 or 5 days out of the week. We have a pretty minimal clothing budget, so I must take good care of even my house clothes.
Even though I stay home with my children during the day, I don’t want to look messy and stained. I can’t tell you the times that an apron has saved my clothes! Things like bacon grease and homemade tomato sauce are really hard stains to remove.
By wearing an apron, I don’t have to worry about stain removal.
There may even be a better reason to wear an apron than stain removal.
Wearing an apron tells your mind: Prepare to Work
Whether you are wearing an apron in the kitchen to keep splatters off of your shirt or you are wearing your apron during your regular house cleaning, it almost seems like part of a uniform.
Since I worked as a nurse for 9+ years, a uniform definitely gets my mind into gear that I am getting ready to work! And an apron is no exception. It helps my mind know that we are going to get moving and helps me stay focused on the tasks at hand.
So what about you? Do you think aprons are necessary? Do you wear one daily? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them!
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I have lots of aprons – all made by my mom for each holiday – and when I remember, I wear them. My mom can usually be found in her kitchen with an apron on – but she usually has one on because she remembered to put it on AFTER she stained something! 🙂 A few years ago she told her three daughters and her daughter-in-law that she wanted us to each have an apron or two from her collection…and she promptly filled the pegs with more from her sewing room! 🙂
A nurse, eh? I could totally see that and I bet you were a good one! 🙂
What a great gift – for your mama to give you each one of her own! A treasure, for sure 😉
Yes, I worked as a nurse for 9+ years. I’m definitely at home where I want to be, but I sure do miss it some days.
-Lauren
Even if they were not necessary, they sure are cute!! I always wear an apron when I am hosting a party. It makes me feel like a true hostess 🙂
Oh I totally agree – great hostess attire! 😉 Good reminder!
-Lauren
I have noticed a big comeback in aprons! I have a couple. My favorite I got while we were stationed in Japan. I have lost shirts to grease and it’s so frustrating. I don’t always think to put on my apron until it’s too late. I really should start making it a habit.
And your picture has me thinking…..cinnamon rolls for this rainy day 🙂 Great idea!!!
I just started wearing aprons this year. I wear them because I have ruined many a good shirt cleaning the house (bleach spots everywhere). They also say to me, “fun in the kitchen.” Like playing dress up to cook:)
Love the “fun in the kitchen” thought! I totally agree!
Thanks for visiting Mama’s 😉
-Lauren
I LOVE my aprons–and I agree, they are essential! I have 3, and my daughter and I take turns on who wears which one–because she and I have the same favorite. 🙂 You’re right–wonderful, wonderful memories! I always seems to accomplish so much more when I have one on. It’s like a homemaker’s Magic Cape.
“It’s like a homemaker’s Magic Cape.”
I think that is the best line I’ve read all day! Love it!
-Lauren
My Mama, Faye, always wore an apron. They were usually short with big pockets. I think they were from her days of knitting socks at a factory and she kept her scissors, scraps, in the pockets. All of my memories of her in the kitchen are of her wearing an apron. Also, both of my Grandmothers wore aprons. I am lucky to have one of them, handmade of course.
Yes, I agree, aprons are necessary, if for no other reason than they are a part of so many sweet memories. **I wear my apron made by Aunt Mary several days of the week…
I didn’t know she wore one knitting socks. Hmm. So glad you mentioned it 🙂
I love aprons, but don’t wear them often enough. I think you’re right about preparing our minds to work. I’ll have to don mine more often!
If you’re dealing with loose flour they are absolutely necessary!
True! I can never contain it…
-Lauren
I LOVE aprons! I have quite a collection. I have one from my great-grandmother, several from my grandmother, and when my other grandmother died a year and a half ago, my mom gave me several of her handmade aprons and some of my great-aunt’s handmade aprons.
I’ve added a few to my collection on my own as well. . . one that looks like a feed sack, and has a cow that says “Dairy Queen” on it (I’m married to a dairy farmer); and recently I got matching aprons for me and my 2 daughters. They have our first initial embroidered in zebra print with our names written through in hot pink. So girly and fun!
I try to wear my apron on cooking and cleaning days, but often forget when I’m just throwing supper together. Having matching ones for the girls makes me want to have them help me more 🙂
fun topic!
