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12 Cult Aprons That Will Change Your Kitchen Style

Thanks to the rise of apron as fashion, you can now defend yourself from the kitchen elements (aka flying grease and flour-coated counters) in style. But with so many voguish aprons (that don't come cheap), how do you know what's worth it? We tried a closet-full of kitchen aprons from the best designers working right now. Here are twelve of our favorites, arranged from lightest to most heavy-duty.
Image may contain Human Person Clothing Apparel Skirt Apron and Sleeve
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner

All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

  • Image may contain Human Person Clothing Apparel Skirt Apron and Sleeve
    Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    1/13

    Our Criteria

    We looked at comfort, breathability, pocket size, and of course, style.

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle
    2/13

    Studiopatró Linen Kitchen Apron in Fern

    If you’re moving around a lot in a small kitchen like us, you want a light and breathable cover. This airy cross-back apron looks like spring and has great coverage, especially if you find yourself using the apron as a second towel. $76, studipatro.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    3/13

    Basshu Normal Apron Solid Chambray

    Comfort ranked high on what we wanted in a great apron, and right out of the box, this Japanese-made option feels like your favorite jean shirt. Besides the lived-in chambray feel, the cross-back keeps it breezy, and a double-layered chest keeps the garment durable. $72, shopspring.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    4/13

    Fog & Linen Cross Apron in Gray-White Stripes

    The shape of this linen pull-over apron is Japanese-inspired and a complete game changer. It’s the roomiest option we tried, and it was so comfy, we wore it around the office all day. $64, shop-foglinen.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    5/13

    Tilit Contra Chef Apron

    Designed with the chefs behind NYC’s Contra restaurant, this brilliant blue apron is made of waxed cotton, which makes it feel as durable and repellent as a rain jacket. It’s still breathable, however, and it’s so easy to clean, you’ll want to make a mess in it. $85, tilitchefgoods.com (Note: We didn’t include any aprons that required fussy care. The whole point of wearing an apron is to avoid going to the dry cleaners in the first place.)

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle
    6/13

    Tilit Crossback

    Our house apron comes from this NYC-based design firm, and this railroad-stripe model, which is made of lightweight yet durable cotton, is even more comfortable. Look for it on the Tilit website in the coming weeks. tilitchefgoods.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    7/13

    Spice Girl Duck Canvas

    Beth Kennedy is the brains and heart behind the Spice Girl blog. Her aprons, constructed with 10-ounce army duck canvas with English bridle leather straps, are perfect for elegantly cooking your way around the world—or your kitchen. This chic apron improves with use, as its fabric softens over time. $49, thespicegirlblog.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle
    8/13

    Wove & Grain Men’s Apron in Brick Flowers

    With a leather harness that looks more steampunk than steamed trout, this bold kitchen apron comes in both men’s and women’s versions. The cloth fabric in the front of the aprons can be easily removed from the harness for cleaning (or can be swapped out for a different pattern). A large loop on the outside works as a towel-threading ring. $100 for harness; fronts start at $65, woveandgrain.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    9/13

    Hedley & Bennett Razor Clam Crossback

    In 2012, the Los Angeles–based Hedley & Bennett took a strictly utilitarian garment and made it into a fashion statement. They’ve been an industry heavy-hitter ever since. We tried a lot of Hedley & Bennett’s models, and between the large center pockets and the clean durable Cone mill denim, this sleek option was our favorite. $89, hedleyandbennett.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle
    10/13

    Hand-Eye Supply Kitchen Apron in Midnight Twill

    Hand-Eye Supply worked with food entrepreneur Michael Madigan (of Portland’s Bowery Bagels) on this durable apron. The pockets were some of the deepest we tried (great for nestling tongs or spatulas) and the apron's thickness makes it a great pick for grilling and high-heat cooking. $80, handeyesupply.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    11/13

    The Blunt Roll

    Designed by Tanya Kelly, this sturdy cotton denim and leather apron was created by the industry, for the industry. (It even has leather pockets for a knife roll built into it.) $150, thebluntroll.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    12/13

    Red House Waxed Canvas Pinafore

    Kind of like a pair of boat shoes, this waxed apron’s thick fabric and thin leather straps conform to your shape. The length is great for covering a taller cook, and the leather tie system looks sharp against the canvas. $150, redhousevt.com

  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Tommy Werner
    13/13

    Artifact Bags Artisan Apron in Dijon

    This is a dream apron for a pocket-lover (we counted eight!). Made by Omaha-based Artifact, a company that specializes in aprons for carpenters and other artisans, this apron comes from a line of culinary models made of a similar sturdy structure. This razorback cut model gets its rugged look from brass and leather grommets. $98, artifactbags.com

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