An Apron is a protective clothing worn over other regular clothes – it is worn as needed when you do some work that involves your clothing getting dirty or damaged.
A protective apron is one necessary clothing you need in your cupboard – for adults as well as kids. You cannot even fathom how much an apron can protect your clothing from – all those spills, greasy hands, water stains, stains, etc. Only someone who does regular laundry would know. It makes sense to give an apron to every kid who gets down to messy play.
There are many kinds of aprons – depending on their shape, the trims used, the materials used to make them, etc.
Bib Apron
This is your regular apron, with ties at the neck and the waist; Also called Barbeque apron.
The basic apron is one of the easiest of all sewing projects – it is just a piece of fabric with some ties attached to the neckline and waistline – these fasten the apron behind the neck and the waist, keeping it secure over your clothing. There are many variations that you can give to this basic apron. Just change the shape of the neckline, the line of the armhole, hemline, and the back. Make the apron adjustable with long enough ties.
Check out these posts for making the basic aprons and many variations: How to sew a one size fits all Apron – sewing tutorial; 20 Free Apron sewing patterns
Half apron
This is an apron that starts at the waistline and looks like a skirt – it gives protection only to the clothing under your waistline.
Waitress Apron
A watress apron is a plain short half apron with lots of pockets – for keeping pens and notebook when you are taking orders.
Girly Apron
This is an apron with lots of ruffles/frills at the hem and/or neckline or the full body. Usually made for small girls.
Flirty Apron/ Retro Apron
This is a variation of the girly apron which is more suited for an adult. This kind of apron was very popular in the past.
Work Apron
This is an apron made of canvas material with many pockets to keep your tools in place ready to take out as you work. You can find it in shops under names like “woodworking apron“, Tool Apron etc. This is a very durable apron that is as tough as it looks.
The canvas material will usually be waterproof and will have reinforcements like rivets on many points for durability. You can use a thick canvas to make this apron if you want a plain one or printed oilcloth if you want sturdiness but some prettiness too. You can use oil cloth to make your apron stain-resistant.
Cobbler apron / Slipover Apron /Smock Apron
A cobbler apron covers your back and front – full coverage for your clothes. This is an apron that looks like a top but with a big enough neck opening so that you can slip it over the neck to wear it over your regular clothing. When you wear this kind of apron your back is also protected. It is a good covering for your clothes if you are working where your clothing can get dirty all over.
Cross back apron
This is an apron with the straps crossing over at the back. A practical choice if you do not want to tie the apron – you just slip the arpon over your dress. You can sew pockets on the apron to make it more functional. You can find a tutorial to make a cross back apron here.
Disposable aprons
These are protective aprons that you use and throw, made of water-repellent plastic material. You can get these aprons in regular apron size and as full-body covering with long sleeves.
Pinafore Aprons
This looks more of a clothing than a protective covering. This Apron is worn over dresses and skirts. It is modelled after the kind of apron worn by Victorian maids.
What kind of apron should be used in the kitchen?
Bib aprons are the best for kitchen work. Half aprons may not work as they will not prevent spills above the waist. Short waist aprons are convenient and prevent the spills staining your clothes above the countertop.
You need an apron that is stain resistant, comfortable to wear, and non-flammable. You can use thick cotton, polyester-cotton blends, and linen. The possible spills and splatters should be easily cleaned. So the apron should be made of an easy to care for fabric and that too in a color on which stains are not noticeable. Yes, white looks pure but only for the first wear, if in any kitchen.
You need adjustable neck straps and waist ties on your kitchen aprons. Pockets can help in keeping some spoons etc.
Why do you need to wear an apron in a workshop? And what kind of apron?
Protection from dust, debris, particles, spills and stains, and also from heat and flame – all possible exposures in workshops. You also need a safe and temperory place to keep tools and accessories. A personal protective equipment (PPE) apron is best in workshops. It can be made of Polyethylene (PE), nylon, neoprene, Polypropylene (PP), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
What kind of apron should be used for gardening?
For working in the garden, you need an apron with Pockets and tool loops – you can just slip in your tools like your shears into those and work at something else. You also need a long enough apron to cover your clothing, enough – atleast the knee should be covered.
