The 7 Best Aprons of 2025, Tested & Reviewed

When I got my first kitchen job as a prep cook, I invested in a fancy apron. It was made of thick, dark-washed denim and had a cross-back strap system that clipped to the fabric so it was easy to take off and adjust. But after a week of using it, I was ready to throw it in the bin: The clasps on the straps kept popping open, causing a chain reaction of a strap flapping free and the apron collapsing on one side. 

From this, I learned that sometimes the best kitchen apron is the simplest: It covers you up, has a few pockets for tools like thermometers or kitchen tweezers, and can adjust to fit a myriad of body shapes. Clips, extraneous straps, and dozens of pockets often get in the way rather than help. With this criteria in mind, I tried on, stained, washed, and used more than 18 aprons to find options that’ll keep you and your clothes spiffy.

The Winners, at a Glance

This was a classic, adjustable loop-neck apron with long ties that provided a versatile fit. A lesson in simplicity, it had two front pockets and one chest pocket—the perfect amount of built-in storage. It also comes in a dazzling array of colors, prints, and patterns.

This rugged apron was easy to adjust and sported extra pockets, adding to its utility. At first, I was skeptical of the hexagonal chest pocket, but it was actually a great shape for quickly slipping in a Sharpie on one side and tucking a thermometer into the other. The simplicity and practicality of this apron won me over, and I found myself reaching for it daily.

The thick cotton made this $30 apron feel like it was worth double the price. I liked the simple structure with two front pockets and an adjustable neck loop. It’s a solid, simple apron that’ll keep you covered.

The beauty of a crossback apron is that it has one continuous tie, so when you pull the ends to tighten it, the whole apron conforms to your body. As a short person who often needs to fold an apron to tie it, this was a boon. This crossback apron from Hedley & Bennett fit snugly and provided all-over coverage. It was one of my go-to’s when I used the aprons in my daily cooking routine.

If you use your apron in the toolshed just as much as you do in the kitchen, then this is the one for you. It’s got oodles of pockets ready to be stuffed with thermometers, pliers, tweezers, and maybe even a snack. The sturdy firm-hand cotton protects you from hot liquids and other cooking hazards.

This simple, airy smock apron has been an editor favorite for years. It’s easy to drape over your body, sports two pockets and a towel loop, and provides good coverage.

Made with thick cotton in a simple, boxy shape, this smock-style apron was roomy and had a versatile fit. Its turmeric and oat-colored stripes were gorgeous too. 

The Tests

• Fit and Feature Test: I tried on every apron and had my husband do so as well to get an idea of how they fit on different body types. I also tucked an instant-read thermometer, my phone, and a Sharpie into the various pockets. If an apron had a kitchen towel loop, I tried that out too. 
• Stain and Clean Test: I stained each apron with one tablespoon of tomato sauce, mimicking getting them dirty while cooking. I let them sit for an hour before washing them in cold water and letting them air-dry. If the apron was not machine-washable, I followed the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. 
• Daily Use Test: I used my favorite aprons for a few weeks, noting if they were comfortable and how they held up over time.

What We Learned

A Note on Apron Styles

Who knew a simple apron could come in so many varieties? I tested three styles: neck-loop aprons, crossback aprons, and smock aprons. Each has its pros and cons, and choosing which you want can come down to fit preferences. Let’s dive into them.

A standard loop-neck apron offers adjustability and a fitted style, and it often has two sets of pockets: two near the hips and one at the chest. A crossback apron is very similar, except to adjust the fit you pull on the ties rather than fiddle with the neck loop. Both loop-neck and crossback aprons often require tying the apron in the back or wrapping the ties around the front and securing them. They are slightly more difficult to put on and take off than a smock apron. 

Smock aprons slip over your head and arms and offer a roomy fit along with good coverage. The only downside to this style was that it wasn’t quite as secure as the crossback and loop-neck aprons: Because of the lack of ties, when I put things in the pockets, like my phone or a thermometer, the weight of the items tugged the apron down.

Adjustments Were Key 

A good apron should be adjustable so it fits comfortably. Crossback aprons were the easiest to adjust since the ties are a singular strand—when pulled, it affects the fit of the entire apron. Neck-loop aprons were the second easiest to fit, with adjustable neck loops that could be tightened or loosened. Adjustments are essential since many aprons are one-size-fits-all, so it’s nice to be able to tweak the fit to get the best coverage. 

