The research

Why you should trust us

I’m a senior staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter, and I’ve worn a lot of aprons throughout my 20-plus-year cooking career. I’ve reviewed loads of kitchen linens, including napkins and tablecloths, and I have impeccable taste (just kidding ... kind of).

• While researching this guide, I read a ton of editorial reviews on the subject—from sources like Epicurious and The Strategist—and spent hours browsing aprons online and hoofing it to brick-and-mortar stores.
• I interviewed Carla Lalli Music, then food director at Bon Appétit magazine, to get her thoughts on what makes a great apron.
• Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.
• In accordance with Wirecutter standards, I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete, which may involve longer-term testing by my colleagues and me. I never hang onto “freebies” once testing is done.

The best bib aprons

Lightweight and protective: Merci Washed Linen Apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

**How it fits: **The Merci apron is intentionally oversized, so it fits wide across the chest and wraps around the body for ample hip and backside coverage. It’s long, and it’s meant to be folded up so the ties hit your natural waist.

This apron was a favorite among our testers across a wide range of sizes and shapes. Fit tip: It’s easier to fine-tune the neck strap after you’ve secured the straps around your torso.

Why we like it: The Merci Washed Linen Apron is well loved among the Wirecutter kitchen team for its complete coverage and oh-so-soft wispy linen. We also admire its simplicity. It’s nothing more than a large rectangle of linen with the top two corners folded down to create a bib, and cotton twill straps.

The fabric is thin, but because this apron is meant to be folded up to fit around your natural waist (the most secure and comfortable spot, trust us), most wearers will have three layers of fabric around the midsection, aka the prime splatter zone.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

The Merci apron is one of the only bib styles we’ve found that doesn’t tug at the back of our necks. We suspect that’s due to a combination of the lightweight fabric and the way it anchors around the waist. The best way to ensure that it doesn’t tug at your neck is to gently blouse the bib out after you’ve folded and tied the waist. And don’t worry, the drapey bib is still protective.

**Flaws but not dealbreakers: **The Merci Washed Linen Apron is our only pick that doesn’t have pockets. Also, it ships from Europe, and the $20 for shipping is at least twice what it costs to ship any of our other picks. The good news is that the shipping fee was the same whether we ordered one apron or three. With that in mind, you could buy a few aprons for gifts, or add a couple of linen tea towels to your order.

How the Merci Washed Linen Apron has held up: Editorial director Marguerite Preston has been testing this apron for eight months, and she loves how soft and drapey it feels. Since it ties at the waist, it feels tidier than the loose Fog Linen Over Apron, which she’s also been testing at home. Her biggest complaint is the same for all linen aprons: It shows grease easily, and because of the loose weave, the stains have a tendency to spread.

**Sizes: **one size, adjustable Material: linen with cotton straps Colors: a wide spectrum of hues

Basic and affordable: Williams Sonoma Classic Apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

How it fits: The Williams Sonoma Classic Apron falls below the knee on folks under 5-foot-10, and those under 5-foot-4 may need to fold it up in order to wrap the straps around their natural waist. An adjustable neck loop holds the bib in place, and long ties cinch around your midsection.

**Why we like it: **This quintessential, around-the-neck bib apron from Williams Sonoma checks all the boxes: It’s affordable, thick, and durable, and its generous bib gives great coverage. With an adjustable neck loop, roomy front pockets, and long ties, this apron is a steal at $25. That said, this apron isn’t as weightlessly comfortable as the Merci.

For such an inexpensive apron, the Williams Sonoma is notably well constructed. Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston said her 15-year-old version “still lives in the kitchen at my parents’ house and continues to get regular use there.” She added, “The color is still fresh, the seams are still good as new, and it’s still the apron I reach for most often when I’m home.”


The ties on the Williams Sonoma Classic Apron are nice and long. Our shortest testers needed to fold the apron up at the waist. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

**Flaws but not dealbreakers: **The thick-gauge cotton and tight weave make this apron one of the stiffest of our picks, but it softens over time as you wear and launder it.


