Author: Rebecca Volken | Published 12:10 PM, December 31, 2020

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Whether you are an amateur chef at home or working in a restaurant, finding the best apron for your specific situation is essential to creating an efficient workflow while you are cooking. The apron not only protects your clothes from splashing in the mixing bowl and stains such as hot oil, but also helps you fix the tableware, towels, and even your mobile phone. Similar to oven mitts, aprons can help avoid kitchen accidents and provide great value for chefs and bakers.

With all the available options, choosing an apron that suits your needs can be challenging; however, there are some key features you need to keep in mind when shopping. This guide explores the types of aprons and the various functions they provide to help ensure that you buy the right apron (or more) to meet your cooking needs.

First, consider the type of apron that best suits your needs when you are cooking. There are four common types of aprons, each of which has a specific purpose. Knowing each type will make it easier for you to narrow down your choices when you start shopping, and ultimately decide the best apron for your kitchen adventure.

The four-way apron is almost only used in the restaurant environment. This apron only covers the waist and has no protective effect on the upper body. It has four layers, and when each layer gets dirty, these layers can be constantly switched and folded to provide a clean surface. The four-way apron is very suitable for individuals who need to use the apron multiple times to clean, such as chefs who work long shifts in restaurants.

This type of apron is also suitable for people who need to wipe or dry their hands frequently but don't have time to put on a clean apron. Regardless of the situation, there are four available layers to switch cleanliness very conveniently, and it can also save laundry costs.

Similar to the four-way apron, the tavern apron does not provide protection for the upper body and is mainly used by waiters in high-end restaurants. Therefore, it is often difficult to find this type of apron in a typical kitchenware store.

One obvious difference is that the tavern apron is longer than the quad apron, usually below the knee, almost to the ankle. This length provides excellent protection for the pants. This type of apron almost always has pockets to store necessities such as pens, guest checks or straws.

The bib apron is the most traditional type of apron, and it is also what you are most likely to imagine in your mind when you think of an apron. This type of apron wraps around the neck and extends to the knees to protect the upper and lower body. Laces secure the apron to the waist, usually with pockets. The bib apron is ideal for bakers, chefs and home cooks because it provides coverage during cooking and cleaning, preventing splashing pans, flour dough and water.

The bib apron is one of the most common types because it is very popular and comes in different styles, sizes and colors.

The tuxedo apron is very similar to the bib apron, but it provides more noble temperament. However, this kind of apron is only used in high-end restaurants, and is almost never used in home cooks’ kitchens. It leans against the chest and provides an adjustable shoulder strap around the neck. The length of the tuxedo apron extends from the upper thigh to the knee, and is usually solid black or with a striped pattern. The top of this apron is a V-neck style, which adds a more refined look.

For non-professionals, tuxedo aprons are difficult to find, and-as mentioned above-the choice of colors and patterns is very limited.

When buying the best apron for your cooking needs, consider four main factors: intended use, color and pattern selection, fabric and washing options. Exploring these factors will help narrow your choices and make it easier and faster to find the most suitable apron for you.

Once you have determined the purpose of the apron, it should be easier to determine the best apron for you. Think about what you need the apron to protect, what you want it to hold, and the color or pattern you like.

The above four types of aprons are suitable for different purposes. Do you need an apron that mainly covers the upper body or an apron that reaches the ankles? Do you own a bakery and need an apron that looks professional but also practical? Maybe you are a home cook and just want to wear a cute apron while baking cookies with your kids.

Consider the color and pattern options you might need for the apron. If you just choose a functional apron to protect your clothes, then this factor may not be important to you. However, if you are a baker and want to provide your store with branded aprons-or even if you just want you and your children or spouse to equip matching aprons for special baking and cooking activities-the color and pattern may be A basic feature.

The type of fabric used to make the apron is crucial in terms of durability, water resistance and aesthetics. For household use, cotton is usually the most logical choice. It is lightweight, comfortable, and can withstand typical home kitchen use. For a more waterproof option, consider leather or waxed cotton. If the goal is a durable and durable apron, linen or denim is the ideal choice. These fabrics are very strong and can be used for a long time.

Not all of the aforementioned fabrics are easy to clean. Although leather is beautiful and durable, it is not a convenient choice because leather is not machine washable. Although waxed cotton is a more waterproof option, it also cannot be machine washed.

To make it easier to throw the apron into the washing machine after baking or cooking, cotton, denim and linen are ideal. However, remember that aprons can be made of more than one fabric, and not all aprons can be machine washed. If this feature is important to you, carefully check each product you are considering to ensure that it can be safely placed in the washing machine after completing the cooking task.

Our first choice for the best cooking aprons considers various types, uses, fabrics and various categories of additional features. Whether you are looking for style, comfort, durability, or just looking for something interesting, read on to discover some of the best aprons on the market that can meet your cooking needs.

This bib-style apron by DII is ideal for home cooks or amateur bakers. It has an adjustable neckband and waistband and a large front pocket that can be used to store utensils or other cooking necessities. This apron is made of 100% cotton, soft and breathable. Although the apron can be machine washed, it must be gently washed with cold water and then dried at a low temperature. Cotton cloth will shrink significantly, and if washed improperly, the apron may be damaged.

Due to the economy of this apron and the choice of eight colors of lattices, with a few of them, you always have an absolute possibility that is convenient or ready to be used by visitors of your home. This is the "best fit" apron, 32 inches wide and 38 inches high. The manufacturer also offers embroidery options to customize the look and feel.

