What are Maekake? 7 Things to Know About Japanese Aprons

by Teni Wada | LIFESTYLE

Mount Fuji Japanese Maekake Apron, Available in Japan Objects Store

Stylishly crafted and deceptively functional, maekake are Japanese aprons that have been favored by those in traditional trade and handicraft industries for nearly 400 years. We’ll explore the history of maekake, how they’re made, and why you’ll want to wear one yourself!

Contents

1. What is a Maekake?
2. Where do Maekake Aprons Come From?
3. What’s the Difference Between Japanese Maekake and Other Aprons?
4. How are Maekake Made?
5. How to Use Maekake?
6. How To Tie a Maekake Apron?
7. Where to Buy Authentic Japanese Maekake?

1. What is a Maekake?

Hokusai Japanese Maekake Apron, Available in Japan Objects Store

Maekake is written 前掛け in Japanese, and literally means hanging in front. This style of traditional Japanese apron evolved from that worn by manual laborers, and today is popular with artists and craftspeople.

Maekake are made with thick, woven cotton canvas, which protect the wearer from physical injury and heat-related accidents, as well as keeping their clothes clean.

2. Where do Maekake Aprons Come From?

The use of maekake as Japanese work aprons date back to the 16th century, in Edo Japan. Rice farmers, sake and soy sauce breweries, and miso paste makers, among other professionals, would wear maekake adorned with their shop logo as a means to advertise their business. Not only did shop staff wear these one-of-a-kind aprons, maekake were also gifted to customers as a unique token of appreciation.

Production of maekake boomed in at the turn of the 20th century with the introduction of automated shuttle looms. However, Japan-made canvas fell out of favor in post-war Japan due to the availability of cheaper, imported cotton and synthetic fibers.

3. What’s the Difference Between Japanese Maekake and Other Aprons?

Japanese Maekake Apron in Saffron, Available at Japan Objects Store

When it comes to aprons you’ve got two broad categories: bib aprons and waist aprons. You’ll no doubt be familiar with the former as they are the standard type of knee-length garments that cover the torso and lower body. They are loose-fitting and tie at the waist and neck with adjustable straps or across the back in the shape of an X and tie behind the waist in order to take the strain off your neck.

When it comes to waist aprons, however, their purpose is not just to protect clothing, but also to emphasise ease of moment. Waist aprons also come with pockets to store writing utensils, order pads, and other tools of the trade. Maekake falls into the category of waist aprons, yet their design and functionality sets them apart from other utility aprons. They have been favored by tradesmen and craftsmen for centuries as they alleviate stress on the lower back by properly aligning the pelvis.

If you are on your feet for hours and do heavy and/or repetitive lifting, you could benefit from using a maekake to align your hips when standing and bending. Moreover, the thick woven canvas naturally lends itself to being heat and flame resistant, as well as protecting the wearer from physical injury.

Whereas other aprons tend to be loose-fitting, the canvas fabric of a maekake ensures that the material stays close to the body, without restricting movement. This is important when it comes to minimizing the risk of clothing hazards in the workplace (i.e. loose fabric getting caught in machinery).

4. How are Maekake Made?

Tradtional Japanese maekake have been made from durable canvas for over 400 years. If you’re lookin to buy a maekake yourself, make sure you choose one in the same durable canvas such as this. Even today, highly specialised artisans continue to use the traditional method of weaving and manufacturing on authentic shuttle looms dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

5. How to Use Maekake?

In the 21st century, maekake have found a new audience among professionals and hobbyists who have put their own spin on this traditional garment. It’s not uncommon to see chefs, florists, greengrocers, wait staff at Japanese pubs, or even campers sporting maekake. Use maekake indoors or outdoors as a protective garment when cooking, gardening, auto repairs, DIY projects, or camping.

Here are a few examples of what your maekake can do:

Love camping or gardening? Use your maekake as a makeshift pouch to lift and carry firewood, bags of potting soil, or other heavy materials.

Have a dog, cat, or other furry friend? Wear a maekake when going out on walks or when grooming to keep stray fur off your clothing.

Have small children? Wear your maekake as a utility belt when you’re indoors, and to protect your clothes against sticky hands!

When you’re not using your maekake, don’t hide it away in a drawer; instead hang it as a wall tapestry to add a subdued Japanese aesthetics to your living space. As maekake are a versatile garment, don’t be afraid to think outside your kitchen: there are no limits to its use!

6. How To Tie a Maekake Apron?

Maneki Cat Japanese Maekake Apron, Available in Japan Objects Store

To get the full benefit of a maekake apron, it should be worn as tightly as is comfortable. First, place the maekake on your upper pelvic bone. Take a deep breath then slowly exhale. Wrap the belts around your back then bring to the front. Make sure that the straps are even, and pulled as tightly as you can without causing any discomfort. You should feel supported, not restricted.

Tie the belts securely in front with a basic shoelace knot. Give the apron a little tug to test the strength of the knot and to ensure that your maekake does not come undone when working.

7. Where to Buy Authentic Japanese Maekake?

Luckily, you don’t have to look too hard, you can find a great collection of authentic Japanese maekake aprons here in our store! All are handmade in Japan, on the original shuttle looms that are over 100 years old. Here are a few of our favorites

Own a piece of cinema history! Making an appearance in the upcoming James Bond film, “No Time To Die” is this knee-length maekake in iconic Japan blue. The featured logo is a stylized Diamond Fuji, a natural phenomenon when the rising or setting sun aligns with the peak of Japan’s tallest mountain. This maekake is also imprinted with Japanese characters reading representative of Japan (nippon daihyou).

The design of this maekake is based on a style originally made in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture some 40 years ago. It features the thick and durable fabric characteristic of maekake popular in the mid-20th century.

Japanese Maekake Apron in Indigo, Available in Japan Objects Store

Sometimes less is more, and this solid navy blue maekake from effortlessly combines boldness and simplicity, all while exemplifying the quality craftsmanship of its artisans. It has two side pockets tastefully enforced with copper rivets, which makes it ideal for activities like gardening or other creative endeavors, when you might want to keep some of the tools of your trade close to hand!

Unlike fabrics woven in large batches on modern industrial looms, the fabric used in this maekake are woven on a narrow shuttle loom in small batches, resulting in its distinctive texture and gentle rusticity. The thick coarseness of the fabric comes from using low count domestic thread. The fabric is dyed by skilled artisans who use colorfast dye that retains its original hue for a soft, and textured finish, and is also available in saffron

Put fate into your own hands and make everyday your lucky day with this Lucky Cat maekake apron! Lucky cats, or maneki neko, as they are known in their Japan, are a fixture in homes and businesses across the country. Measuring 26” (67cm), this maekake provides more than just luck, offering a large degree of protection of your lower body.

The strapsare also made from 100% cotton that has a moderate amount of stretch. The red and white colors symbolize shobai hanjo or thriving business, as maekake were used as a form of advertisement.

Short Japanese Maekake Apron in Saffron, Available in Japan Objects Store

First impressions count, so make a cheery one in this bright saffron-colored bistro-style pocket apron from Anything. It uses a unique color called karashi, named after the peppery mustard-like Japanese condiment. This style is a favorite among women due to its flattering length, measuring in at 18” (47cm)

This apron comes packaged in an attractive gift box, and is also available in classic Japanese indigo.

This deep navy blue maekake waist apron features the instantly recognisable icon, Great Wave off Kanagawa by Japanese woodblock printer Hokusai Katsushika. The Great Wave is one of the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji immortalized by Hokusai, who lived during the Edo Period when maekake were first used among professionals to advertise their businesses.