The 7 Greatest Aprons of 2025, Examined & Reviewed

Once I received my first kitchen job as a prep cook dinner, I invested in a elaborate apron. It was fabricated from thick, dark-washed denim and had a cross-back strap system that clipped to the material so it was straightforward to take off and alter. However after every week of utilizing it, I used to be able to throw it within the bin: The clasps on the straps stored popping open, inflicting a series response of a strap flapping free and the apron collapsing on one aspect. 

From this, I discovered that typically the very best kitchen apron is the best: It covers you up, has a couple of pockets for instruments like thermometers or kitchen tweezers, and might alter to suit a myriad of physique shapes. Clips, extraneous straps, and dozens of pockets usually get in the way in which relatively than assist. With this standards in thoughts, I attempted on, stained, washed, and used greater than 18 aprons to search out choices that’ll maintain you and your garments spiffy.

The Winners, at a Look

This was a basic, adjustable loop-neck apron with lengthy ties that offered a flexible match. A lesson in simplicity, it had two entrance pockets and one chest pocket—the proper quantity of built-in storage. It additionally is available in a blinding array of colours, prints, and patterns.

This rugged apron was straightforward to regulate and sported additional pockets, including to its utility. At first, I used to be skeptical of the hexagonal chest pocket, nevertheless it was really a fantastic form for shortly slipping in a Sharpie on one aspect and tucking a thermometer into the opposite. The simplicity and practicality of this apron received me over, and I discovered myself reaching for it each day.

The thick cotton made this $30 apron really feel prefer it was value double the value. I preferred the easy construction with two entrance pockets and an adjustable neck loop. It’s a strong, easy apron that’ll maintain you coated.

The great thing about a crossback apron is that it has one steady tie, so whenever you pull the ends to tighten it, the entire apron conforms to your physique. As a brief one who usually must fold an apron to tie it, this was a boon. This crossback apron from Hedley & Bennett match snugly and offered all-over protection. It was one in every of my go-to’s after I used the aprons in my each day cooking routine.

When you use your apron within the toolshed simply as a lot as you do within the kitchen, then that is the one for you. It’s received oodles of pockets able to be filled with thermometers, pliers, tweezers, and perhaps even a snack. The sturdy firm-hand cotton protects you from scorching liquids and different cooking hazards.

This easy, ethereal smock apron has been an editor favourite for years. It’s straightforward to drape over your physique, sports activities two pockets and a towel loop, and gives good protection.

Made with thick cotton in a easy, boxy form, this smock-style apron was roomy and had a flexible match. Its turmeric and oat-colored stripes had been beautiful too. 

The Assessments

• Match and Function Check: I attempted on each apron and had my husband accomplish that as nicely to get an concept of how they match on totally different physique sorts. I additionally tucked an instant-read thermometer, my cellphone, and a Sharpie into the assorted pockets. If an apron had a kitchen towel loop, I attempted that out too. 
• Stain and Clear Check: I stained every apron with one tablespoon of tomato sauce, mimicking getting them soiled whereas cooking. I allow them to sit for an hour earlier than washing them in chilly water and letting them air-dry. If the apron was not machine-washable, I adopted the producer’s directions for cleansing. 
• Day by day Use Check: I used my favourite aprons for a couple of weeks, noting in the event that they had been comfy and the way they held up over time.

What We Discovered

A Observe on Apron Types

Who knew a easy apron may are available so many sorts? I examined three types: neck-loop aprons, crossback aprons, and smock aprons. Every has its professionals and cons, and selecting which you need can come down to suit preferences. Let’s dive into them.

A customary loop-neck apron provides adjustability and a fitted type, and it usually has two units of pockets: two close to the hips and one on the chest. A crossback apron may be very comparable, besides to regulate the suit you pull on the ties relatively than fiddle with the neck loop. Each loop-neck and crossback aprons usually require tying the apron within the again or wrapping the ties across the entrance and securing them. They’re barely tougher to placed on and take off than a smock apron. 

