The terms are similar, but not interchangeable. A smock is a loose shirt or dress like garment, whereas an apron is a long protective garment worn over ones clothes when performing messy tasks like cooking or working as a blacksmith. Smocks are generally considered women's clothing, but aprons are worn by both men and women, though a traditional woman's apron (like what a 1950's housewife would wear) has lace and frills and is, therefore considered a feminine garment.