Aprons Aren't Just for Show
Introduction
Think aprons are only what grandma used to wear or merely for looks? Think again!
Aprons are an essential tool in any kitchen - professional or at home. They are the requisite uniform of choice in cafes, restaurants, bakeries and bars. Aprons are often worn in schools, florists, grocers, or by health, beauty and hair professionals. They serve a multitude of functions, from keeping clothing underneath free from stains or spills to keeping essentials handy.
So, how do you pick the right one? Let’s explore this now.
Why You Need an Apron
Before we jump into choosing the perfect apron, let's debunk the myth that aprons are ‘just for show.’
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Protection - Aprons protect your clothes from spills, splatters and other mishaps.
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Functionality - Apron pockets or loops keep utensils, towels, ipads, pens or even your phone handy.
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Hygiene - An apron acts as a barrier, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Types of Aprons and Their Benefits
Aprons aren't one-style-fits-all. There are different types to consider and each have their own benefits.
Arlo, Luca bib, Luca waist
Bib aprons are the most popular style of apron, designed with either an adjustable neck loop and waist ties or with cross back ties. Choose from simple, utilitarian black and white to various colours, designs and fabrics. Bib aprons offer full body coverage and often have pockets, making them very versatile. They are perfect canvases to strengthen your branding with logos and names. Chef aprons, hospitality aprons, cafe aprons and cross back aprons are all popular versions of the bib apron.
Popular choices - Arlo, Luca, Tomy, Luna, Cantine, Oska, Mia, Axil leather
Waist aprons and utility pouches cover you from the waist down. Shorter in length, usually above the knee, they are super comfortable and allow easy movement. Most designs come with handy pockets to store tools of the trade. Waist aprons are great for people on the move - front of house staff, florists or hair and beauty specialists to name a few.
Waist aprons - Luca, Mia, Prochef, Monaco
Cross back aprons are a very popular version of the bib apron, where the apron straps sit on your shoulders, cross over your back and thread through a loop or eyelet. They help reduce strain on your neck by distributing the weight of the apron more comfortably. The straps are often removable, making the aprons easy to wash. Cross back aprons are perfect for long cooking sessions or busy front-of-house staff + more.
Popular choices - Luca, Luna, Tomy, Archie, Bella, Mia, Riley leather
Offering a vintage look, these aprons provide excellent coverage without the need to tie straps. Pinafore aprons, also called a smock or Japanese apron, are one size fits all, and easily slip over your head, with wide fabric straps across your shoulders, providing full coverage. Stylish, wear all day comfort.
See Hanna
Zoe waterproof, Mia denim, Axil leather
Waterproof Aprons
PVC, PU and Nylon bib aprons are ideal when you need aprons that are waterproof and spill resistant. Ideal for schools, kitchen staff, dishwashers, bakeries, laboratories, florists or other messy or wet environments, to help keep clothing underneath dry and free from spills. PVC, PU and Nylon aprons are easy to keep clean, simply wipe them off with a clean, damp cloth.
Waterproof aprons - Zoe, PVC & Nylon
Denim Aprons
Denim aprons are available in all styles - bib, cross back, waist and utility pouch options. Loved by many, denim aprons are often first a fashion choice. Customers love that denim is durable and long-lasting, yet stylish and comfortable.
Timeless denim - Mia, Leo, Archie, Kids
Leather Aprons / Leather Strap Aprons
Leather aprons are seen as luxurious and stylish, but very practical. Leather bib aprons provide a person with full protection. Heat, liquid and dirt resistant, leather provides an ideal barrier, usually only needing to be wiped clean.
Aussie Chef has beautiful leather aprons to indulge yourself with, and other aprons with leather or leather-look details. Riley has cross back straps and Axil a neck loop and waist ties - both available in black and brown soft leather. Tomy, Luca, Luna, Archie and Bella all have interesting leather or leather-look details.
Material Matters
Choosing the right fabric can make all the difference. Here's a quick guide:
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Cotton - A natural, absorbent fabric that is known for its softness, breathability, absorbency & durability
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Poly/Cotton - A combination of cotton and polyester threads, it is durable, versatile & fade resistant
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Poly/Viscose - A polyester blend, it combines softness with durability & is fade and wrinkle resistant
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Denim - A durable, hard wearing, twill-woven fabric that is usually 100% cotton but may have a blend
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Leather - A strong, durable natural fabric that is waterproof & practical yet luxurious & soft.
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PVC/PU/Nylon - A synthetic fabric that is water-resistant, strong, durable & flexible
Personalised Aprons
A smart-looking uniform plays a significant role in creating a professional looking team. Personalised aprons help elevate this, making staff easily recognisable to customers with company branding, creating a lasting impression. This is true for schools and any organisation looking to create a consistent, cohesive look. A personalised apron is also a brilliant gift idea.
Our branding team can help you decide exactly how your logo and/or names are best showcased to personalise your aprons with embroidery or printing, to create your own custom aprons. Aussie Chef offers flexibility, competitive pricing, no minimum order, quick turnaround and great results.
Want to chat about Branding? Contact us now.
Aprons for Junior Chefs
If you're getting the kids involved in the kitchen, a junior chef apron can make them feel part of the action while keeping their clothes clean.
Designed for kids - in just the right size - our Kids Aprons are made in kid-safe, durable fabrics and come in 3 gorgeous colours - chambray denim, navy denim or white cotton. Ideal for kids who LOVE to bake or cook, budding artists or even keen garden helpers.
How to Care for Your Apron
A well-maintained apron can last for years. Carefully read and follow the care instructions for your chosen aprons, as each type of fabric has specific care requirements. Care instructions are provided on the Aussie Chef woven label sewn into the back of the apron.
Making the Final Choice
When selecting an apron, consider how the apron will be used, where it will be worn, the types of tasks being undertaken. The type of apron chosen can vary widely, and would be different for let’s say front of house staff vs dishwashers in the kitchen.
Other aspects to consider:
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What fabrics do you prefer?
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Do you need to match a colour scheme?
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Do you want to add branding to the aprons?
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Which style will work best - bib, cross back, waist?
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Are pockets for tools important?
Answering these questions can guide you towards the perfect apron for your needs.
Conclusion
Aprons are an essential tool in any kitchen - professional or at home. They are a must-have in the hospitality industry, both front and back of house. Aprons also play a vital role for many other industries and groups - schools, grocers, florists, health professionals and more.
Not only do they protect your clothes and offer added functionality, but they can also add a dash of style or personality.
Look no further, find the right apron to suit your needs at aussiechef.com.au
Additional Resources
For more information, check out our Comprehensive Aprons Guide