The Pinnafore Crossback Linen Apron was attached at the back, making it more restrictive and definitely not one-size-fits-all—my husband couldn’t get it over his shoulders. The same went for the Uncommon Threads Restaurant Bib Apron, which had a neck loop that wasn’t adjustable. When I tried it on, the apron fell too low, leaving a large section near the top of my shirt exposed. 

Stains Were (Mostly) Inevitable

If you cook anything that burbles, you’re probably going to make a mess of your apron. But that’s okay—it’s supposed to help you avoid having a Jackson Pollock of tomato sauce, whipped cream, oil, and other liquids splattered over your clothing. And since most of the aprons I tested were made of cotton or linen, they did stain. 

After smearing tomato sauce on every apron and letting them sit for an hour, I tossed the machine-washable ones into the washer with some gentle laundry detergent and ran it on cool. Pretty much every single apron emerged with a stain—the exceptions were dark-colored aprons, which just hid the rusty splotch better, and the Hedley & Bennett Waxman Apron, which has a layer of soy wax that protects the cloth. (It’s also not machine-washable, but spot cleaning did remove the sauce without any residue.) 

If there are any egregious stains you simply cannot abide, I suggest grabbing a detergent pen and going that route. But, overall, a well-used apron will likely pick up some stains over time.

Extras Weren’t Always a Good Thing

The Williams Sonoma Ultimate Apron and the Five Two Ultimate Apron both had built-in pot holders, which sounded like a genius idea…in theory. In practice, however, the thick “pot holder” areas were spaced too close to each other, and using them to grab a hot Dutch oven felt unsafe. Stick to using a separate pair of oven mitts or pot holders to grab hot dishes.

Let Aprons Air-Dry

While some aprons were technically dryer-friendly, I recommend hanging your aprons up to dry, since most of the aprons I tested were made of cotton and linen and were prone to shrinking. I’ve owned a Hedley & Bennett Smock Apron for about a year now and in a rush to wear it after washing, I’ve frequently tossed it in the dryer. No surprise: It’s shrunk significantly and now measures 27.25 inches long versus the new apron I tested, which measures 30.25 inches. It still works great, though.

Material Is a Matter of Preference

There are pros and cons to the various materials used for aprons. Polyester can be more waterproof than cotton or linen, but it’s also not as comfortable or breathable. Cotton is heavy-duty, even more so when it’s coated in wax, but it can be bulky. Linen is airy and light, but it stains and wrinkles easily. In short, I’d go with whatever is non-negotiable for you. I’m a messy cook, so a polyester apron is a godsend, but if you’re tidy and don’t want to feel encumbered by your apron, linen or cotton could be the way to go.

The Criteria: What to Look for in an Apron

A good apron should be versatile, easy to adjust, and keep you covered from splatters and spills. Material preferences are subjective, so consider your needs: For example, cotton is quite breathable but is prone to shrinking and staining. Storage is also a factor—I liked aprons with at least three pockets, with one near the chest and two near the waist. Beware of superfluous additions, like pot holders, which can raise the price without practical benefit.

Our Favorite Aprons

What we liked: Simply designed, easy to adjust, and with the perfect trio of pockets, I couldn’t have asked for more in an apron. The cotton twill was soft and comfortable while still having the heft to protect me from a pot of burbling tomato sauce. It’s a practical apron, but it comes in a variety of colors, prints, and patterns for a dose of fun. 

What we didn’t like: There was some sloppy sewing at the ends of the ties, and a few threads came loose after I washed the apron. The tomato sauce stain didn’t come out, though this was common with most aprons.

Key Specs

• Style: Loop neck
• Materials: Cotton twill
• Length: 32.25 inches
• Features: Chest pocket, two large pockets, towel loop
• Care: Machine-wash cold, hang-dry, or tumble-dry on low; do not soak; low iron as needed

What we liked: This apron was utilitarian—but in the best way. It’s made of a recycled polyblend so it won’t shrink as much as cotton, and the front pockets were wide, accessible, and spacious. 

The loop neck was easy to adjust, and the apron length hit the sweet spot at a little over 32 inches. This ensured proper coverage without making me feel like I was swimming in fabric. I also didn’t have to fold it to get it to fit right. It’s fairly waterproof, too—I accidentally sprayed myself with water while doing the dishes and the apron didn’t become a sopping mess. And at under $80, I think it’s reasonably priced. 

What we didn’t like: The apron I tested was black, so while it seemed like the tomato stain came out, it was hard to tell. In general, I prefer cotton or linen over polyblends, which aren’t as soft.