We didn’t love the big Williams Sonoma patch on the front of this apron, but it was easy to remove with a seam ripper. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

If you don’t spring for monogramming, the Williams Sonoma Classic Apron comes with a large branded patch sewn onto the bib. If this bothers you, just remove the patch with a seam ripper.

Style: neck-loop bib apron **Sizes: **one size, adjustable **Material: **cotton **Colors: **many year-round and seasonal options

The best cross-back aprons

The crowd favorite: Hedley & Bennett Crossback Apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

**How it fits: **This apron adjusts to fit sizes extra small to extra large. The straps are long enough to double around and tie in front for those up to a size 12 or 34 waist; alternatively, anyone can simply knot them at the back.

Why we like it: Of the more than 30 aprons I’ve forced my co-workers and friends to try, the Hedley & Bennett Crossback Apron got the most likes. That’s because it adjusts to fit so many body types, regardless of someone’s height, width, or curves. And it fits more comfortably than most around-the-neck styles. As with the straps on any cross-back apron, those on the Hedley & Bennett distribute weight evenly across your shoulders, without tugging on your neck.

Folks who were 5-foot-5 and under especially liked that they could tie this apron around their natural waist without having to fold up the bottom half—something that wasn’t possible with Hedley & Bennett’s Essential Apron.

And the Crossback’s bib remains flush against the chest, whereas the bibs on some other aprons we tested tended to sag outward. This apron also has nice big pockets, which are a handy place to stash a phone or a towel (or to put your hands while you wait for the pasta water to boil).

The Hedley & Bennett Crossback Apron is on the short side, but it adjusts to fit a wide range of sizes. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

**Flaws but not dealbreakers: **We’ve received comments that the Hedley & Bennett’s thick fabric—while very durable—can be a little too insulating while cooking in a hot kitchen. For those folks, we suggest the lightweight Full Cross-Back Apron from White Bark.

How the Hedley & Bennett apron has held up: After 5 years of home testing, updates writer Sarah Gannett says the Hedley & Bennett apron has been sturdy, holding up to regular runs through the washer and some accidental spins in the dryer, without any fraying or weakening at the seams.

She loves its substantial coverage, and that the fabric is thick enough to prevent stains from seeping through. She also finds it comfortable, and says friends of varying heights who use it in her kitchen find it easy to adjust. She likes her apron so much that she even travels with it. The only sticking points so far: The dark navy canvas picks up schmutz like lint and loose threads, and she doesn’t find herself using the pockets very often.

Style: cross-back with ties Sizes: one size, adjustable **Material: **cotton Colors: many hues (some limited edition)

Colorful and lightweight: White Bark Workwear Full Cross-Back Apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

How it fits: This cross-back apron provides good coverage for both narrow and broad chests, and it extends to just above the knee or lower (depending on your height). You can adjust and secure where the straps cross at your back using one of three reinforced slits in the left strap. This also adjusts how high the bib sits on your chest.

**Why we like it: **Not gonna lie, one of the big reasons we love the White Bark Workwear Full Cross-Back Apron is that it comes in a bunch of beautiful, saturated colors. And the straps are made from the same fabric as the body, resulting in a clean monochrome look. The lightweight cotton–hemp blend fabric is the thinnest of our cross-back apron picks, a plus if you tend to overheat in the kitchen.

The White Bark’s front pockets are big enough to hold a notebook and a phone, with room to spare for other random bits and bobs. We also like the little details on the apron, like the bar-tack stitching on the ties that lets you trim them without the fabric fraying. A bonus feature we discovered in testing: That stitch line helps keep the straps from slipping out of the grommets in the wash.

