Aprons have become an inseparable part of a large number of professions. They're both practical and stylish and can make the person's work experience much better. This includes chefs, kitchen staff workers, dog groomers, servers, baristas, hair stylists, butchers and many more. Each profession requires a specific apron tailored to their needs. So, if you're looking to buy one for yourself, there are some specific features you should be looking for.
Types of Aprons
Barista Apron
If you’re working as a barista, an apron is a must-have accessory. But it’s more than just an accessory, it’s your uniform, a thing that makes you different and recognisable. When you’re working with so many liquids, you’re bound to have some stains on your shirt or pants. That's why you should have a high-quality, stylish apron for a barista.
Its main purpose is to keep you clean. There is a good probability that you will get coffee grounds or milk spilt on you during a morning rush. Your outfit will smell like steaming milk and coffee, and that's not a very pleasant smell. They can also discolour the clothes which can be very annoying. So, wearing an apron makes sense.
The apron will also set you apart from the other employees. When customers get inside the café, they’ll know who to talk to according to the uniforms you have. It'll also make you look very professional and well put together. This is something you shouldn’t try to save a couple of dollars on. Invest in it and it’ll last for a long time.
Always go for high-quality materials such as canvas or a polyester mix. Some baristas prefer denim, but this material can quickly fade and show stains. But if that’s your cup of tea, go for it. The polyester blends won’t wear out easily. They're built to last. They're also super easy to clean and maintain. Make sure the straps and latches are sturdy and well-stitched to the fabric.
They should be able to withstand pulls, twists and turns for a long time. Also, this apron has to have pockets. They'll be of big help for keeping your tools close by. You can have your pen and paper, mixing spoons, and knives at hand all the time. The number of pockets depends on your needs, but sometimes more is better. You can go with the two-strap apron or the neck strap option. No matter what you choose, make sure you feel comfortable in it.
Butcher Apron
Butcher aprons are made for one purpose only, to protect the butcher who’s wearing it. They have several specific features and characteristics that make them recognisable. They're also there to keep the butcher clean and make them look as stylish as possible. They come in many shapes, sizes and designs, so you have plenty to choose from.
High-quality materials are at the top of the list of things you should consider when buying. They should be sturdy and hard to tear because butchers work with sharp tools all the time. Kevlar and leather are the top 2 on the list. They're a bit on the expensive side, but safety comes first. Make sure you invest in the proper material.
Next are pockets. This profession requires a lot of pockets because in involves a lot of tools in different sizes and shapes. So, the pockets should be plentiful. They'll act as a storage space during working hours. The person will always have them on hand. Plus, the butcher will be much more organised and efficient. Just like the apron for a barista, the butcher apron should be easy to clean and maintain. The main reason is to stop the spread of bacteria.
Working with food will always require cleanness for safety reasons. A clean apron will also make you look more presentable to customers. Leather, nylon and plastic are the simplest to clean. Nylon and plastic can be uncomfortable to wear, but leather is perfect because it’s breathable and comfortable. Adjustable straps are a must. The cross straps on the back are the sturdiest and most comfortable, so be on the lookout for them.
Chef Apron
The chef's apron is the main attire piece that sets the chef apart from the rest of the kitchen staff just like the barista apron does it for the baristas. It's used to keep the chef’s clothes clean and protect them from splatters and spills. However, this apron can serve as a platform for the chef's individual style. They can express their personality with fun colours, embroidery, slogans, names and designs.
These aprons can be made of different materials such as cotton, polyester, twill, canvas and denim. Canvas is very strong and durable, and cotton and polyester are lightweight and easy to clean. The coverage the apron offers is also important. Make sure you get one according to your size. It should start on your chest, and finish below the knees. This length will provide maximum protection.
Always look for aprons with adjustable straps. The fastening is something you should be able to customise to your needs to get the right fit and comfort level. Adjustable neck straps can fit people with different heights, chest sizes and neck sizes. An adjustable waist strap can provide more coverage. You can buy these aprons online or at your local store. If you’re doing it online, make sure they have a good return policy so you can return it if the fit isn’t right.
Server Apron
Servers are front house workers and the way they look is very important for the café or restaurant's reputation. Server aprons do not give full body coverage. They're tied at the waist and only cover the lower part of the body. The length can vary from just above the knees, to down to the ankles. This depends on the clothing requirements of the business.
This type of apron design gives the servers more freedom of movement. The shorter version is also more convenient for walking faster and it’s more comfortable to wear. These aprons usually have one or two pockets. They're very practical because the server can store their pens, pads, checks, bottle openers or other things they need to have close at hand.
