An Apron or Laundry?

I never wore an apron...maybe as a kid...I vaguely remember a little chef outfit.  But as an adult I never bothered.  However, the more I got into cooking and baking the more clothes I was ruining so I thought I'd give the apron idea a try.  I am here to tell you it's a pretty neat thing!

According to Wikipedia there was a decline in apron wearing during the 60's when washing machines and clothes became cheaper.  I can see how that could happen but I also know (from experience) that some stains do not come out in the washing machine!  If you take a close look at one of my aprons you can imagine what my clothes would look like if I wasn't wearing the apron! (I have a terrible habit of wiping my hands on my clothes.)

The apron is coming back though.  I'm sure you've all seen the gifty types with fun sayings for Dad at the BBQ or Mom favoring a glass of wine over cooking.  I have four aprons, two of which are "fancy."

This first one even has matching pot holders...very fancy!!

The apron below is actually from Italy.  It is customized with my name.  As you can imagine I do not wear this one...it's so fancy that it's just for decoration!

The one thing that all my aprons have in common, which I think is essential is a pocket!  I suppose originally the pocket was meant to hold eggs or produce gathered from outside before starting the cooking or baking.  I tend to keep a dishtowel in mine for drying my hands.  

So what do you prefer...wearing an apron or doing laundry?  Have you joined the apron renaissance? 

What do you look for in a good apron?