Virtually everyone is familiar with the apron. Aprons are protective garments worn over normal clothing, designed and crafted to cover primarily the front of the body. Aprons are commonly worn by people of all ages for several reasons such as hygienic purposes, though some that wear aprons use them to protect their clothes from wear and tear.



Aprons have been a common part of the uniform of a number of work categories for many years. Many wait staff, homemakers, nurses, and domestic staff wear them for a variety of reasons. It is interesting to note that some women commonly wear aprons for purely aesthetic reasons.

Aprons are available in a number of different styles. The role the apron itself will be called upon to fill greatly influences the style and design behind it. Taking this into mind, aprons can be designed and crafted from a variety of materials. There are rubber aprons commonly employed by people working with particularly risky and toxic chemicals. There are even lead aprons on the market, garments commonly worn by those who work with X-rays such as X-ray technicians, doctors, and those who work near radiation. More commonly, there are leather aprons such as those used by most carpenters who employ the many sturdy pockets to handle tools that would destroy flimsier aprons.

Aprons can be designed and crafted in a number of ways depending on the purpose it is expected to serve. A basic categorization in apron design is coverage where the two categories are waist aprons, which generally cover the body from waist down and bib aprons, which covers the upper part of the body as well. Aprons are commonly held in place by two straps of material, one connected to each side, that are then tied in the back. The bib apron may use this design in conjunction with a strap in around the neck, or it may use shoulders strap that cross in the back, or attach to the waistband.

Finally, it is worth to noting that the term "apron" does not refer exclusively to garments such as those mentioned above. The term is also used more generally to refer to an expanse surrounding an object. For example, airports have what is called a concrete apron around them, which is where planes as well as other vehicles can move about. Another example of this would be the rubberized skirt cushions that a hovercraft uses to contain the air blown by the lift fans, which are also referred to as an apron. A less obvious example would be at the theater, where the apron is the name given the portion of the stage separated by the main curtain that can be seen by the audience.