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We’ve read through this guide and stand behind our picks.
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 24 aprons, we found nine 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 have impeccable taste (just kidding ... kind of). While researching this guide, I read a ton of editorial reviews on the subject—from sources like Epicurious and The Strategist—and spent hours browsing aprons online and hoofing it to brick-and-mortar stores. In addition to all that, I interviewed Carla Lalli Music, food director at Bon Appétit magazine, to get her thoughts on what makes a great apron.
The favorite among our testers, this apron is comfortable, soft (yet sturdy), gender neutral, and adjustable (to fit a wide range of sizes).
*At the time of publishing, the price was $0.
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. This Hedley & Bennett apron hits above the knee on people who are 5 foot 2 and taller, which made it a favorite with testers who were on the shorter side.
Why we like it: Of the 24 aprons I forced my coworkers and friends to try, the Hedley & Bennett Crossback Apron (available in other colors here) got the most upvotes. That’s because it adjusts to fit so many body types, regardless of someone’s height, width, or curves. 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 Classic Bib aprons. 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).
The Wirecutter kitchen crew all agree that the Crossback Apron is the best style from Hedley & Bennett because it fits more people more comfortably than the around-the-neck style. 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. And the way they interlace at your back helps keep the apron close to the body and secure, with no bunching or shifting, even over long stretches of cooking. (All that said, cross-back aprons are just one of several styles covered in this guide, and you may prefer a different one.)
Having owned two Hedley & Bennett Classic Bib aprons (both gifts) for a few years, I can attest to their durability over time. They get heavy-duty use and take frequent trips through the wash in the Wirecutter test kitchen, and to this day the stitches remain secure and the fabric shows no signs of wear.
We tested the Crossback Apron in several colors: Moss and Blue Moss (both lighter brushed canvas), and Denver (heavier duck canvas). It also comes in black canvas, denim, and a limited edition leather version. Some testers loved the softness of the brushed canvas colors, while others favored the Denver because it was thicker and heftier. Compared with the Blue Moss, the Moss and the Denver have a hammer loop and leather patches on the bib, and they both cost $20 more. The apron also comes in nine other colors and various materials, including a limited edition leather version.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Yes, Hedley & Bennett aprons are expensive. But they’re durable and will last a long time. If you want a cross-back apron and shudder at the notion of spending around $100 on a food-splatter shield, check out the Cayson Lulu Apron.
We also recognize that Hedley & Bennett doesn’t offer the Crossback Apron in nearly as many fun color choices as its Classic Bib apron. Even though we do like the colors the Crossback comes in now, we’d love to see more options—and punchier hues—in the future.
Style: cross-back with tie Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton Colors: 12 colors (some limited edition)
Made from thick and sturdy denim, this apron is a great value if you don’t mind the absence of hip pockets.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $51.
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 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 Hedley & Bennett Crossback costs more than you’re willing to spend, the Cayson Lulu is a great alternative at about half the price. Made from thick, 100 percent 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, we do like that it has removable ties. This is a handy feature, because long straps tend to get tangled in the washer and dryer—an issue we found with a lot of other aprons.
In lieu of having front hip pockets, the Cayson Lulu is reinforced around the midsection with an extra layer of denim—a nice added protection for messy projects like canning tomatoes. It does also have one small, two-compartment pocket on the bib that’s suitable for pens or an instant-read thermometer.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Cayson Lulu comes in only one color option—blue and white stripes. The sturdy denim is also heavy and a little stiff when new, though the fabric starts to give after a couple of washes. We preferred the Hedley & Bennett Crossback for its lighter weight and big hip pockets, but it’s up to you whether those differences are dealbreakers, given the Lulu’s gentler price.
Style: cross-back with ties Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton denim with cotton straps Colors: (one) blue and white stripe denim
This affordable bib apron is constructed from thick cotton and comes in a rainbow of colors.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $15.
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. With an adjustable neck loop, roomy front pockets, and long ties, this apron is a steal at $25. We found that the bib was slightly more generous than those on similar styles from Tilit, and it provided good coverage over a large range of chest sizes and shapes.
