Monday, February 20, 2023

The Evolution of the Adult Bib

 


Have you ever used an adult bib? (Or do you have friends, family members or relatives who use it?). Well, do you remember the time when you were a toddler sitting upright in a high chair, and playing with your mashed potatoes and gravy on a plastic table? Well, if you remember that time, then you were probably wearing a bib! But, bibs are not just for kids, but for adults too, most specially the elderly. Here’s a quick peek at the interesting evolution of adult bibs.

 

In 17th Century Europe, Guests Would Bring Their Own Bibs

When kids grow up, and they’ve already learned some dexterity with the fork and spoon, they’ll usually do away with using bibs. Well that’s until you are tempted to eat crabs or lobsters in a restaurant! (Or when you get old, and your hands or fingers tremble).

 

But, historians say that in 17th century Europe, when men and women were invited to lunch or dinner at a nobleman’s house, it was expected that they would be bringing their own bibs to protect their clothing, because dry cleaning wasn’t available during this time yet.

 

The bib, which historians say eventually descended on the lap, and was then called a napkin, was tied around a person’s neck just before the first course. The ladies used the same cloth as the guys, however the women tucked one of the corners into the high necks of their blouses.

 

Couples who went to a dinner party with their best bib and tucker were often assured that they would be socially acceptable for that event or occasion. As the custom or practice spread through the social classes, eventually even peasants and farmers wore cloth bibs.

 

When a guy tried to tie a bib over his high-necked, ruffled shirt, he often had problems with making ends meet, literally, a phrase that has become associated with the issues of not enough money and too many expenses.

 

The early adult bibs were known to be quite effective in protecting your clothes when working. It is believed that bibs or aprons originally began with men taking pieces of cloth and tying them around their waist, to protect their outfits.

 

Today, Bibs Serve the Needs of A Wider Spectrum of Society

These days, more and more people believe that bibs are not exclusively for the use of small kids. In fact, bibs can actually serve the needs of a wide spectrum of society. Like for example, doctors, nurses and caregivers can use it in their medical practices.

 

Welders also use thick, heavy leather bibs to protect them from molten metal and scalding sparks. Smokers can even buy and use special bibs to keep their clothes clean from cigarette ash.

 

And of course, adult bibs are also commonly used by elderly hospital patients (and even by younger adults who have problems with controlling the movement of their hands and fingers).

 

Today’s set of adult bibs are also made to look more dignified and functional. They are also made for people who have special needs in the home or community. The availability of adult bibs is actually only limited by your imagination!

 

In summary, adult bibs are designed for use in the home, as well as in health and aged care facilities. These clothing protectors are able to absorb liquid and other food stains from unwanted spills, stains, dampness and odors.

 

These are also quite easy to use and clean, and very much ideal for anyone who experiences unsteadiness while eating or drinking.


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