Vintage Maekake Apron: Komagome Flower Market

The traditional Japanese shopkeepers’ apron or 'maekake' is ingrained into Japanese culture, and has been since as far back as the Edo period. Usually dyed with indigo and woven from heavyweight cotton, maekake were historically worn by staff at small manufacturers, stores and breweries throughout the country due to their durability. The company logo would be emblazoned on the front.

Worn around the front of the body and tied at the hips, they’re now making a comeback with a resurgent appreciation for Japanese utilitarian and workwear design.

Maekake aprons have a distinctive heavyweight cotton feel and are crafted to feature a defining fringed hem and contrasting waistband.

This particular vintage apron is from a trader at the flower market in Komagome.