Buying an apron can be as difficult as cooking is to some. There are so many different types of aprons with such different styles and purposes that it would seem like getting one would come down to looking at them and picking the style you like best. However, there are factors about aprons that make them suit certain people better than others, and knowing these factors will help ensure you get what you need and not something unnecessary.
Fabric
A good place to start with making sure your new apron suits you well is the fabric from which it’s made. The two most common fabrics used in aprons are cotton/polyester blends and 100% cotton. As with all clothing, 100% cotton is your best bet when you’re concerned about performance and durability. However, 100% cotton can be a little rough on the skin if it’s not finished in some way to make it softer to the touch. Cotton/polyester blends are a nice middle ground between comfort and performance. They typically aren’t as soft as pure cotton, but they dry faster than 100% cotton aprons after getting wet.
Design
The design of an apron reflects its purpose in life, which means that knowing what kind of work you’ll need from your new apron will greatly influence what style to get. If you’re going to spend most of your time cooking, then the traditional full-body bibs with pouches for holding utensils are your best bet. These aprons cover everything except the hands and arms, which helps protect your clothing underneath if it gets splattered or stained. On the other hand, if you’re not worried about covering up your clothes, then something like a decorative halter top pinafore with an asymmetrical neckline is what you’ll want.
Pockets:
Aprons don’t always come with pockets, so this makes them a nice feature to look out for when shopping around. If you plan on using your apron mostly around the house, then having pockets will help free up space in your purse by storing items such as phones, keys, snacks, etc., that you might otherwise carry around all day.
Length
The length of your apron will be determined by the kind of work you’ll need it for. If you’re working in an area where there is a risk of spills or catching on things, then it’s practical to have an apron that covers your clothes in front in some way. For example, full-body aprons with buckled straps around the neck cover up both the back and the front of your clothes while leaving your arms exposed for moving around easily. Aprons made out of fabric that doesn’t stain, such as polyester and nylon, are also good choices since they allow you to wipe up messes without damaging them and can go right into the washing machine afterward without worrying about shrinkage or fading.
Style
The style of an apron is more for personal taste than anything else. Polyester and nylon aprons typically come in solid colors. Still, cotton/polyester blends and 100% cotton aprons can be had with all kinds of prints on them, including stripes, polka dots, and plaids. Aprons that cover just the neck area, such as scarves and neckerchiefs, are cute too because they can be worn around the waist or neck as well as over the shoulders if you want some extra support to your back or arms.
Size
Although it’s not necessarily practical to buy clothes online, one benefit is being able to find out which size you wear simply by checking out their sizing chart. If you’re unable to find your size, don’t worry because the site should have free return shipping. You can then look at what you’ve ordered compared to their sizing chart and determine which size would be best for you.
Brand
While it’s not recommended that you judge a book by its cover, there are certain brands of aprons with reputations for high quality, durability, and functionality. If you work in a restaurant or any establishment where food is being prepared or served, it’s best to get an apron from Chef Works since they produce durable aprons that resist stains well while still being comfortable to wear all day.
