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Lesley Stockton is a writer focused on kitchen and entertaining. Her coverage includes grilling, kitchen knives, and cookware, just to name a few. kitchen apron fabric
We’ve added more picks to this guide, including denim aprons, a butter-soft washed-linen bib apron, and two styles made for the grill.
Whether you’re in the kitchen nightly or just occasionally, you’ll cook with more confidence in a great-fitting apron that keeps your clothes safe from splatters.
After inviting a wide range of people with different body types to test over 30 aprons, we found 12 that we highly recommend.
Our picks are comfortable and durable, and they’ll allow you to cook in style for years to come.
I’m a senior staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter, and I’ve worn a lot of aprons throughout my 20-plus-year cooking career. I’ve reviewed loads of kitchen linens, including napkins and tablecloths, and I have impeccable taste (just kidding ... kind of).
In accordance with Wirecutter standards, I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete, which may involve longer-term testing by my colleagues and me. I never hang onto “freebies” once testing is done.
This super-soft and lightweight linen apron won’t tug on your neck.
How it fits: The Merci apron is intentionally oversized, so it fits wide across the chest and wraps around the body for ample hip and backside coverage. It’s long, and it’s meant to be folded up so the ties hit your natural waist.
This apron was a favorite among our testers across a wide range of sizes and shapes. Fit tip: It’s easier to fine-tune the neck strap after you’ve secured the straps around your torso.
Why we like it: The Merci Washed Linen Apron is well loved among the Wirecutter kitchen team for its complete coverage and oh-so-soft wispy linen. We also admire its simplicity. It’s nothing more than a large rectangle of linen with the top two corners folded down to create a bib, and cotton twill straps.
The fabric is thin, but because this apron is meant to be folded up to fit around your natural waist (the most secure and comfortable spot, trust us), most wearers will have three layers of fabric around the midsection, aka the prime splatter zone.
The Merci apron is one of the only bib styles we’ve found that doesn’t tug at the back of our necks. We suspect that’s due to a combination of the lightweight fabric and the way it anchors around the waist. The best way to ensure that it doesn’t tug at your neck is to gently blouse the bib out after you’ve folded and tied the waist. And don’t worry, the drapey bib is still protective.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Merci Washed Linen Apron is our only pick that doesn’t have pockets. Also, it ships from Europe, and the $20 for shipping is at least twice what it costs to ship any of our other picks. The good news is that the shipping fee was the same whether we ordered one apron or three. With that in mind, you could buy a few aprons for gifts, or add a couple of linen tea towels to your order.
How the Merci Washed Linen Apron has held up: Senior editor Marguerite Preston has been testing this apron for eight months, and she loves how soft and drapey it feels. Since it ties at the waist, it feels tidier than the loose Fog Linen Over Apron, which she’s also been testing at home. Her biggest complaint is the same for all linen aprons: It shows grease easily, and because of the loose weave, the stains have a tendency to spread.
Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: linen with cotton straps Colors: a wide spectrum of hues
This affordable bib apron is constructed from thick cotton and comes in a rainbow of colors.
How it fits: The Williams-Sonoma Classic Apron falls below the knee on folks under 5-foot-10, and those under 5-foot-4 may need to fold it up in order to wrap the straps around their natural waist. An adjustable neck loop holds the bib in place, and long ties cinch around your midsection.
Why we like it: This quintessential, around-the-neck bib apron from Williams-Sonoma checks all the boxes: It’s affordable, thick, and durable, and its generous bib gives great coverage. With an adjustable neck loop, roomy front pockets, and long ties, this apron is a steal at $25. That said, this apron isn’t as weightlessly comfortable as the Merci.
For such an inexpensive apron, the Williams-Sonoma is notably well constructed. Wirecutter kitchen editor Marguerite Preston said her 15-year-old version “still lives in the kitchen at my parents’ house and continues to get regular use there.” She added, “The color is still fresh, the seams are still good as new, and it’s still the apron I reach for most often when I’m home.”
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The thick-gauge cotton and tight weave make this apron one of the stiffest of our picks, but it softens over time as you wear and launder it.
If you don’t spring for monogramming, the Williams-Sonoma Classic Apron comes with a large branded patch sewn onto the bib. If this bothers you, just remove the patch with a seam ripper.
Style: neck-loop bib apron Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton Colors: many year-round and seasonal options
The favorite among our testers, this apron is comfortable, soft (yet sturdy), gender neutral, and adjustable (to fit a wide range of sizes).