Smock aprons slip over your head and arms and provide a roomy match together with good protection. The one draw back to this type was that it wasn’t fairly as safe because the crossback and loop-neck aprons: Due to the dearth of ties, after I put issues within the pockets, like my cellphone or a thermometer, the burden of the gadgets tugged the apron down.

Changes Had been Key 

A great apron needs to be adjustable so it suits comfortably. Crossback aprons had been the best to regulate for the reason that ties are a singular strand—when pulled, it impacts the match of the whole apron. Neck-loop aprons had been the second best to suit, with adjustable neck loops that may very well be tightened or loosened. Changes are important since many aprons are one-size-fits-all, so it’s good to have the ability to tweak the match to get the very best protection. 

The Pinnafore Crossback Linen Apron was hooked up on the again, making it extra restrictive and undoubtedly not one-size-fits-all—my husband couldn’t get it over his shoulders. The identical went for the Uncommon Threads Restaurant Bib Apron, which had a neck loop that wasn’t adjustable. Once I tried it on, the apron fell too low, leaving a big part close to the highest of my shirt uncovered. 

Stains Had been (Largely) Inevitable

When you cook dinner something that burbles, you’re in all probability going to make a multitude of your apron. However that’s okay—it’s supposed that will help you keep away from having a Jackson Pollock of tomato sauce, whipped cream, oil, and different liquids splattered over your clothes. And since a lot of the aprons I examined had been fabricated from cotton or linen, they did stain. 

After smearing tomato sauce on each apron and letting them sit for an hour, I tossed the machine-washable ones into the washer with some light laundry detergent and ran it on cool. Just about each single apron emerged with a stain—the exceptions had been dark-colored aprons, which simply hid the rusty splotch higher, and the Hedley & Bennett Waxman Apron, which has a layer of soy wax that protects the material. (It’s additionally not machine-washable, however spot cleansing did take away the sauce with none residue.) 

If there are any egregious stains you merely can not abide, I recommend grabbing a detergent pen and going that route. However, total, a well-used apron will doubtless choose up some stains over time.

Extras Weren’t All the time a Good Factor

The Williams Sonoma Ultimate Apron and the Five Two Ultimate Apron each had built-in pot holders, which seemed like a genius concept…in principle. In follow, nevertheless, the thick “pot holder” areas had been spaced too shut to one another, and utilizing them to seize a scorching Dutch oven felt unsafe. Follow utilizing a separate pair of oven mitts or pot holders to seize scorching dishes.

Let Aprons Air-Dry

Whereas some aprons had been technically dryer-friendly, I like to recommend hanging your aprons as much as dry, since a lot of the aprons I examined had been fabricated from cotton and linen and had been susceptible to shrinking. I’ve owned a Hedley & Bennett Smock Apron for a couple of 12 months now and in a rush to put on it after washing, I’ve regularly tossed it within the dryer. No shock: It’s shrunk considerably and now measures 27.25 inches lengthy versus the brand new apron I examined, which measures 30.25 inches. It nonetheless works nice, although.

Materials Is a Matter of Desire

There are professionals and cons to the assorted supplies used for aprons. Polyester could be extra waterproof than cotton or linen, nevertheless it’s additionally not as comfy or breathable. Cotton is heavy-duty, much more so when it’s coated in wax, however it may be cumbersome. Linen is ethereal and light-weight, nevertheless it stains and wrinkles simply. In brief, I’d go together with no matter is non-negotiable for you. I’m a messy cook dinner, so a polyester apron is a godsend, however when you’re tidy and don’t need to really feel encumbered by your apron, linen or cotton may very well be the way in which to go.

The Standards: What to Search for in an Apron

A great apron needs to be versatile, straightforward to regulate, and maintain you coated from splatters and spills. Materials preferences are subjective, so think about your wants: For instance, cotton is kind of breathable however is susceptible to shrinking and marking. Storage can be an element—I preferred aprons with not less than three pockets, with one close to the chest and two close to the waist. Watch out for superfluous additions, like pot holders, which may increase the value with out sensible profit.