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.”
Williams-Sonoma makes this apron in a bunch of vibrant colors, and seasonal hues often go on sale. For an extra $10, you can get the bib monogrammed with your choice of font and thread color. That’s a pretty sweet deal for a personalized apron, and it makes a great budget-friendly gift.
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: 11 colors (some seasonal)
This structured apron comes in four generously cut sizes to fit a wide range of people, and the straps hold it securely in place without tugging or sliding.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $43.
How it fits: The structured straps on this apron help it stay put through all-day wear. It’s available in four adjustable sizes, XS to L, and it runs large. If you wear a size 2 or smaller, the Cayson XS might be baggy around your waist.
Why we like it: The Cayson Butcher Apron has the look and fit of a cross-back apron, but it has more structure. 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 stays put all day. The Butcher Apron has been one of Cayson’s top-selling styles for over 20 years, and it’s the house apron at many cafés and butcher shops in the San Francisco Bay Area (where Cayson is based) and beyond.
If you’re concerned about an apron tugging on your neck and shoulders, the Cayson Butcher Apron is your best bet. The H-back keeps the weight distributed across your shoulders and back, and holds the apron securely in place. I wore this one a lot for food styling because it allowed me to run the set all day in comfort. And its front slit makes it easier to crouch or kneel in order to, say, move things around in a low oven.
One of our favorite things about the Cayson Butcher Apron is that it comes in four sizes, XS to L, and it has long waist strings that should wrap around most waists and tie in front. The back straps connect to the waistline with buttons and have four adjustment settings.
Because we stuck with aprons made from natural fibers, we tested only the wide stripe denim version, which is 100 percent cotton. But Cayson also makes a poly-cotton blend black pinstripe version.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like Cayson’s Lulu apron, this Butcher style doesn’t have pockets. There is a pocketed version of the Butcher apron, but it comes in only one size, the equivalent of a medium in the regular Butcher apron; because this apron runs large, that would be too big for some people.
Style: cross-back with tie Sizes: XS to L Material: 100 percent cotton (wide stripe denim only) Colors: navy with white stripes (100 percent cotton) and black pinstripes (cotton and poly)
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.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $85.
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. Named for Contra, the Manhattan restaurant where it’s the house 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.
Most waxed aprons are made from canvas, with a thick top layer of paraffin (to repel water), which makes them heavy and stiff. The Tilit Waxed Contra Apron, on the other hand, is made from a thinner cotton fabric that’s impregnated with water-repelling solution. That little detail makes the Tilit apron lighter and more comfortable than typical stiff waxed canvas aprons.
We think the clean lines, narrow bib, and welted pockets give the Tilit Contra a neat and polished look. The leather snap detail at the bib also looks nice, though it’s not something that has any real use for the home cook. And this apron comes in a slew of both perennial and seasonal color options.
The Tilit Contra apron is machine washable (aside from its leather clasp, which is removable), but most other waxed aprons are not. 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 wax 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, stylish, albeit regular, apron. And since it’s the house apron at Contra in Manhattan (and a number of other restaurants), the fabric has to be crazy durable, even after it loses its wax.
Style: bib with neck strap Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: waxed cotton Colors: navy, olive, French blue, charcoal, plus occasional limited edition colors
This loose-fitting pinafore is absurdly comfy, and the thick linen keeps you protected yet cool.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $85.
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. But testers with shorter torsos found that the neckline sat a little too low, even in the petite version.
Why we like it: At first sight, the Rough Linen Pinafore looks like a modest smock: a rectangle of fabric with two straps and big pockets. But it’s actually really well designed. It’s loose in all the right places, yet it doesn’t slip around as you move. As one tester put it, “I forgot I was wearing an apron, and that’s amazing.” We also liked the two giant hip pockets, which fit more than you’d care to put in them. I stash everything from my phone to a meat thermometer—and even folded dish towels—in those pockets.