How it fits: This apron adjusts to fit sizes extra small to extra large. The straps are long enough to double around and tie in front for those up to a size 12 or 34 waist; alternatively, anyone can simply knot them at the back.
Why we like it: Of the more than 30 aprons I’ve forced my co-workers and friends to try, the Hedley & Bennett Crossback Apron got the most likes. That’s because it adjusts to fit so many body types, regardless of someone’s height, width, or curves. And it fits more comfortably than most around-the-neck styles. As with the straps on any cross-back apron, those on the Hedley & Bennett distribute weight evenly across your shoulders, without tugging on your neck.
Folks who were 5-foot-5 and under especially liked that they could tie this apron around their natural waist without having to fold up the bottom half—something that wasn’t possible with Hedley & Bennett’s Essential Apron.
And the Crossback’s bib remains flush against the chest, whereas the bibs on some other aprons we tested tended to sag outward. This apron also has nice big pockets, which are a handy place to stash a phone or a towel (or to put your hands while you wait for the pasta water to boil).
Flaws but not dealbreakers: We’ve received comments that the Hedley & Bennett’s thick fabric—while very durable—can be a little too insulating while cooking in a hot kitchen. For those folks, we suggest the lightweight Full Cross-Back Apron from White Bark.
How the Hedley & Bennett apron has held up: After 5 years of home testing, updates writer Sarah Gannett says the Hedley & Bennett apron has been sturdy, holding up to regular runs through the washer and some accidental spins in the dryer, without any fraying or weakening at the seams. She loves its substantial coverage, and that the fabric is thick enough to prevent stains from seeping through. She also finds it comfortable, and says friends of varying heights who use it in her kitchen find it easy to adjust. She likes her apron so much that she even travels with it. The only sticking points so far: The dark navy canvas picks up schmutz like lint and loose threads, and she doesn’t find herself using the pockets very often.
Style: cross-back with ties Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton Colors: many hues (some limited edition)
If you have a hot kitchen, consider this lighter-weight cross-back apron instead of the Hedley & Bennett.
How it fits: This cross-back apron provides good coverage for both narrow and broad chests, and it extends to just above the knee or lower (depending on your height). You can adjust and secure where the straps cross at your back using one of three reinforced slits in the left strap. This also adjusts how high the bib sits on your chest.
Why we like it: Not gonna lie, one of the big reasons we love the White Bark Workwear Full Cross-Back Apron is that it comes in a bunch of beautiful, saturated colors. And the straps are made from the same fabric as the body, resulting in a clean monochrome look. The lightweight cotton–hemp blend fabric is the thinnest of our cross-back apron picks, a plus if you tend to overheat in the kitchen.
The White Bark’s front pockets are big enough to hold a notebook and a phone, with room to spare for other random bits and bobs. We also like the little details on the apron, like the bar-tack stitching on the ties that lets you trim them without the fabric fraying. A bonus feature we discovered in testing: That stitch line helps keep the straps from slipping out of the grommets in the wash.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The White Bark Cross-Back Apron is lightweight because the fabric is thinner than that of most of our other picks, so it may not be quite as protective. But the fabric is tightly woven and will protect your clothes from most everyday cooking splatters.
Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton and hemp Colors: the most of all our picks
This cross-back denim apron is comfortable and incredibly stylish.
How it fits: The body is cut wide enough to accommodate many different body types and sizes, without swallowing folks with smaller frames. The straps are stitched where they cross at the back, so fit adjustments are made at the waist.
Why we like it: The Mi Cocina The Classic Apron is the best denim apron we’ve tested to date. It’s made from high-quality, sturdy denim in four washes that range from soft and faded to old-school rigid. The light and medium washes feel like a favorite pair of jeans. And the stiff dark-indigo apron, made from Japanese selvedge denim, is perfect for those who like to do all the breaking in themselves.
If you like pockets, this apron is for you. The six double-layer belly pockets (four outer and two inner) can fit up to a size B5 notebook, a phone, and a Thermapen, with plenty of room to spare.
The apron is reinforced all around with the same denim tape that makes up the straps, which gives the garment a nice weight and helps it to lay comfortably on the body. More importantly, it likely makes it much more durable.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: For people with smaller frames, the straps can be comically long. The company’s general advice is to wrap the straps around your waist as many times as needed. You can also trim them to a length that works for you and tie off the ends to keep the fabric from fraying too much. Also, if you want a denim apron but the Mi Cocina is out of your budget, consider getting the Cayson Lulu Apron.
Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: 100% cotton denim Colors: four denim washes
Made from thick and sturdy denim, this apron is a great value if you don’t mind the absence of hip pockets.
How it fits: The Cayson Lulu Apron is cut wider and longer than the Hedley & Bennett Crossback, and it covers more of your legs and backside. The Lulu’s product page confusingly describes its one size as “small (one size fits most).” We found that it adjusts to fit sizes small to extra large, but if you usually wear an extra small, you may find it to be too baggy around the waist. It hits below the knee on folks who are shorter than 6-foot-1.
Why we like it: If the Mi Cocina costs more than you’re willing to spend, the Cayson Lulu is a great alternative for less than half the price.
Made from thick, 100% cotton denim with cotton ties, the Lulu is one of the best values we’ve found for an exquisitely made cross-back apron. And though this apron is missing hip pockets, it is reinforced around the midsection with an extra layer of denim—a nice added protection for messy projects like canning tomatoes. And it has removable straps, so you don’t have to worry about them getting tangled in the washer and dryer.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Cayson Lulu lacks large front pockets. Also, its sturdy denim is heavy and a little stiff when new, though the fabric starts to give with some wash and wear.
Style: cross-back with ties Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton denim with cotton straps Colors: two
You can hang out all day over your barrel smoker wearing this flame-resistant apron with built-in insulation.
How it fits: This generously cut cross-back apron is best suited for folks with larger bodies, and that’s one of the reasons we like it. It’s ample, and probably too much apron for folks smaller than a size 12 or 34 waist. But it was the only apron we tested that felt comfortable on one over-6-foot tester (whom we paid for their feedback).
Why we like it: I wore this BlueCut Pitmaster Apron while testing the Weber Genesis E325s grill on a cloudless 90-degree day, and it was so comfy that I forgot I was wearing it—which is weird, because this full-coverage, flame-resistant apron has an extra-thick quilted section (a built-in heat shield) around the middle that one might think would insulate as well as protect. The reason I stayed comfortable might be that this apron lays on the body without bunching up in the nooks and crannies (kind of like a starched cotton sheet on a hot summer night).
Other details that make the Pitmaster apron so comfortable are the 1½-inch-wide cotton straps that distribute the apron’s weight so well. The straps individually adjust at the shoulders and are held together by a sliding leather patch where they cross at the back. On the right hip sits a big pocket, and on the left hip a loop for hooking a towel. I’ve done an obscene amount of grilling in my years, and I’m very impressed with this apron’s design.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: At $175, the Pitmaster apron might be cost prohibitive for many grillers. The Carhartt Firm Duck Apron is another great grilling apron and costs only $40.
Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: flame-resistant cotton denim with cotton straps Colors: one
This thick-canvas woodshop apron is also useful at the grill or in the kitchen.
How it fits: This canvas apron comes in one size, yet it’s adjustable. The wide polyester straps cross at the back and do a good job of distributing the weight of the thick canvas across your shoulders. The cut of the bib is more suited for flatter chests. However, this apron was too big for one petite tester who wears size extra small.
Why we like it: Just because the Carhartt Firm Duck Apron is built for the garage or the woodshop doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good apron for grilling. Not only is it thick enough to block the gnarliest grease splatters from penetrating through to your clothes, but it’s also pretty comfortable, despite its considerable weight and stiffness. And those familiar with Carhartt clothing know that the fabric does soften with wear.
This apron is also covered in pockets (so many pockets). One of the things that makes the Firm Duck Apron stand out from our other picks is its large, zippered bib pocket that can hold a phone or a small notebook. Most cook’s aprons have only a slot for pens on the bib, if anything. And at $40, it’s an amazing deal on a sturdy apron that could last well beyond a lifetime.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This apron is very rigid when new, and it will need a breaking-in period. But the more you wear and wash it, the faster it’ll soften up.
Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton canvas with polyester straps Colors: black and brown
If you want to stay comfy and dry while scrubbing a pile of pots and pans, this lightweight, water-resistant apron is your best bet.
How it fits: The Tilit Contra Chef Apron is thin, lightweight, and comfortable around the neck. Although we think the bib is just wide enough for adequate coverage, folks with large chests might find it lacking. It’s long, and you might have to fold up the waist if you’re 5-foot-3 or under.
Why we like it: If you’re looking for something that’ll keep you comfortable and dry as you scrub a pile of dishes, get this apron. The Tilit Contra is lightweight, breathable, water resistant, and kind of chic (for an apron). If other waxed aprons are like heavy rubber ponchos, the Tilit Contra is akin to a high-end Barbour rain jacket.
