A proverb from South Tyrol says that a man is not fully dressed until he wears his apron.
This royal blue apron is a distinctive piece of clothing, worn primarily by craftsmen and farmers in South Tyrol, and still plays an important role today. Originally, this "Firtig" was made with a bib of white linen, but in the 19th century, durable cotton was introduced, and the blue apron evolved into a symbol of the farming class. It was typically worn over a checkered shirt and was only replaced with traditional costume on special occasions.
Traditionally, a boy would receive his first apron on his first day of school, often decorated with an embroidered image or saying. A knee-length apron was a staple for every adult man, supporting him in his everyday work. At the end of the workday, the left corner of the apron was pulled forward and left to hang down, while the right corner was lifted and fastened at the back to signal the close of the day. Occasionally, the tip of the apron would peek out from under a jacket, even during church services. The way the apron was worn and tied varied from valley to valley, but it remains a practical piece of workwear even today, often repurposed as a carry sack, seed basket, or towel. Particularly in orchards or vineyards, the vivid blue of the apron can still frequently be seen amidst the rows of trees or vines.