I’ve been wearing this pinafore for about seven years, and it’s still my first choice among the multiple aprons I own. It’s breathable and keeps me cool in a hot kitchen, despite being made from thicker material than most other linen aprons we tried. Anna Perling, a Wirecutter kitchen staff writer, said she’s also a fan of this apron because it’s soft and relaxed, and “the drape is far superior to cheaper lookalikes.”
The Rough Linen Pinafore is available in three sizes—petite, regular, and large. The petite is the same width and has the same strap length as the regular, with a 5-inch shorter hem. The large apron is the same length as the regular, but it’s wider. If you have a broad chest or shoulders, Rough Linen also offers extra-long straps on any apron (you can request this in the “order notes” box at checkout).
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The straps may be a bit long for people with shorter torsos, causing the neckline to sit lower on the chest. And this is more likely to be a problem with the petite apron, given that its straps are the same length as those on the regular. We don’t think this is a dealbreaker for most folks, though, because the Rough Linen Pinafore is such a great apron. Also, if you sew, you can shorten the straps yourself, or you can take it to a tailor. We get our clothes altered to fit us better, so why not an apron?
Style: pinafore Sizes: petite (5 foot 4 and under), regular (fits most), large (size 18-plus) Material: linen Colors: white, pink, natural, charcoal, black, red, cobalt
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.
Why we like it: I refer to the Fog Linen Over Apron as the “Magic Smock” because it fit every person on the testing panel (men and women, and petite and plus sizes). It’s loose yet tailored at the same time. This pinafore was longer than Rough Linen’s, extending past the knee on our shorter models, and the wide cut 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.
Fog Linen’s high neckline was a hit with testers who had shorter torsos—the same people who thought the Rough Linen Pinafore sat too low on their chests. The Over Apron is lighter and thinner than the Rough Linen apron, with single-ply straps. In fact, it weighs an ounce less than the Rough Linen, despite the fact that it’s more generously cut.
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 from 0 to 20. It comes in three colors: turquoise, navy, and purple (coming in fall 2019). If you want it in white and it’s still available, you’d better get on the stick because it’s being discontinued.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: At about $125 plus shipping, the Fog Linen Over Apron is the most expensive of all of our picks. 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 if you spill something on it.
Style: pinafore Sizes: one size, not adjustable but fits a wide range of sizes Material: 100 percent linen Colors: turquoise, navy, navy chambray
This breathable linen waist apron is a great choice for people who cook in hot kitchens.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $50.
How it fits: The Orkney Linen Apron 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. 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.
You can stash a phone, a notebook, or other slim objects in the large, two-compartment belly pocket. This half apron comes in the same muted colors as the Rough Linen Pinafore: white, pink, natural, charcoal, and black.
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: white, pink, natural, charcoal, black, red, cobalt
This attractive apron is the one to wear when you want to look ready for guests while putting the finishing touches on dinner.
May be out of stock
How it fits: The Amana Woolen Mill Lake Stripe Half Apron hits just above the knee on cooks who are 5 foot 3 or shorter, and it hits mid-thigh on taller folks. It’s made from thick woven cotton, which makes it feel heavier than the Rough Linen half apron.
Why it’s great: Even though this half apron doesn’t cover much, 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 wide cotton webbing ties that stay tied.
If you’re not a fan of the orange and blue color palette, there’s a wide navy stripe version available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Let’s be real, this is your show apron. Its minimal coverage means that it’s not ideal for all-day cooking. Think of this cute little number as a costume change.
Style: half apron Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: 100 percent cotton Colors: multi and navy stripe
An apron’s primary function is to protect your clothes from food stains, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice comfort for utility. An apron should be comfortable, because 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. There are lots of different apron styles. Depending on your body type and the kind of coverage you need, you may find one or two styles that work better than others. Let’s take a moment to run down the different styles we cover in this guide:
Neck-strap 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 of the apron. Cross-back aprons sit close to the body, and the shoulder straps balance the weight, thus keeping pressure off the neck.