This apron is machine washable—aside from its leather clasp, which is removable. The company says the wax coating lasts up to 50 washes, but Tilit founder Alex McCrery said that number (which is set by the fabric manufacturer) was conservative. He told us that, based on his customers’ experience with these aprons, the coating was still effective after the apron’s 50th trip through the wash.
Either way, you probably won’t need to launder it as frequently as you would an uncoated apron. Since the fabric resists absorption, you can just hose it off and hang it up to extend the time between washes.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Compared with other waxed aprons, the Contra is expensive. But it’s also lighter, cooler, and more comfortable than heavy waxed shop aprons. Also, though the wax should last for years in a home kitchen, it will eventually wear off. But even when that happens, you’ll still have a functional and stylish (albeit regular) apron.
Style: bib with neck strap Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: waxed cotton Colors: a few neutral hues
This loose-fitting pinafore is absurdly comfy, and the thick linen keeps you protected yet cool.
How it fits: This unrestrictive, open-back linen pinafore drapes off the body. It comes in petite, regular, and large, so it can fit sizes 0 to 22. The curved neckline sits just below the collarbone.
Why we like it: Rough Linen’s The Bella Linen Pinafore-Apron is the new take on its original version that we didn’t know we needed. The Bella is made of the company’s Orkney linen fabric, which is thick enough to effortlessly drape around the body without being too much in a hot kitchen. It’s loose in all the right places, yet it doesn’t slip around as you move. In addition to being ridiculously comfortable, it’s good looking. We wouldn’t be embarrassed if we accidentally ran errands in this pinafore.
The Bella’s overall shape and construction is similar to our other pinafore pick, the Fog Linen Over Apron. They both have curved lines, cross-back straps, and medium-high necklines. But the Bella pinafore is a bit shorter (though not drastically so), and it has larger pockets that sit a little lower on the hips. It’s also roomier up top, and one of our paid testers, a wheelchair user with limited shoulder mobility, found that the Bella pinafore was the easiest for them to slip on.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Even though the Bella pinafore costs less than our other pick, the Fog Linen Over Apron, $100 is still more than what some folks would want to spend on an apron. But I’ve been wearing my Rough Linen pinafores for about 10 years, and aside from a few stubborn food stains, there are no signs of holes or busted seams. These are made to last.
Sizes: petite, regular, and large Material: linen Colors: a large selection of muted neutrals and bright jewel tones
With its extra-wide, long design, this pinafore has you covered from front to back.
How it fits: This lightweight pinafore has a higher neckline and more back coverage than the one from Rough Linen. The hem hits above the knee if you’re about 5-foot-10 or taller. This apron comes in one size, and it really does fit most. I put it on people with heights ranging from 5-foot-1 to 6-foot-2, and sizes 0 to 20. (Not everyone on the higher end of those ranges loved the fit, though. In our group of paid testers, one person over 6 feet tall and another who wears a women’s size 18 or larger found it too snug, with the pockets sitting at chest height.)
Why we like it: I refer to the Fog Linen Over Apron as the “Magic Smock” because it fits a range of body types, and it’s loose yet tailored at the same time. This pinafore is longer than our other pinafore pick from Rough Linen, extending past the knee on our shorter models. The wide cut also allowed for complete front and back coverage on a wide range of sizes. The Fog Linen Over Apron looks and feels like it could be a dress on its own, while still being light and breezy.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: At about $125 (plus shipping), the Fog Linen Over Apron costs significantly more than the Rough Linen Pinafore. The pockets are small, and if you’re a size 10 or larger, they’ll sit a little high up on your torso. And since this apron is made from thin linen, it will soak through quickly if you’re washing a pile of dishes or you spill something on it.
How the Fog Linen Over Apron has held up: This is the apron that senior editor Marguerite Preston reaches for most often in her home. She’s been testing it since 2019, and finds it comfortable and easy to throw on. Her windowless kitchen is pretty stuffy year-round, so the light linen provides protection without smothering her. She does note that the loose pinafore style soils more easily than closer-fitting belted styles, since it’s more likely to drag through a mess. The thin fabric also isn’t great for doing dishes since it soaks through pretty quickly, but this is a problem for all linen aprons.
Style: pinafore Sizes: one size, not adjustable but fits a wide range of sizes Material: 100% linen Colors: a handful of neutral hues
This breathable linen waist apron is a great choice for people who cook in hot kitchens.
How it fits: The Orkney Linen Apron from Rough Linen extends to the knee on taller folks (5-foot-11 and up) and just below the knee on everyone else.