If you are looking for a cheap option, this two-piece set from Syntus offers a double soft polyester bib apron, which is easy to clean and suitable for most adults. The neckband and waistband are adjustable, and the two large front pockets can hold all your cooking or baking necessities.

This two-enclosed skirt provides affordable flexibility for professional bakers or chefs and can be purchased for employees, or just an amateur chef who wants a spare apron when the other apron is dirty. The unisex style makes it suitable for both men and women, so if you and your spouse like to cook together, you don't have to buy two different aprons. These aprons are machine washable and available in 12 colors.

This bib-style apron from NEWGEM is unique and elegant in design, while being functional and durable. This fabric is a breathable cotton and linen blend fabric that hangs loosely around the hips, but still provides a barrier between your clothes and potential cooking or baked goods. The folded skirt makes this apron retro, comfortable and stylish. The two shoulder straps of the apron are crossed on the back and connected to the waist of the apron. Although some styles of this apron do not have these belts, most of them are tied at the back of the waist to suit most adults.

There are two pockets on both sides of the apron. It comes in one size suitable for most adults and comes in eight colors.

Although bib aprons are best for keeping our upper body clothes clean, they can also be a bit restrictive when you are walking around in the kitchen. If you want more freedom of movement, but still want to protect your lower body from chaos, consider this tavern apron from DII. It is made of 100% cotton, soft, breathable, durable, and machine washable.

This apron is designed with an extra-long belt, which is suitable for people of all shapes to use easily. The large front pocket can hold tableware, mobile phones or other necessities when you create a masterpiece of cooking. It is available in eight colors and can be matched with matching oven gloves, dish towels and thermos cups also produced by the manufacturer.

As the manufacturer's name implies, this bib apron from Hudson Durable Goods offers extra durability because it is made of heavyweight 10 ounces of cotton, while most standard aprons are made of 8 ounces or less of cotton become. The heavier cotton material makes this apron thicker and less likely to wear out with frequent or frequent use. There is a kangaroo-style front pocket that allows you to let go comfortably, and there are two extra large pockets underneath to store utensils. The apron also has a breast pocket for storing small items such as mobile phones, and a towel ring, the apron rests on your hips.

The shoulder straps on this apron are crossed on the back to prevent neck pain, and then connected to the buttonholes of the hips. The shoulder strap with quick-release buckle can connect the two hip buttonholes and the strap in the middle of the back with just a light press. The unisex size and adjustable features of this apron make it suitable for men under the XXL size. Once you adjust it to fit your body shape, you don't have to worry about tying knots on the back.

This apron is machine washable; however, since it is 100% cotton, please wash it in cold water and dry it at low temperature to ensure it does not shrink.

This bib-style apron from ARAWAK BRAVE has all the functions to assist you in cooking. There is a kangaroo pocket on the front to let go, and two large pockets underneath to store utensils. The other pocket on the chest is perfect for storing your phone. This apron extends from the chest to the knees. However, unlike most bib aprons, its straps are crossed on the back to eliminate neck pain and better secure it to your body. These straps also wrap around the buttonholes of the hips, allowing you to tighten and adjust the apron in one go.

The apron also includes a convenient loop near the chest to keep your headphone cord away from your work space, making it easier for you to listen to your favorite music or audiobooks while cooking. The ring cleverly placed on the hip can hold a towel, so you don't have to search the kitchen while putting your wet hands on the sink.

This apron is available in five colors and two fabric options, including cotton and denim-both are machine washable.

This bib apron was created by Maison d'Hermine and has 11 different exquisite patterns to choose from. Some options include birds, flowers, and square patterns, each with its own whimsical style. It is made of 100% cotton, very soft and comfortable, suitable for all-day baking marathons or cooking dinners. Although it can be machine washed, make sure to use warm water and dry it at a low temperature in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to avoid shrinking.

The apron has a large front pocket, and the neckband and waistband are adjustable. You can purchase matching tablecloths, oven gloves, tablecloths and thermos cups.

This bib apron from ICUP is ideal for Star Wars enthusiasts. The front is designed with an officially authorized Darth Vader to ensure that his mechanical suit enhances the cooking experience.

The waistband is adjustable, making this apron suitable for most adults. However, the tie around the neck cannot be adjusted, and there are no pockets for eating utensils or other items. Machine wash this apron in cold water and dry it. If the apron is wrinkled, do not iron the design; just dry it to let the wrinkles come out.

ApronMen’s bib-style apron is made of 100% cotton, making family and friends laugh when they come for dinner. There is an interesting proverb on the chest that reads: "Your opinion is not in the recipe." It has six colors and patterns to choose from, so be sure to find one that suits you or give it to a friend who likes cooking.

The apron uses an adjustable neckband and waistband, suitable for most adults. There are three large pockets on the front, and the fourth small pocket can be used to hold a mobile phone. Machine washable, but please use cold water and low temperature tumble drying to protect the screen printing design.

Given that you need to consider multiple options when buying the best apron for your cooking needs, you may still have questions. Check out some of the most common questions about aprons and their corresponding answers.

Most chefs wear bibs or tavern aprons.

Yes, linen is an ideal material for making aprons. It is durable, lightweight and machine washable.

The service life of an apron depends on the fabric used to make it, the type and quantity used, and the time and effort required for care. If you invest in a high-quality apron and maintain it properly, it is likely to last for several years.

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