Key Specs

• Style: Loop neck
• Materials: Recycled polyethylene terephthalate
• Length: 32.25 inches
• Features: Hexagonal top pocket, three bottom pockets, towel loop
• Care: Machine-wash cold and air-dry; do not bleach or iron

What we liked: I’ll own up to it: Most of the aprons I tested and liked were on the pricey side. That’s why I think this thick, cotton, $30 offering from Williams Sonoma is a great budget option. It has a classic loop neck design that’s easy to adjust and it sports a spacious lower pocket for stashing a thermometer and/or your phone. It’s flexible and the soft material didn’t inhibit movement. 

What we didn’t like: The white striped pattern meant stains were more visible. The metal neck loop adjustment cinch was a little slippery and prone to loosening as I wore the apron.

Key Specs

• Style: Loop neck
• Materials: Cotton
• Length: 33.75 inches
• Features: Two front pockets
• Care: Machine-washable

What we liked: I had never tried a crossback apron before testing, but now I’m a convert. This clever design, where the ties are one continuous strip of fabric, means it’s incredibly easy to adjust the apron to fit snugly. Just pull both sides of the tie until the apron sits as you like it, then secure it with a bow. Hedley & Bennett added tough but comfortable cotton canvas to the mix (though it does come in other materials, like denim) in addition to a kitchen towel loop and three pockets, making it a versatile pick. 

What we didn’t like: The only downside to a one-size-fits-all cross-back apron is that the ties are very long to accommodate different body types. On my petite frame, this led to a very large bow with two lengthy, trailing ends. However, it’s a small price to pay for a great, easily adjustable apron.

Key Specs

• Style: Crossback 
• Materials: Cotton canvas
• Length: 32.75 inches
• Features: Chest pocket, two large pockets, towel loop
• Care: Machine-wash cold, hang-dry, or tumble-dry on low; do not soak; low iron as needed

What we liked: Have a wok burner in your backyard? Fire up the propane torch often? Break down whole chickens weekly? Then this heavy-duty apron might be for you. The brand literally says it’s for “carpenters, cooks, and weekend mechanics.” Sounds about right. It’s made of thick, firm duck cotton, meaning you’re safe from a sputter of hot oil or tomato sauce. (For people like me who didn’t know what duck cotton was, it’s basically heavy, plain-woven cotton that’s known for being durable.) And if you’re a kitchen gear geek like I am, or just like having a screwdriver or wrench on your person at all times, this apron is loaded with pockets. It has four large pockets and two smaller ones, including one with a zipper, which I tucked my favorite chapstick into. 

What we didn’t like: The thick material made it stiff and bulky at first, but with frequent wear, it started to relax a bit. The ties are a little slippery, which made them tricky to cinch securely, and the apron only comes in two colors: black or camel.

Key Specs

• Style: Crossback 
• Materials: Firm duck cotton 
• Length: 32 inches
• Features: Four large front pockets, two small chest pockets, zipper
• Care: Machine-wash cold on gentle cycle with mild detergent; do not bleach; tumble-dry on low and remove promptly; do not iron; do not dry clean

What we liked: This smock apron is beloved by Serious Eats editors for many reasons: It’s easy on, easy off, the straps are comfortable, and the linen-cotton blend is breathable. Rather than feeling pinched and stuffed into an apron, you can breeze around the kitchen in this flowy smock. It provided great coverage in my tests, too, keeping my clothes safe from overzealous blobs of tomato sauce and sputtering fry oil. I’ve had one of these aprons for about a year now, and it’s still in fantastic shape even after frequent use. 

What we didn’t like: My only peeve about this apron is that when I put anything moderately heavy in the pockets the whole thing sags. Also, whatever you do, don’t hot-tumble dry it! It will shrink, as evidenced by the three-inch difference in length between the apron I own (and have dried multiple times) and the new one I tested.

Key Specs

• Style: Cross-back smock
• Materials: Cotton, linen
• Length: 30.25 inches
• Features: Two front pockets, towel loop
• Care: Machine-wash cold on gentle cycle; line-dry and medium iron as needed; do not soak

What we liked: Made of thick cotton with a turmeric and oat-colored striped pattern, this apron was gorgeous. While some smock aprons were so voluminous they made me feel like I was swimming in fabric, this one provided the perfect amount of coverage without being excessively large: The top of the apron sat high on the chest and the fabric extended down 29 inches. The apron didn’t sag so much when the pockets were filled because the shoulder straps were wide-set—a big win in my book. 

What we didn’t like: It’s expensive and was short on taller folks (i.e., my husband).