What a fortunate girl you are to have inherited all of those aprons!
And I never thought to get matching aprons! I’ve got 3 girls, so that is definitely an idea to tuck away! Thanks!
-Lauren
Lauren,
I love aprons! I have some old ones from my grandmother and great aunts and a new sassy one! I am a major hand wiper and a messy cook so this a great feminine tool for me.
This was a great post. ;o)
Aw, thanks Kristin! I love them too. What a treasure that you have your grandmother’s and aunt’s!
-Lauren
I love my apron (I made it myself), but I often forget to wear it until it is too late! ACK! Are you doing a How-to-get-grease-stains-out post next by chance???
What a precious pic!! Lauren, I do not have an apron! What is wrong with me! But I need one, badly! I think it’s about time that I invested in one. I just love yours.
What?! Oh Kendal, go get you one tomorrow! It’ll change the way you cook. 😉 If you think you love to cook now, it’s even more enjoyable with an apron!
I wear my apron almost everyday, though sometimes I am halfway through my project/recipe before I remember to put it on. I get little holes in my knit shirts and think that I figured out they come from where I brush up against my counter and there is a seam in the laminate. Wearing an apron helps me keep my new clothes looking new, rather than getting holes right after I get them.
Men love aprons too when I BBQ I put on one of the five aprons I have depending on my mood my favorite lately is the one that say ‘the chef is a mess but the food is best”
Ha! Love it, Tom! You’re right – the kitchen/grill is definitely not just a woman’s domain!
-Lauren
I love wearing my aprons too. I only just recently have gotten into wearing them after years of ruining clothes. My kids too, see me wearing an apron and know something yummy is about to be put on the table. I have quite a collection started (Christmas, Thanksgiving, baking, everyday, cleaning). I love them…..
I feel very domestic when I wear them and wish I would have done it years ago.
Found you through WATF – WFMW linky.
Thanks for commenting, Charlene! I never thought about themed aprons, once for each season. Good idea 😉
-Lauren
I don’t wear an apron everyday – haven’t thought a lot about it but really, it sounds like a very good idea! Thanks for sharing this!
Lauren,
Aprons necessary? Definatly.
Do you wear one daily. Yes , everyday.
Aprons not only protect our dresses, but I think help us “get in the mood” for housework. As you said, it is like putting on a uniform , getting ready for work. I prefer a full “prairie” or “edwardian” http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZjvNC1qG3xI/Ss0RY1IMHoI/AAAAAAAAAlA/VVnHSMl75NM/s320/Waverly+apron+back+FORUM.JPG style apron something that gives good coverage. Both my teen daughters wear their aprons most of the day as well when helping with chores. As for aprons making a “comeback”, for me they never left.LOL
I agree, Grace, an apron definitely makes my mind think I’m getting ready to work. I love that you commented on your favorite style. I’m always interested in what other people prefer!
-Lauren
I came across this post some time ago and didn’t comment. But when I came back I saw all the positive comments and decided to have my say. I think necessary is spot on when talking about aprons. A bit like shoes , who wants to walk around barefoot? I wear an apron every (working) day as part of my uniform. Not a nice pretty floral apron though, but a plain(ish) white full apron. As a maid, you don’t often get to choose your uniform. However, I do have two floral “edwardian” style aprons like the one in the link given by Grace. I usually wear one over my white apron if I am doing anything really messy. As for getting me ready for housework , my apron surely does that 🙂
Kim – lovely thoughts. Thank you so much for sharing them. 🙂
-Lauren
a very nice article to read, enjoyed reading it.
Yes I wear an apron all day every day. I’ve always worn an apron and always liked wearing them. When I was young I thought it made me look womanly, and now I’m middle aged it makes me feel girly.
I can’t find the type of apron I prefer, so I make my own button on X backed pinafores with big long gathered skirts and hidden pockets in the sides of the skirt. I have a few bought prairie aprons which sometimes I put over my pinafore so I’ve always got a clean apron on.
All my aprons are solid coloured, either white, blue, grey or black. I’m most comfortable in a full skirted ankle length dress so I need well covering aprons.