Our Favourite Aprons

What we preferred: Merely designed, straightforward to regulate, and with the proper trio of pockets, I couldn’t have requested for extra in an apron. The cotton twill was smooth and comfy whereas nonetheless having the heft to guard me from a pot of burbling tomato sauce. It’s a sensible apron, nevertheless it is available in quite a lot of colours, prints, and patterns for a dose of enjoyable. 

What we didn’t like: There was some sloppy stitching on the ends of the ties, and some threads got here free after I washed the apron. The tomato sauce stain didn’t come out, although this was widespread with most aprons.

Key Specs

• Type: Loop neck
• Supplies: Cotton twill
• Size: 32.25 inches
• Options: Chest pocket, two massive pockets, towel loop
• Care: Machine-wash chilly, hang-dry, or tumble-dry on low; don’t soak; low iron as wanted

What we preferred: This apron was utilitarian—however in the easiest way. It’s fabricated from a recycled polyblend so it received’t shrink as a lot as cotton, and the entrance pockets had been broad, accessible, and spacious. 

The loop neck was straightforward to regulate, and the apron size hit the candy spot at a bit over 32 inches. This ensured correct protection with out making me really feel like I used to be swimming in material. I additionally didn’t need to fold it to get it to suit proper. It’s pretty waterproof, too—I by accident sprayed myself with water whereas doing the dishes and the apron didn’t change into a sopping mess. And at below $80, I believe it’s moderately priced. 

What we didn’t like: The apron I examined was black, so whereas it appeared just like the tomato stain got here out, it was arduous to inform. Normally, I choose cotton or linen over polyblends, which aren’t as smooth.

Key Specs

• Type: Loop neck
• Supplies: Recycled polyethylene terephthalate
• Size: 32.25 inches
• Options: Hexagonal high pocket, three backside pockets, towel loop
• Care: Machine-wash chilly and air-dry; don’t bleach or iron

What we preferred: I’ll come clean with it: Many of the aprons I examined and preferred had been on the dear aspect. That’s why I believe this thick, cotton, $30 providing from Williams Sonoma is a superb funds choice. It has a basic loop neck design that’s straightforward to regulate and it sports activities a spacious decrease pocket for stashing a thermometer and/or your cellphone. It’s versatile and the smooth materials didn’t inhibit motion. 

What we didn’t like: The white striped sample meant stains had been extra seen. The steel neck loop adjustment cinch was a bit slippery and susceptible to loosening as I wore the apron.

Key Specs

• Type: Loop neck
• Supplies: Cotton
• Size: 33.75 inches
• Options: Two entrance pockets
• Care: Machine-washable

What we preferred: I had by no means tried a crossback apron earlier than testing, however now I’m a convert. This intelligent design, the place the ties are one steady strip of material, means it’s extremely straightforward to regulate the apron to suit snugly. Simply pull either side of the tie till the apron sits as you prefer it, then safe it with a bow. Hedley & Bennett added powerful however comfy cotton canvas to the combination (although it does are available different supplies, like denim) along with a kitchen towel loop and three pockets, making it a flexible choose. 

What we didn’t like: The one draw back to a one-size-fits-all cross-back apron is that the ties are very lengthy to accommodate totally different physique sorts. On my petite body, this led to a really massive bow with two prolonged, trailing ends. Nevertheless, it’s a small value to pay for a fantastic, simply adjustable apron.