Why it’s great: The Wirecutter kitchen team can’t stop gushing over Rough Linen’s half apron because it feels so good to wear. Made from the same weighty linen as the Rough Linen Pinafore, this bibless apron is great for people who want something that’s easy to throw on and those who don’t need chest coverage. You can stash a phone, a notebook, or other slim objects in the large, two-compartment belly pocket.
I prefer linen half aprons for the summer because they help keep me cool when my kitchen gets crazy hot. And even though this style leaves your top half exposed, it’s long and wide, and it covers your thighs and backside.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The cotton straps aren’t long enough to double around your waist if you’re above a size 12 or 34 waist. However, our larger testers didn’t mind having to tie this apron in back.
Style: half apron Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: linen with cotton ties Colors: a large selection of muted neutrals and bright jewel tones
If you need a pinafore that’s more generously cut up top: The Rough Linen The Original Pinafore-Apron was a former pick, and it’s still a longtime favorite of mine—I own three. This non-constricting apron is the perfect fit for my broad chest and shoulders, and it feels so effortless and breezy that I often forget I’m wearing it. It’s made from the same relaxed, thick linen as the company’s Bella Pinafore. But unlike the Bella, the Original Pinafore sits a bit too low on the chest for people with shorter torsos and smaller frames. That said, I won’t ditch my Original Pinafores. They’re still going strong after eight to 10 years of frequent use (including some abuse) and laundering.
If you want a stylish smock that’s perfect for a petite frame: There’s no denying that the Kiroko ToK Japanese Apron is an adorable and quality-made smock. It has a clean and polished look, and it comes in a bunch of indigo cotton patterns. It’s not a pick because it runs small and is available in only one size. Our testers who did fit into the ToK apron (dress sizes 0 to 8) loved it but also had a couple of small notes: Its length barely covered their entire tushes, and the button placement is awkward while the apron is on. The most frequent comment about this apron was, “I would definitely wear this for housework.”
If you’re looking for a party-hosting apron: Even though the Amana Woolen Mill Lake Stripe Café Apron is a half apron that doesn’t cover much (it hits just above the knee to mid-thigh, depending on your height), it’s cute and perfect for hosting. But don’t think this short apron is all form and no function. The thick, woven cotton fabric provides an effective barrier between your best dinner-party jumpsuit (or caftan) and, you know, dinner. We also admire the little details on the Amana apron, such as the convenient split pocket and the wide cotton webbing ties that stay tied.
If you want a sturdy apron that stays put all day: The Cayson Butcher Apron looks and fits like a cross-back apron, but it has more structure and extends past the knee. Instead of criss-crossing at the back, the wide shoulder straps are connected by a strip of fabric. This H-back design makes for a substantial apron that won’t shift or bunch. Cayson’s sturdy and structured design, combined with its generous coverage, might make for too much apron for casual cooking. But we think this apron is ideal for laborious projects like all-day canning.
We looked for aprons that would work for a wide range of people, regardless of size, gender, or budget. And we did that without sacrificing attractive fabrics, quality construction, and adequate coverage.
A great apron should not only serve its primary function—protecting your clothes from cooking stains—but also feel as easy and comfortable as a beloved old T-shirt. The last thing you need is an annoying, ill-fitting thing getting in the way while you’re trying to get dinner on the table.
First, we had to settle on which styles to include in our tests. Depending on body types and coverage needs, some styles may work better for some people than others. Here are the ones we cover in this guide:
Bib apron: A strap around your neck holds the bib in place, and separate ties cinch the apron around your waist. This style is easy to put on and take off, but some folks don’t like the feel of a strap tugging on their neck.
Cross-back bib apron: Two long straps attached at the bib go over the shoulders and cross at the middle back. You guide the straps through holes at the waist and use them to adjust the fit. Cross-back aprons sit close to the body, and the shoulder straps balance the weight, thus keeping pressure off the neck.
Pinafore: This apron hangs loosely from the shoulders and drapes around the body. Pinafore aprons—especially those made from breathable linen—tend to keep you cooler than other styles. They’re comfortable over any outfit, and they fit especially well over dresses. They’re also a good choice if you have difficulty tying things around your waist or find ties uncomfortable.
Half apron: This apron offers the least amount of protection, covering only the bottom torso and thighs. Also called a bistro apron, it’s good for quick jobs and for looking presentable to guests.
