Once a common piece of daily apparel, for the busy housewife, aprons became less common as women entered the workforce. They were designed to protect the clothing from food spills and other occurrences. Originally, this was because washing clothes was done by hand and a woman's dress was worn for several days and, at that time they were worn all day so they were not just Aprons for Cooking.

These aprons were usually made of good, sturdy cotton cloth that would absorb the spills and keep them from going into the clothing below. However, there were also fancy ones for occasions where one had guests but still had to handle the food. Many of the latter ones can be viewed in antique shops and were made of voile or some special material, complete with a fancy ruffle.

One will find a number of foreign countries where an apron is still worn daily. In some of these countries, as was standard in early America, it has several uses. Things such as drying hands or tears, and carrying eggs, as well as protecting good clothing, is the norm. In some of these places it is looked on as a standard costume for daily wear.

After this period of little use in America, aprons are once again coming to the fore. Working women, who rush home to prepare dinner, have found that a good covering will keep the clothes from becoming soiled. They may not have had time to change their clothing or have put on something to wear to another event later and do not want to have an accident. There is something about putting on an apron before preparing a meal that completes the picture of a person who is well equipped for the job ahead.

Professional cooks, as well as caterers, use aprons at all times in their cooking jobs. Again, this protects the underneath clothing from food spills, however it also presents a more sanitary appearance to the public. At one time all waitresses wore them as part of a uniform but that trend has more or less disappeared.

This extra protection has become especially popular with the men when participating in barbecues or other types of outdoor cooking. They are also popular with children who are helping their mothers in the kitchen and serve a dual purpose in keeping them clean as well as teaching them the value of the garment.

There are many different types of fabric used in constructing these garments with the favorite being poly cotton which is excellent for repelling liquid spills or splashes. Waterproof ones are also available and are especially popular for people working with something that is extremely wet or sloppy.

Aprons for cooking have also become very popular as a gift for family or friends. They are available with screen prints, embroidery, plain or ruffled, and various styles, such as full or short length, wrap around or straight. It is something that is practical and welcomed by anyone who engages in preparing food.