Key Specs

• Type: Crossback 
• Supplies: Cotton canvas
• Size: 32.75 inches
• Options: Chest pocket, two massive pockets, towel loop
• Care: Machine-wash chilly, hang-dry, or tumble-dry on low; don’t soak; low iron as wanted

What we preferred: Have a wok burner in your yard? Fireplace up the propane torch usually? Break down complete chickens weekly? Then this heavy-duty apron is likely to be for you. The model actually says it is for “carpenters, cooks, and weekend mechanics.” Sounds about proper. It’s fabricated from thick, agency duck cotton, that means you’re secure from a sputter of scorching oil or tomato sauce. (For individuals like me who didn’t know what duck cotton was, it’s mainly heavy, plain-woven cotton that’s identified for being sturdy.) And when you’re a kitchen gear geek like I’m, or identical to having a screwdriver or wrench in your individual always, this apron is loaded with pockets. It has 4 massive pockets and two smaller ones, together with one with a zipper, which I tucked my favourite chapstick into. 

What we didn’t like: The thick materials made it stiff and hulking at first, however with frequent put on, it began to calm down a bit. The ties are a bit slippery, which made them tough to cinch securely, and the apron solely is available in two colours: black or camel.

Key Specs

• Type: Crossback 
• Supplies: Agency duck cotton 
• Size: 32 inches
• Options: 4 massive entrance pockets, two small chest pockets, zipper
• Care: Machine-wash chilly on light cycle with gentle detergent; don’t bleach; tumble-dry on low and take away promptly; don’t iron; don’t dry clear

What we preferred: This smock apron is beloved by Critical Eats editors for a lot of causes: It’s straightforward on, straightforward off, the straps are comfy, and the linen-cotton mix is breathable. Relatively than feeling pinched and stuffed into an apron, you may breeze across the kitchen on this flowy smock. It offered nice protection in my checks, too, maintaining my garments secure from overzealous blobs of tomato sauce and sputtering fry oil. I’ve had one in every of these aprons for a couple of 12 months now, and it’s nonetheless in incredible form even after frequent use. 

What we didn’t like: My solely peeve about this apron is that after I put something reasonably heavy within the pockets the entire thing sags. Additionally, no matter you do, don’t hot-tumble dry it! It is going to shrink, as evidenced by the three-inch distinction in size between the apron I personal (and have dried a number of occasions) and the brand new one I examined.

Key Specs

• Type: Cross-back smock
• Supplies: Cotton, linen
• Size: 30.25 inches
• Options: Two entrance pockets, towel loop
• Care: Machine-wash chilly on light cycle; line-dry and medium iron as wanted; don’t soak

What we preferred: Fabricated from thick cotton with a turmeric and oat-colored striped sample, this apron was beautiful. Whereas some smock aprons had been so voluminous they made me really feel like I used to be swimming in material, this one offered the proper quantity of protection with out being excessively massive: The highest of the apron sat excessive on the chest and the material prolonged down 29 inches. The apron didn’t sag a lot when the pockets had been crammed as a result of the shoulder straps had been wide-set—an enormous win in my ebook. 

What we didn’t like: It’s costly and was brief on taller of us (i.e., my husband).

Key Specs

• Type: Smock
• Supplies: Cotton
• Size: 28.75 inches
• Options: Two entrance pockets
• Care: Machine-wash; tumble-dry or hang-dry

