The blue apron

Like no other piece of clothing in South Tyrol, the blue apron characterises the work clothing on the farms, fields and in the vineyards. This apron with bib is called "Fürtig" or "Firtig" in the South Tyrolean dialect. At the weekends the traditional working costume, i.e. the trousers, the cotton shirt - usually plaid - and the blue apron, is taken off: Then the festive robe is worn, beautifully and cleanly prepared for going to church, or the traditional beautiful costume for a special celebration.

These aprons have been widespread in the Alpine region since the Middle Ages: back then it wasn't normal to have different robes, so the apron had to protect the clothing from dirt. Furthermore it showed the affiliation to a certain social group or profession.

Up to the 19th century, the apron was white and traditionally made of linen, then cotton - in its original blue colour - prevailed as material: the blue apron became the symbol of the peasantry. Today these blue aprons are also popular souvenirs from South Tyrol, which can be bought with different sayings, even for children.