Having been around for the past 100 years, aprons were initially worn by men working in the trade business. Over time, they were integrated into home garments and professional uniforms.
Aprons are practical, functional, and aesthetically appealing. Besides protecting your clothing from spills and stains, aprons give you that crisp and professional look as you immerse yourself in kitchen activities. Depending on their intended use, there are many different types of aprons. The purpose of the apron is dependent on its length, coverage and material.
Below are eight different types of apron that you can wear in the kitchen:
Type #1: Bib Apron
The bib apron is the most popular type of apron that you are most familiar with. The bib apron, also known as the chef’s apron, has pockets similar to those found in other types of apron. The traditional design provides ample torso coverage and includes a loop around the neck and straps around the waist.
The pockets are handy for carrying kitchen utensils, guest checks and order pads as you work. This apron is mainly used in the kitchen. It’s preferred for its full-body coverage, which provides protection from splashing. Besides, you can use this long apron to wipe your hands.
For the fashion enthusiasts in our midst, there are some fun and sophisticated designs you can try out. These range from two ribbons running across each other on the back, to the simple, sleeveless design. These designs are available in different fabrics (but mostly cotton), colours and lengths.
Type #2: Waist Apron
This apron is tied around the waist. In terms of body coverage, it does not cover the torso. It also tends to reach just above the knee to allow natural leg movement.
Nowadays, these types of apron are also regarded as beautiful garments brands can personalize by adding their own frills, buttons or any other stylish designs. With patterns ranging from floral to fruit patterns, the design and colours of custom aprons are only limited by one’s imagination.
Type #3: Server Apron
These aprons do not cover one’s upper body. Their short length allows staff to walk throughout the facility comfortably. These types of apron also come with side pockets, which can be used to carry beverage straws, pens and small notebooks for jotting down customers’ orders.
Server aprons are ideal for head waitresses or waiters, bussers and front of the house servers. To keep the apron in topnotch condition, clean them in cold water using a washing machine and dry them with low heat. Be careful not to mix the apron with other garments with different colours to avoid stains.
Type #4: Tuxedo Apron
This is an upgraded version of the bib apron. When paired with a white button-down shirt and a bowtie, it gives you a fresh, clean and classy look as you go about your business.
Tuxedo aprons are ideal for restaurant waiters and waitresses. Worn well, they add to the overall image of the dining area. For banquets or catered events, these should be your go-to aprons.
Type #5: Four-way Apron
This is a waist apron with four layers. It’s ideal for people who work in the hospitality business and who have work demands that require the use of an apron several times before it’s washed.
When one layer gets dirty, switch to the next clean layer, and you are good to go. This apron saves you laundry costs and lots of time. What a great, cost-friendly choice for an apron! These types of apron are essential for chefs and back-house kitchen staff.
Type #6: Bistro Apron
Like the waist and 4-way aprons, bistro aprons do not cover the upper part of the body. They also have side pockets that are particularly important for waiters. However, they are longer and cover a larger portion of the wearer’s pants.
These types of apron are worn by front of house staff as they protect them from stains, especially when carrying out messy tasks like wiping down tables.
Type #7: Tabard Apron
This apron is distinct as it covers both the front and back of the upper part of the body. It also comes with waist ties that one can use to tighten or loosen the apron.
The tabard apron dates back to the Middle Ages and was initially worn by knights, monks, peasants, and cobblers. It has now been adopted by retail workers, nurses and bakers.
Type #8: Dishwasher Apron
Cleaning large volumes of dishes is quite a messy undertaking. In the course of this task, workers are likely to get their clothes wet due to splashes. They are also likely to get stubborn dirt and grease build-up on their clothes.
The dishwasher aprons are made of water-resistant materials. Some of them are cut-resistant, fire-resistant and heat-resistant. These types of apron are mostly designed in full length and can keep staff dry and clean while washing kitchen utensils.