The Competitors

• Hedley & Bennett Waxman Apron: Fabricated from cotton coated with soy wax, this sturdy apron resisted spills and stains. The leather-based neck loop was straightforward to regulate and the entire thing simply felt extremely nicely made and sturdy. Because it’s fabricated from waxed cotton, it’s fairly stiff at first—I may actually fold the underside and it might keep folded. I needed I may have tightened the neck loop extra, for the reason that high of the apron was a bit low on my chest. It’s extra finicky on the subject of cleansing, too (no washing, no bleaching, no drying—simply spot cleansing), and prices 4 occasions the quantity of the Carhartt, an equally hardy apron. 
• Tilit Supply Apron: Fabricated from ripstop, this was a sturdy, sensible, and light-weight apron that did the fundamentals nicely. The neck loop was straightforward to regulate, too. Its draw back was the dearth of entrance pockets. Whereas it did have a chest pocket, it was shallow, small, and off-kilter; I may slip a Sharpie inside, however something bigger fell out. It additionally had a decrease pocket, nevertheless it was oddly positioned on the within of the apron, which made it troublesome to entry.
• Merci Washed Linen Apron: It is a beautiful linen apron that offered good protection with out being restrictive. Nevertheless, it’s additionally large—it grazed my toes. Whereas this implies it could accommodate quite a lot of heights, I needed to roll it up rather a lot to get it to suit me. The neck “loop” must be tied off to regulate it, there aren’t any pockets, and since it’s linen, it was tremendous wrinkled after washing. 
• Five Two Ultimate Apron with Built-In Pot Holders: This apron hit just under my knees, offering good protection, and the neck loop was straightforward to regulate. The pockets had been good and roomy and in a great spot. Nevertheless, whereas the fabric felt sturdy, it was additionally a bit itchy on my neck. The built-in pot holders had been a cool concept, however I query the true utility of utilizing your apron to seize a scorching dish. Plus, they had been relatively shut collectively, which made the grabbing movement cramped. 
• Tilit Contra Chef’s Apron: This apron may have been a contender however for one deadly flaw: the snap button that attaches the neck loop to the apron broke off instantly. To be honest, this may very well be a fluke, however I couldn’t take a look at the apron as a result of I couldn’t get it to remain on. A bummer, since I preferred the light-weight, waxy cotton materials and streamlined kind.
• Uncommon Threads Restaurant Bib Apron: The neck loop on this apron isn’t adjustable. It is a ginormous Achilles heel because it left a lot of my higher physique uncovered. The fabric was itchy and slick, and there have been no pockets. 
• Pinnafore Crossback Linen Apron: Whereas I like an excellent smock apron, this one seemed extra like a gown—and match like one too. You see, the again of the apron was sewn collectively close to the highest, that means it’s most undoubtedly not one-size-fits-all. My husband couldn’t get it over his shoulders. 
• Studiopatro Cross-Back Linen Kitchen Apron: This was a very skinny apron. The crossback tie system, whereas a boon on different aprons due to adjustability, felt flimsier. The ties additionally regularly slipped out of the loops. 
• Williams Sonoma Ultimate Apron: This apron felt cumbersome after I tied it tightly, and it was troublesome to entry the high-set entrance pockets. It additionally took some fiddling to regulate the match, for the reason that materials was fairly thick and bunched up after I tugged on the ties. Once more, built-in potholders could look like a boon, however I simply don’t suppose they’re sensible or secure. 
• Rough Linen The Original Linen Pinafore Apron: Whereas undoubtedly a stunning linen apron, it was very large and the shoulder straps had been set fairly far aside; they slipped off my shoulders regularly. 
• Hadley & Bennet Pinnafore Apron: This tremendous cute apron provides Alice in Wonderland vibes. Sadly, I’m undecided it might have stayed on her when she fell down the rabbit gap. The neck and waist ties had been broad, which made them cumbersome and tough to safe tightly.

FAQs

Which type of kitchen apron is the best to get on and off?

A smock-style apron is tremendous straightforward to placed on and take away—there aren’t any ties, you simply slip it over your head. We love those from Hedley & Bennett and Minna.

What do cooks put of their aprons?

Every kind of goodies: instant-read thermometers, kitchen tweezers, markers for labeling containers…the listing goes on. Mainly, no matter you need to have readily available and easy accessibility to goes right into a pocket.

Why We are the Consultants

• Grace Kelly is an editor at Critical Eats, the place she’s been testing kitchen gear and provides for nearly three years. 
• Previous to this, she labored in restaurant kitchens and was an editor at America’s Check Kitchen. 
• For this evaluation, Grace examined 18 aprons by attempting them on and utilizing their options, staining and cleansing them, and donning them throughout her on a regular basis cooking routine. She additionally had her husband attempt on every apron, to account for various physique sorts and preferences.