Letter 4
PINAFORE POWER
From Miranda  

Dear Susan,

Quite rightly the pinafore features frequently in your publication, and I thought it would be interesting to consider quite why this garment commands such attention. There is no doubt of the pinafore's irresistible power, and it has a symbolic meaning which is much greater than the plain (asexual) apron. It will be interesting to see any views from yourself and fellow readers.

Firstly, there is no single definition of the word 'pinafore', but it is certainly not just any apron. To draw a distinction, I best like the description that a pinafore is a full apron worn by a woman ( or child ). Typically, a child’s pinafore is the loose smock type worn by Edwardian schoolgirls and seen in films such as 'The Railway Children'.

Focusing on a woman’s pinafore,  this has two functions.The first is as a protective covering while carrying out household chores. The second is purely decorative, originally to enhance the femininity of the  housemaid or housewife wearing it, incorporating unnecessary but pretty features such as frills, ruffles, gathers and female motifs.For an example, look at the traditional pinafores made by Jane Ellen in your 'Links' page.


As a man, your husband may have come in from work wearing a shirt and trousers, but these masculine garments are completely overpowered the moment they are covered by a pinafore. For the wearer it is impossible to ignore that he is wearing an ultra-feminine garment, whilst at the same time sending a clear message to him that he is dressed and ready to carry out the housework typically associated with a female.

From the woman’s point of view, the joy of a pinafore is that it is quick and easy to apply. By all means keep a variety of styles for different occasions and usages, but always leave a flounced and frilly one hanging from a hook on the back of the kitchen door. The friends and neighbours may not notice the apparently innocent apron, but your man will ever be conscious that at a moment’s notice you can withdraw permission for his visit to the pub (or the football, whatever). In no time at all he may instead find himself buttoned and snugly tied into a frilly patterned pinafore, and on his way upstairs to clean the bath until it gleams.

As a final word, I would say to other lady readers that from the above comments it is well worth spending time and money to find pinafores which are as elaborate and feminine as possible, but at the same time strong and well made enough to withstand extended regular wear in the execution of household duties.
Hope this is of interest to the readers.

Miranda
Pinafored boy from a classic drawing originally published in 'The Governess'. Colour picture from 'Petticoat Punishment Art'.

Sally Thomsett especially did look lovely in her old-fashioned Edwardian pinny. This illustration, and other things connected with this marvellous film, can be obtained from www.moviegoods.com, which can be seen overwritten on the picture.

'The Railway Children' was written by Edith Nesbit, and the book had (in its day) a rather socialist flavour, as she was a friend of George Bernard Shaw's. Thank you Miranda for your discourse on pinnie power. It is a subject with which I bet your husband is very well acquainted. I certainly concur that a pinafore must button up at the back above the ruffled skirt, so that it cannot be removed without Mummy's help.
Susan

Edith Nesbit

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