When thinking about someone wearing an apron you’re instantly thinking about someone cooking a meal, either in a kitchen or on the grill in a backyard. However, aprons are a widely used item of clothing that isn’t just for cooking or the culinary industry.
The main thing that everyone is looking for when buying an apron is simple. You want something that will protect your clothes from getting stained. Now, this sounds like an easy job, and you can get whatever inexpensive apron you find to do that job. But, the right apron always depends on the job at hand, and even then, having the exact right apron will depend on many more factors than that.
There are loads of varieties of aprons out there that come in multiple colors, styles, and materials. Choosing the right apron based on all of these factors is a challenging task.
Before you know exactly what apron is right for you, you need to know what you are using the apron for and what the apron is going to be put through. For instance, an apron designed just for chefs and cooking will not give the adequate protection you need if you are using this apron for work in a chemistry lab around dangerous solutions.
We’ve put together this handy guide that will go through all the necessary factors that you need to consider before you think about purchasing your apron. Be cautious and thorough when finding out what you are going to need your apron for, as the right apron could be the difference between being safe, and being injured.
What Will The Apron Be Doing?
The first question you need to ask before buying an apron is what the apron will be used for, what are you doing that requires an apron? This will help you to determine what kind of apron you need.
For instance, if you are working as a waiter in a fancy restaurant, you’ll need an apron that can protect against hot spills, as well as fitting a certain dress code and looking professional. It may also be useful to have a few pockets in the apron as well for a notepad and pen. Whereas if you are buying an apron for mural painting then the look doesn’t matter as much as the durability of the apron and if you can get paint stains out of it.
As soon as you understand the function that the apron has then you will be able to begin your apron purchasing journey.
Will The Apron Protect Your Clothes?
This may seem like an obvious question, as when you think of an apron you think of something that is designed to protect your clothes, but not all aprons are designed for protecting clothing.
If you are working at a concert or theater and need something with deep pockets that are going to be used to collect ticket stubs then a long apron that is made to protect your clothes may be too cumbersome to wear around all evening. On the other hand, having a big bag for stubs could also be cumbersome and restrict your arm movement. A light apron with deep pockets would be perfect, and won’t need to protect your clothes.
Will You Be Working With Sharp Objects?
If you are working with sharp objects, maybe you are a professional chef in a kitchen with large knives, then you want a material that is thick enough not to get damaged by a sharp object and potentially cause you harm.
It must be noted that even the thickest aprons will be susceptible to some sharp objects, but having a thick enough apron will be able to withstand small cuts and scrapes, so you don’t injure yourself or have to buy a new apron.
Will Your Apron Need To Be Washed Frequently?
You don’t want to have to wash your apron every time you use it, depending on what you are using your apron for then you will want an apron that can resist stains to an extent and have long periods of time between washing it.
Most chef’s aprons will be protected from most food stains such as grease and oil. An apron designed for chemists and lab work will go one step further and have heavy layers that are designed to protect from chemical stains. However, the more protected your apron is the harder it will be to wash when you do get around to washing it, so keep that in mind.
Will You Be Moving With Your Apron?
This question does stem back to what you will be doing with your apron, if you are staying still with your apron, maybe working on a workbench or next to an easel, then pockets may not be as necessary as if you were moving. If you are a waiter and using an apron, going back and forth taking orders, then pockets may be essential.
What Is Your Budget?
When purchasing anything at all from aprons to airplanes, money is always one of the most important factors. You do not want to buy a cheap apron, especially if you are buying it while working with sharp or hot items, cheap aprons will also not last as long or be as good a quality.
If you are looking for a heavy-duty apron for work whether it is through some sort of trade or working with chemicals/ hot food, etc. Then the apron is going to be a little more expensive than most due to the materials it uses. If it is for a job, however, the company you work for may subsidize you for the cost of the apron as a uniform cost.
What Will The Apron Look Like?
No matter how much the apron is used to protect you or make your life practically easier, it will always still be a fashion piece first. There are many stylish aprons out there, as well as many that aren’t exactly the epitome of style with ‘kiss the chef’ labeled across the front.
Style can be very important depending on the job you are doing. If you are a waiter at a fancy restaurant then the style of your apron is going to be much more significant than if you are just cooking at a grill.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing the right apron, you shouldn’t just look at an apron and think ‘that’ll do’, you need to think about all these factors before you make a purchase.
If you are buying an apron for your job, ask for some guidance from a fellow employee that has been working there for a while, find out why you might need the apron, and some features that would be handy.
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