Napron History: Transformation into Fashion Accessory

A napron for a real man.

Guess who first started to wear naprons? The clue, that were men.

Okay, we won't torture you with guessing. Officials in the service of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt wore naprons. Moreover, the napron was a part of the ammunition of armed and dangerous Greeks, also of gladiators and priests of Ancient Rome.

Naturally, people in different countries wore this garment in different ways. For example, the Greeks fastened the apron on top of the chiton; the soldiers of Crete wore the napron diagonally, covering one thigh; the Egyptians fastened the draped fabric to the reed belt. Gradually, the apron became wider, it was wrapped around the body like a skirt.

After ancient warriors, medieval blacksmiths, shoemakers, guild master, chefs and artisans became the main napron fans. The apron protected the most precious thing that men had at that time... Clothes!

Paradoxes of medieval glamour

In 16 century, a napron became a female accessory. First of all, the naprons were used by commoners to protect the dress from damage. As for the upper class fashion, fashionable women sought luxury in clothing and they did not count a napron as a fashion accessory.

However, you get tired of the same things. Luxury, too. In 18 century, the knights of high society, listening to the ideas of Diderot and Rousseau, pulled on the naturalness and simplicity. Nothing made a refined lady as fresh and innocent as an image of the direct, pure and inexperienced peasant woman. What piece of clothing is different from peasants and ordinary girls? Right, napron.

Naprons have become the most fashionable accessory. They flaunted at balls and receptions. Naprons were decorated with lace, composed new styles for them, painted in different colors. Napron has become an integral part of the wardrobe of a secular lady.

What happened next? Paradox! The napron had become a fashion object for the village girls! That is, having served first as trendsetters, ordinary women later became its consumers. Unlike the rich ladies, who wore naprons made of muslin, peasant women and workers wore naprons made of linen.

The history of Russian napron

In Russia, naprons gained their popularity in 17 century.

It was believed that the napron was a symbol of fertility and well-being. It was believed that the naprons were used to wrap kids in them to fill their life with happiness, as in swaddling clothes. And also poured grain there for a good harvest.

Naprons were made of linen or woolen fabric. The ornaments were with natural motifs — every thing was sacred, hence, the pattern had to be sacred. Often Russian ladies had a few naprons — fancy, dressy.

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Naprons came into fashion and lost popularity so many times that we would not be surprised if the apron would again become a popular part of a stylish wardrobe. Moreover, we will start it!