Pinafore
The pinafore, also known as a pinny, has its origins in the late 18th century. It was a sleeveless garment pinned to the front of the wearer’s clothes. Hence the name “pinafore” – pin = pinned, fore = in front.
The Pinny had no buttons and was easily taken off for washing. Dresses, at the time, were not washed too often as the lye soap damaged the buttons, so the pinafore was a handy addition to a woman’s wardrobe.
Likewise, an apron, from the French “napron” meaning small tablecloth, at its most basic is a form of clothing, personal protective clothing if you will, worn over the front of the body and sometimes extends to the legs to protect the wearer’s clothes from becoming soiled.
Over time, the pinafore has grown from being a basic protective covering to the wearer’s clothes to becoming a very fashionable item of clothing decorated with lace, frills and even to the extent of a raised hem at the sides to show off the dress beneath.
Whilst the pinny has over the years grown from a basic apron type garment to something fashionable, so too has the ubiquitous apron.
From a simple covering to prevent clothes being soiled, much like today’s PPE, the modern apron has become somewhat of a fashion statement, particularly when entertaining at home.
No one would likely dream of going out on the town dressed in an apron, but depending on the function or occasion a woman could well be happy going out in a pinny.
So, is the Pinafore a dress or is it an apron? You tell me!