Pinafore: This apron loosely hangs 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.
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 searched for the best aprons for most people, regardless of size, gender, or budget. And we did that without sacrificing attractive fabrics, quality construction, and adequate coverage. A great apron not only serves its primary function—protecting your clothes from cooking stains—but it should feel as easy and comfortable as a beloved old T-shirt. With all that in mind, below we outline exactly what we look for in an apron.
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. Carla Lalli Music, food director at Bon Appétit, told us that her preferences depend on the task. “I really like wearing linen aprons because they’re so lightweight.” But she’d never wear a flowy linen apron when grilling. For that, Carla said she wants “a densely woven cotton apron” that sits close to the body.
We don’t recommend aprons made from synthetic fibers. Yes, polyester and other synthetics are easy to wash and wrinkle-resistant. 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.
The quality of the material is also important. Rough Linen’s Pinafore and Muji’s Shoulder Strap Apron look identical on paper. But when we wore them side by side, we quickly discovered that the cheaper Muji version was thinner, stiffer, and much less flattering than the Rough Linen. We looked for fabrics that were thick enough to offer protection, yet still soft and comfortable enough to wear for hours.
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.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to pick which apron is the best for you. If you find waist ties restrictive, opt for a loose pinafore. If a strap around your neck feels burdensome, pick an apron with shoulder straps. Check out our section on style and fit if you missed it.
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. In general, the more options you have to fine-tune an apron’s fit—be it a D-ring at the neck or adjustable back straps—the better it’ll feel on your body, so most of our picks are either adjustable or come in a range of sizes.
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—then you’ll use it! We looked at aprons that came 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 high 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 15 of my colleagues to spend a morning in the Wirecutter test kitchen trying on aprons and giving their opinions (the thing we do best). After we whittled down the competition, I had various friends and family try the remaining aprons to get their thoughts. I got a lot of conflicting feedback around style and fit, but everyone ultimately preferred well-designed aprons made from high-quality materials.
This thing is protecting your clothes from flying food—it will get stained, and that’s the point! But that doesn’t mean your apron has to look like an old rag, especially when it’s fresh from the wash. All of our picks are machine washable, and you can use stain removers when needed. Here’s a handy list of our favorite stain treaters:
If your apron strings get tangled in the washer and dryer (especially if, for whatever reason, you’re laundering more than one apron), simply tie them up before tossing them in. We learned this the hard way.
The most common complaint I see about cotton and linen aprons is how wrinkled they get in the dryer. There’s a quick fix for that: Remove the apron from the dryer while it’s still a little damp (just a little damp, not wet). Straighten out the hems and straps with your hands (maybe give them a gentle tug), and hang the apron on a hook, a hanger, or the back of a chair.
There’s so much to love about the linen Studiopatró Kitchen Apron. It comes in a rainbow of colors. The linen is soft and drapey. The cotton straps thread through big metal grommets, making this apron easy to put on and adjust. But with its short apron strings and narrow bib, the Studiopatró cross-back apron is clearly made for smaller bodies. Even though our petite testers liked this apron, they were still partial to the Hedley & Bennett Crossback Apron because of its more generous chest coverage and thicker material.
Chef Works Women’s Berkeley Petite 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 linen that Muji uses for its Plain Weave Cross Shoulder Strap Apron is translucently thin. And the cross-back straps were so short that a size-8 tester couldn’t wrap them around her waist. For an apron that comes in only one size, this one is very small.
The Merci Washed Linen Apron is well loved in the Wirecutter test kitchen for its complete coverage and oh-so-soft wispy linen. In fact, we almost made it a pick! What changed our minds? Merci had a big sale online and we giddily filled our shopping carts with deals on linen home goods. But none of us actually ended up buying anything when we saw the steep international shipping charge (Merci is based in Paris). We figured if we couldn’t bear to pay $40-plus for shipping, others wouldn’t either. The good news is that if you find yourself in Paris, you can pop by the Merci store and browse the beautifully curated shop IRL.
