This apron is made of green and gold shot silk. The gold is only visible under the ruffle hem and on the back of the apron. It also has green tassel cord ties to cinch the wearer’s waist. This apron is particularly impressive because of the dual silk fabrics which it consists of, the woman who wore it would have spared no expense.

In the early nineteenth century, it was well-known knowledge that “aprons are often of richer materials than the dresses with which they are worn.” This may have been because since aprons are smaller, a woman could afford to have it made with finer fabrics than she could have with her dress which at the time would have required a lot of fabric. Aprons were also definitive markers of domesticity and womanhood, which a “proper lady of the house” would have regarded with much importance. Also, since the apron appeared on the outside of the dress, it needed to be able to grab the attention of those she was in company with and impress them.

Women would even go out on the town in aprons, as shown in this fashion plate from Godey’s Lady’s Book 1849. The woman on the right has an elegant gown on, with a small apron which because of its shiny complexion, was most likely representing silk. It even has an intricately detailed border to add further beauty.

Green Silk Apron, Historic Clothing Collection, Smith College, Northampton, MA. 1979.7.45.

Buck, Anne M. Victorian Costume. New York: Universe Books, 1961, 145.