1950s apron....flaps? What the heck are these things?

plousia

plousia

Registered Guest
I found this super adorable 50s apron, but it has a feature that I can't for the life of me figure out how to describe or what it's for. The back (or what I assume is the back because it is the side without the pockets) has two curved overlaid panels which are attached at the top and the sides of the apron, not quite halfway at the top and about 3/4 of the way down at the sides. I have no idea what this feature is called or how it's used or even if it's useful or just decorative.

You can kind of pull them out to the sides as seen in the second photo, but it's awkward since they're attached so far in at the top that they don't come out very far. I thought maybe they were meant to protect the sides of a skirt, but they don't really seem designed for that?

Is it simply a decorative feature, so the apron can be worn both ways? Maybe it's so after cooking when your apron might be dirty, you can turn it around and look fresh for serving the food?? Any insight welcome!
 

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The Vintage Merchant said:
it's hard to tell from the photos, but it just looks like a reversible apron, to me.

it's cute as can be!
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I know, right? I couldn't believe it when I saw it. *So* cute, and in pristine condition; looks barely if ever used.

Yes, I've come to the same conclusion, especially because I noticed that the right side of the fabric on the waist ties is on the same side as the flap thingies. I think it's either just meant for two different looks, or as a practical side for cooking and a pretty side for serving.
 
... flaps for wiping dirty hands
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I am thinking of those times when you need more wrap around coverage, especially at kitchen counter level for a messy job. Like flanges.
 
MagsRags said:
I am thinking of those times when you need more wrap around coverage, especially at kitchen counter level for a messy job. Like flanges.
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I was thinking that too, but they don't quite work that way. I tried it and it doesn't really make sense.
 
MagsRags said:
I am thinking of those times when you need more wrap around coverage, especially at kitchen counter level for a messy job. Like flanges.
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But the flaps don't swing out, the tops of them are sewn into the waistband.
EDIT: I've had vintage half aprons with actual little towels sewn/attached at the waistband, hanging downwards. They weren't sewn at the sides of the apron, too, but I still think the concept is the same.
 
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