Hedley and Bennett’s Classic Bib Apron (also available in plus-size) has a similar cut and is made from the same materials as its cross-back apron, which we recommend. But the Classic Bib has a neck loop that makes the bib gape at the top (especially over curvier bustlines). We also found the Classic Bib didn’t fit shorter people as well as the Crossback. Testers who were 5 foot 2 or under had to fold it up at the waist, even when they tried the “petite” version, which is hemmed at the bottom but just as long in the torso.
There’s no denying that the Tilit Satterfield Apron is elegant and well made. It has great little details, like slit pockets with contrast piping and a removable leather clasp on the neck loop. 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 Tilit Luxe Chef Apron is a large bib apron with a leather neck loop. The Luxe apron provides more coverage for larger and/or taller people than the company’s Satterfield style. But the fabric is heavy and stiff, and the generous cut adds weight that pulls on the thick leather neck strap.
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.
The Bambu Hemp Denim Apron felt soft and broken in right out of the package. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing with regard to comfort. But we’re wary of its longevity because the fabric will just get softer and thinner over time. We’ll keep this one in the test kitchen to see how it holds up to wash and wear.
The Hudson Durable Goods Heavy Duty Waxed Canvas Work Apron doesn’t compare to the Tilit Contra waxed apron when it comes to comfort and wearability. It’s made from heavy canvas that has a thick surface layer of wax, which translates to an apron that’s stiff, bulky, and hot. It’s too much apron for a kitchen. But if you’re looking for a good woodworking or shop apron, this would be a great choice.
The Muji Shoulder Strap aprons in natural linen and denim cotton look like the Rough Linen Pinafore, but they were stiff, baggy, and awkward on everyone who tried them.
Testers with shorter torsos liked The Floral Society’s Workshop Apron for its high neckline. And most of our panel praised the wide, comfy straps and big pockets on this heavy-duty canvas pinafore. But thick fabric equals weight, and the Workshop Apron was the heaviest of all the pinafores we tested. This apron is meant to be a gardening and potting apron, but we can’t imagine wearing it while gardening in the summer heat.
The Fog Linen Cross Work Apron is a simple cross-back pinafore. It’s made from super-soft linen, and it comes in beautiful, rich hues. Compared with the Rough Linen Pinafore, the Fog Linen Cross Work Apron is similar in shape. But it’s smaller, thinner, and adequate only for sizes up to 8 or 10.
The Williams-Sonoma Cafe Collection Chambray Half Apron is very short and offers little coverage.
Carla Lalli Music, food director at Bon Appétit, phone interview, June 12, 2019
Cory Baldwin, You’re an Adult. Get Yourself a Nice Apron, Eater, April 11, 2019
Susannah Edelbaum, The Best Aprons for Cooking, According to Chefs and Bartenders, The Strategist, September 19, 2018
Tommy Werner, 12 Cult Aprons That Will Change Your Kitchen Style, Epicurious, June 8, 2016
Claire Saffitz, The Aprons Our Food Editors Never Want to Take Off, Bon Appétit, February 13, 2018
Florence Fabricant, These Colorful Aprons Have a Charitable Side, The New York Times, June 11, 2018
Florence Fabricant, An Apron Made for Women by Women, The New York Times, November 8, 2016
Khushbu Shah, Modern Kitchen Style: More Comfortable, More Inclusive, The New York Times, January 10, 2019
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.
by Janelle Zara, T Magazine
Organizing your kitchen can make it more functional—and beautiful. In collaboration with T Magazine, we have tips to keep your tools and ingredients in order.
If you want to support smaller retailers on Small Business Saturday, check out the discounts we’ve found on picks from these brands.
After hundreds of hours of research and testing, we think these are the kitchen tools and tableware items most people need to host a great Thanksgiving dinner.
by Marguerite Preston, Lesley Stockton, Michael Sullivan, and Winnie Yang
We had five kids, ages 2 to 8, test cooking tools and found that the best options are those that work well for adults too.
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