An added bonus to the White Bark’s lightweight fabric and comfortable fit is the assortment of colors you can choose from (from left to right: marigold, sage green, and brick red). Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The White Bark Cross-Back Apron is lightweight because the fabric is thinner than that of most of our other picks, so it may not be quite as protective. But the fabric is tightly woven and will protect your clothes from most everyday cooking splatters.

Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton and hemp Colors: the most of all our picks

The best denim aprons

Our favorite denim apron: Mi Cocina Classic Apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

How it fits: The body is cut wide enough to accommodate many different body types and sizes, without swallowing folks with smaller frames. The straps are stitched where they cross at the back, so fit adjustments are made at the waist.

**Why we like it: **The Mi Cocina The Classic Apron is the best denim apron we’ve tested to date. It’s made from high-quality, sturdy denim in four washes that range from soft and faded to old-school rigid. The light and medium washes feel like a favorite pair of jeans. And the stiff dark-indigo apron, made from Japanese selvedge denim, is perfect for those who like to do all the breaking in themselves.

If you like pockets, this apron is for you. The six double-layer belly pockets (four outer and two inner) can fit up to a size B5 notebook, a phone, and a Thermapen, with plenty of room to spare.

The apron is reinforced all around with the same denim tape that makes up the straps, which gives the garment a nice weight and helps it to lay comfortably on the body. More importantly, it likely makes it much more durable.


The Mi Cocina apron is generously cut and comes in four contemporary denim washes (from left to right: light vintage, black, medium vintage, and raw denim). Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For people with smaller frames, the straps can be comically long. The company’s general advice is to wrap the straps around your waist as many times as needed. You can also trim them to a length that works for you and tie off the ends to keep the fabric from fraying too much. Also, if you want a denim apron but the Mi Cocina is out of your budget, consider getting the Cayson Lulu Apron.

Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: 100% cotton denim Colors: four denim washes

An inexpensive cross-back denim apron: Cayson Lulu Apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

**How it fits: **The Cayson Lulu Apron is cut wider and longer than the Hedley & Bennett Crossback, and it covers more of your legs and backside. The Lulu’s product page confusingly describes its one size as “small (one size fits most).” We found that it adjusts to fit sizes small to extra large, but if you usually wear an extra small, you may find it to be too baggy around the waist. It hits below the knee on folks who are shorter than 6-foot-1.

Why we like it: If the Mi Cocina costs more than you’re willing to spend, the Cayson Lulu is a great alternative for less than half the price.

Made from thick, 100% cotton denim with cotton ties, the Lulu is one of the best values we’ve found for an exquisitely made cross-back apron. And though this apron is missing hip pockets, it is reinforced around the midsection with an extra layer of denim—a nice added protection for messy projects like canning tomatoes. And it has removable straps, so you don’t have to worry about them getting tangled in the washer and dryer.


The Cayson Lulu Apron is longer than the Hedley & Bennett Crossback, and it may bunch up around the waist on smaller frames. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

**Flaws but not dealbreakers: **The Cayson Lulu lacks large front pockets. Also, its sturdy denim is heavy and a little stiff when new, though the fabric starts to give with some wash and wear.

Style: cross-back with ties Sizes: one size, adjustable Material: cotton denim with cotton straps Colors: two

The best BBQ and grilling aprons

Built for heat: BlueCut Pitmaster Apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

How it fits: This generously cut cross-back apron is best suited for folks with larger bodies, and that’s one of the reasons we like it. It’s ample, and probably too much apron for folks smaller than a size 12 or 34 waist. But it was the only apron we tested that felt comfortable on one over-6-foot tester (whom we paid for their feedback).

Why we like it: I wore this BlueCut Pitmaster Apron while testing the Weber Genesis E325s grill on a cloudless 90-degree day, and it was so comfy that I forgot I was wearing it—which is weird, because this full-coverage, flame-resistant apron has an extra-thick quilted section (a built-in heat shield) around the middle that one might think would insulate as well as protect. The reason I stayed comfortable might be that this apron lays on the body without bunching up in the nooks and crannies (kind of like a starched cotton sheet on a hot summer night).