We further narrowed down our options based on the following criteria:
Comfortable fabrics: We prefer natural fibers because they keep you cool as the kitchen heats up. Cotton and linen are comfortable, breathable, and well suited for workwear.
We don’t recommend aprons made from synthetic fibers. Yes, polyester and other synthetics are wrinkle resistant and easy to wash. But these fabrics don’t breathe, and as you work and sweat over a hot stove, a polyester apron is just going to make you hotter.
Easy to move in: It’s important that an apron lets you move naturally and freely, because you’re working in this thing. Adjustable neck, shoulder, and waist straps are important on an apron that sits close to the body, otherwise it’ll tug or droop in places as you move around.
If you hate the idea of straps around your neck or waist, you might consider a loose and breezy pinafore. If a strap around your neck feels burdensome, pick an apron with shoulder straps.
Good fit for a range of body types: Everyone deserves an apron that’s comfortable and offers good coverage. We avoided aprons with narrow bibs that wouldn’t adequately protect broader chests. And we looked for long ties, which gave most of our testers the choice to tie the apron at the back or around the front. The more options you have to fine-tune an apron’s fit, the better it’ll feel on your body, so most of our picks are either adjustable or come in a range of sizes.
Style: Function aside, we also think a great apron should be attractive and stylish. If you love how your apron looks—and how you look when you’re wearing it—you’ll use it. We looked at aprons that come in contemporary cuts and colors. Whether they’re drapey and loose or structured and fitted, all of our picks are clean and thoughtfully tailored.
When the aprons arrived, I laundered each one twice in warm water and dried each on medium heat, after which I examined them for frayed seams and excessive shrinkage. Then came the fun part: a utilitarian fashion party with Wirecutter staff. I enlisted 25 of my colleagues to spend a morning in the Wirecutter test kitchen trying on aprons and giving their opinions (the thing we do best).
We also asked a group of paid testers to try out our picks. They included people who are under 5 feet tall or over 6 feet tall, people who wear a women’s size 18 or larger, a wheelchair user, and people with limited hand strength or mobility.
Hedley & Bennett’s Essential Apron (previously called the Classic Bib apron) is made from the same materials as the brand’s cross-back apron, which we recommend, and it has a similar cut. But the neck loop makes the bib gape at the top (especially over curvier bustlines). We also found that the Essential Apron didn’t fit shorter people as well as the Crossback, but it is available in plus sizes.
There’s no denying that Tilit’s Satterfield and Luxe Chef aprons are elegant and well made. They both have great details, like roomy front pockets and leather accents. But the fabric is very substantial. It’s made from stiff duck canvas that—even though we’re sure it would soften with wash and wear—is a little too rigid.
The wide and long Cayson Finnie Euro Bib Apron provides a ton of coverage, just like Cayson’s Lulu and Butcher styles. But instead of cross-back straps (which disperse the weight across the shoulders), the Finnie has a neck strap. Our testers found that the generously cut denim body was too heavy, and the strap tugged at their necks.
There’s so much to love about the linen Studiopatró Crossback Linen Apron. It comes in a rainbow of colors. The linen is soft and drapey. But its ties are very short, and the bib is way too narrow.
The Chef Works Women’s Berkeley Short Bib Apron has a flimsy denim body, with full-size detachable suspenders at the back. The denim looked and felt cheap, and the suspenders were heavy, bulky, and way too big.
The Hudson Durable Goods Heavy Duty Waxed Canvas Work Apron is made from heavy canvas that has a thick surface layer of wax, which translates to an apron that’s excessively bulky and hot.
We liked the Portland Apron Company’s Split Leg Linen Smock Apron with Cross Back for its extra-wide straps, long coverage, and size options. But compared with our linen pinafore picks, the fabric and construction felt stiffer and more structured than what we desire from this style of apron.
The Magic Linen Pinafore Cross-Back Linen Apron is lightweight and affordable, and it comes in a bunch of beautiful colors. But compared with our picks, this pinafore is thin and has oddly placed front pockets.
Many testers praised The Floral Society Canvas Workshop Apron’s wide, comfy straps and big pockets. But this heavy-duty canvas pinafore is meant to be a gardening and potting apron, and it seemed too heavy and stiff for a kitchen apron.
This article was edited by Marilyn Ong and Marguerite Preston.
Lesley Stockton is a senior staff writer reporting on all things cooking and entertaining for Wirecutter. Her expertise builds on a lifelong career in the culinary world—from a restaurant cook and caterer to a food editor at Martha Stewart. She is perfectly happy to leave all that behind to be a full-time kitchen-gear nerd.
workwear Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).