I think aprons have become more popular in recent years, based on the numbers of patterns that I see. I use aprons because I'm a slob when cooking and get whatever I'm making all over me, and I even used one when I was painting ceramics. I found an inexpensive $0.50/yd. 60" wide herringbone pattern fabric at a local craft store (unfortunately they are our of business now), and made aprons for the workers to wear at our holiday fair. The men in the kitchen loved them, and some (but not all) wore them and used the pockets to store pen,paper, money, etc. so it didn't get lost. I think I made about 10-12 and they wash great - no wrinkles. Someone told me it's the same pattern that chefs in training wear for pants. I also make smaller aprons for kids who love to cook and bake with their mothers, they were a big hit.