Aprons became a fashion statement in the 1500s, when women started adorning them with expensive lace and embroidery. Politics ruled women's fashion in 1650s England when Oliver Cromwell decreed that women and girls should dress properly.

Who first wore aprons?

There is some evidence that early historical figures used aprons. The Bronze Age Minoan civilisation of ancient Crete had a fertility goddess which is said to have worn one. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs and Assyrian priests are also thought to have had aprons.

When was the bib apron popular?

Slipping over the neck and tying at the waist, bib aprons were first made from fabric scraps. Since the 1880s, this apron's practical design and full coverage have made it an appealing choice for workers. In the 1960s, it was also popular with women who wanted an apron style that did not represent domestic ideals.