Key Specs

• Style: Smock
• Materials: Cotton
• Length: 28.75 inches
• Features: Two front pockets
• Care: Machine-wash; tumble-dry or hang-dry

The Competition

• Hedley & Bennett Waxman Apron: Made of cotton coated with soy wax, this sturdy apron resisted spills and stains. The leather neck loop was easy to adjust and the whole thing just felt incredibly well made and durable. Since it’s made of waxed cotton, it’s quite stiff at first—I could literally fold the bottom and it would stay folded. I wished I could have tightened the neck loop more, since the top of the apron was a little low on my chest. It’s more finicky when it comes to cleaning, too (no washing, no bleaching, no drying—just spot cleaning), and costs four times the amount of the Carhartt, an equally hardy apron. 
• Tilit Supply Apron: Made of ripstop, this was a durable, practical, and lightweight apron that did the basics well. The neck loop was easy to adjust, too. Its downside was the lack of front pockets. While it did have a chest pocket, it was shallow, small, and off-kilter; I could slip a Sharpie inside, but anything larger fell out. It also had a lower pocket, but it was oddly located on the inside of the apron, which made it difficult to access.
• Merci Washed Linen Apron: This is a gorgeous linen apron that provided good coverage without being restrictive. However, it’s also massive—it grazed my toes. While this means it can accommodate a variety of heights, I had to roll it up a lot to get it to fit me. The neck “loop” has to be tied off to adjust it, there aren’t any pockets, and because it’s linen, it was super wrinkled after washing. 
• Five Two Ultimate Apron with Built-In Pot Holders: This apron hit just below my knees, providing good coverage, and the neck loop was easy to adjust. The pockets were nice and roomy and in a good spot. However, while the material felt sturdy, it was also a little itchy on my neck. The built-in pot holders were a cool idea, but I question the true utility of using your apron to grab a hot dish. Plus, they were rather close together, which made the grabbing motion cramped. 
• Tilit Contra Chef’s Apron: This apron could have been a contender but for one fatal flaw: the snap button that attaches the neck loop to the apron broke off immediately. To be fair, this could be a fluke, but I couldn’t test the apron because I couldn’t get it to stay on. A bummer, since I liked the lightweight, waxy cotton material and streamlined form.
• Uncommon Threads Restaurant Bib Apron: The neck loop on this apron isn’t adjustable. This is a ginormous Achilles heel since it left much of my upper body exposed. The material was itchy and slick, and there were no pockets. 
• Pinnafore Crossback Linen Apron: While I love a good smock apron, this one looked more like a dress—and fit like one too. You see, the back of the apron was sewn together near the top, meaning it’s most definitely not one-size-fits-all. My husband couldn’t get it over his shoulders. 
• Studiopatro Cross-Back Linen Kitchen Apron: This was a really thin apron. The crossback tie system, while a boon on other aprons because of adjustability, felt flimsier. The ties also frequently slipped out of the loops. 
• Williams Sonoma Ultimate Apron: This apron felt bulky when I tied it tightly, and it was difficult to access the high-set front pockets. It also took some fiddling to adjust the fit, since the material was quite thick and bunched up when I tugged on the ties. Again, built-in potholders may seem like a boon, but I just don’t think they’re practical or safe. 
• Rough Linen The Original Linen Pinafore Apron: While undoubtedly a lovely linen apron, it was very big and the shoulder straps were set quite far apart; they slipped off my shoulders frequently. 
• Hadley & Bennet Pinnafore Apron: This super cute apron gives Alice in Wonderland vibes. Unfortunately, I’m not sure it would have stayed on her when she fell down the rabbit hole. The neck and waist ties were wide, which made them bulky and tricky to secure tightly.

FAQs

Which style of kitchen apron is the easiest to get on and off?

A smock-style apron is super easy to put on and remove—there are no ties, you just slip it over your head. We love the ones from Hedley & Bennett and Minna.

What do chefs put in their aprons?

All kinds of goodies: instant-read thermometers, kitchen tweezers, markers for labeling containers…the list goes on. Basically, whatever you want to have on hand and easy access to goes into a pocket.

Why We’re the Experts

• Grace Kelly is an editor at Serious Eats, where she’s been testing kitchen gear and supplies for almost three years. 
• Prior to this, she worked in restaurant kitchens and was an editor at America’s Test Kitchen. 
• For this review, Grace tested 18 aprons by trying them on and using their features, staining and cleaning them, and donning them during her everyday cooking routine. She also had her husband try on each apron, to account for different body types and preferences.