Picking the right staff uniforms to make a great first impression is very important. And choosing an apron that reflects the businesses image and the type of work it’s doing is the starting point when determining what type of uniform your workers will need.

Types of Aprons

Whether you are looking for the right chef kitchen apron or you want to dress your staff in professionally colour-coded attire, there are many different types of apron designs you can choose from. In this article, we’ll go over the four main types of aprons you can find on the market today. Let’s start with the most traditional style, namely the bib apron.

Bib Apron

The bib apron features a simple design that comes with a loop around the neck, ties around the waist, and a hem that ends near the knee. Additionally, many full-cover bib aprons feature additional pockets to let the staff carry things like guest checks, order pads, or other kitchen utensils while they are working.

There are many modern designs available, both for staff and for kitchen chefs. Designed with function in mind, this specific type of chef kitchen apron is usually made from premium cotton canvas which provides protection against spills and excellent colourfastness in the kitchen. Most bib aprons have been trialled and tested in industry-leading restaurants to perform under the pressure of a working kitchen.

Waist Aprons

In comparison to bib aprons, waist aprons do not provide upper body coverage. Most of them feature above the knee length which makes them most suitable for waitstaff. Some of them include pockets in the front which enable servers to carry pens, peds, and other utensils. They are the perfect piece of uniform, that is both sleek and functional and ideal for front-of-the-house servers and those who need to move around faster and more often.

Cross Back Aprons

A fashion-forward alternative to traditional aprons is the cross-back apron. The cross-back aprons feature adjustable cross-back straps which are ideal for distributing weight across the neck. They are also the most comfortable uniform option suitable for different body types.

Most designs of cross-back aprons are suitable for professional and commercial use in daily life. They can be perfect for kitchens, restaurants, coffee shops, cosmetic salons, etc. These types of aprons, in particular, the chef kitchen apron feature multi big pockets in the front as most types of aprons which are very convenient for storing some particular items, such as your cell phone, meat thermometer, pens, or other things you need.

Vintage Apron

If you love vintage things you may find these types of aprons adorable. The vintage-inspired aprons come in a wide variety of retro patterns and colours inspired by the designs of the Victorian, and Edwardian times. Retro aprons make a great addition to upscale restaurants and businesses with a vintage theme as they are very intricate and elegant.

One of the most popular vintage-inspired designs is the sparkling spider web Josephine apron and the watermelon stripe Viola apron. These aprons also make a wonderful addition to any kitchen. They are available in different sizes which makes them suitable for most body types.

Important Features to Consider When Buying an Apron

Before buying an apron there is some important aspect you need to keep in mind. These are most often the type of material you choose, the breathability it offers, colour, and whether it features some additional elements such as pockets or stripes.

Breathability and Comfort

Another important factor is the level of breathability and comfort they offer. Since you will be wearing them most of your working hours you don’t want to feel uncomfortable. This feature is most often related to the type of material you choose as different materials offer different levels of breathability.

For instance, linen and cotton are the most commonly used choices of material when it comes to breathability and comfort. Rubber and nylon are mostly used in industrial situations due to their sturdiness, but also there are many designs available for kitchens as well. They are mostly available in dark colours which is a useful feature when dealing with liquids.

Colour, Material, and Patterns

Different aprons feature different colours and patterns. From the plainest ones such as white to some bolder like grey and red that reflect different professional levels. If you are a part of a restaurant staff you might feel limited as you will be most often dictated which colour to wear that matches the rest of the team’s staff attire. Professional kitchen chef aprons usually feature stripes on a dark background or simply dark black colour as they have the most elegant look.