Other details that make the Pitmaster apron so comfortable are the 1½-inch-wide cotton straps that distribute the apron’s weight so well. The straps individually adjust at the shoulders and are held together by a sliding leather patch where they cross at the back. On the right hip sits a big pocket, and on the left hip a loop for hooking a towel. I’ve done an obscene amount of grilling in my years, and I’m very impressed with this apron’s design.


We love the sliding leather patch that secures the wide straps where they cross at the back. We also found the towel loop and the roomy right-hip pocket well placed and useful. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Flaws but not dealbreakers: At $175, the Pitmaster apron might be cost prohibitive for many grillers. The Carhartt Firm Duck Apron is another great grilling apron and costs only $40.

Sizes: one size, adjustable **Material: **flame-resistant cotton denim with cotton straps Colors: one

Sturdy and thick: Carhartt Firm Duck Apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

**How it fits: **This canvas apron comes in one size, yet it’s adjustable. The wide polyester straps cross at the back and do a good job of distributing the weight of the thick canvas across your shoulders. The cut of the bib is more suited for flatter chests. However, this apron was too big for one petite tester who wears size extra small.

**Why we like it: **Just because the Carhartt Firm Duck Apron is built for the garage or the woodshop doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good apron for grilling. Not only is it thick enough to block the gnarliest grease splatters from penetrating through to your clothes, but it’s also pretty comfortable, despite its considerable weight and stiffness. And those familiar with Carhartt clothing know that the fabric does soften with wear.

This apron is also covered in pockets (so many pockets). One of the things that makes the Firm Duck Apron stand out from our other picks is its large, zippered bib pocket that can hold a phone or a small notebook. Most cook’s aprons have only a slot for pens on the bib, if anything. And at $40, it’s an amazing deal on a sturdy apron that could last well beyond a lifetime.


The Carhartt apron as modeled by Mace, 5-foot-6 (left), and Ciara, 5-foot-3 (right). Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This apron is very rigid when new, and it will need a breaking-in period. But the more you wear and wash it, the faster it’ll soften up.

**Sizes: **one size, adjustable **Material: **cotton canvas with polyester straps **Colors: **black and brown

The best water-resistant apron


Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Top pick

**How it fits: **The Tilit Contra Chef Apron is thin, lightweight, and comfortable around the neck. Although we think the bib is just wide enough for adequate coverage, folks with large chests might find it lacking. It’s long, and you might have to fold up the waist if you’re 5-foot-3 or under.

Why we like it: If you’re looking for something that’ll keep you comfortable and dry as you scrub a pile of dishes, get this apron. The Tilit Contra is lightweight, breathable, water resistant, and kind of chic (for an apron). If other waxed aprons are like heavy rubber ponchos, the Tilit Contra is akin to a high-end Barbour rain jacket.

Our shortest model had to fold up the Tilit Contra Chef Apron to be able to tie it at her natural waist. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

This apron is machine washable—aside from its leather clasp, which is removable. The company says the wax coating lasts up to 50 washes, but Tilit founder Alex McCrery said that number (which is set by the fabric manufacturer) was conservative. He told us that, based on his customers’ experience with these aprons, the coating was still effective after the apron’s 50th trip through the wash.

Either way, you probably won’t need to launder it as frequently as you would an uncoated apron. Since the fabric resists absorption, you can just hose it off and hang it up to extend the time between washes.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Compared with other waxed aprons, the Contra is expensive. But it’s also lighter, cooler, and more comfortable than heavy waxed shop aprons. Also, though the wax should last for years in a home kitchen, it will eventually wear off. But even when that happens, you’ll still have a functional and stylish (albeit regular) apron.

**Style: **bib with neck strap **Sizes: **one size, adjustable **Material: **waxed cotton **Colors: **a few neutral hues

The best pinafore aprons

Drapey and roomy: Rough Linen Bella Linen Pinafore-Apron

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