Chef Apron Fabric - Choose the Best Fabric for your Apron (2024)

Posted: Wednesday, 20 October 2021 09:38:39 am Australia/Melbourne

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Choosing the Right Apron Fabric

These days aprons come in many styles, colours and fabrics - so the search for the right apron can be daunting. Aussie Chef Clothing Company has spent years researching and testing apron fabrics and thought it would be a good idea to take some time and explain the different choices available.

Aussie Chef has a wide range of chef aprons from simple everyday black and whites to colourful aprons to aprons with signature embellishments. You can choose from styles like classic bib, cross back, pinafore or waist. And then there are the fabrics - leather, denim, cotton, linen, poly blends, pvc and nylon.

All of our aprons are designed to be hard wearing, but all fabrics wear with age and have some limitations. Depending on the fabric composition, colours may fade or may stay vibrant wash after wash. Some may become more relaxed in appearance, or wrinkle and perhaps need pressing, while others look fresh straight out of the laundry. Our aprons are designed to be unisex and therefore suitable for men and women. We hope this article will help you decide which fabric is best for your needs.

Factors that can influence Apron appearance

  • Frequency of washing
  • Types of washing powders & liquids
  • Water quality & temperature
  • Line or machine dried
  • Exposure to sunlight or UV
  • Stains - time left untreated
  • Drycleaning

Aussie Chef aprons are all designed with double stitching on all edges, bar tacking on pressure points and quality hardware - press studs, rivets and eyelets - so that no matter which one you choose you will receive a well made apron.

Chef Apron Fabric - Choose the Best Fabric for your Apron (1)

100% Cotton Denim

Everyone LOVES denim! So it’s a super popular choice in aprons! It’s durability and easy care is a plus. And denim aprons just look great - like a favourite pair of denim jeans. Our denim aprons are one of our most consistent sellers and with 6 styles to choose from there is sure to be the right one for you.

See Archie Denim, Mia Denim, Jackson Denim, Outback, Barber, Utility Pouch

Benefits

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Durable & hard wearing
  • Breathable, pure cotton denim
  • Fabric becomes more relaxed after repeated washing
  • Designed to fade over time like your favourite jeans

100% Cotton / Cotton Canvas

Cotton is a beautiful natural, absorbent fabric to wear! Our cotton and cotton canvas aprons are a heavier weight to ensure they are durable and long lasting. And your colour choices range from muted neutrals to vibrant, deep colours! Our customers love the range and keep coming back for more.

See Cantine, Oska, Ice Cream, Grey Combo

Benefits

  • Relaxed & comfortable to wear
  • Breathable, natural cotton fibers
  • Intense colours will naturally fade over time
  • Fabric becomes softer & more relaxed

Leather

Leather aprons can be seen to be a luxurious purchase - but leather is also a very practical, long lasting choice too. Aprons have been made of leather for centuries and are worn in many industries for its protective qualities. Today leather aprons are also chosen as a unique statement piece and are popular with barbers, baristas and bartenders.

See Axil Leather, Riley Leather

Benefits

  • 100% durable long lasting cowhide leather
  • Heat and spill resistant
  • Protective and practical
  • Soft, luxurious feel

Chef Apron Fabric - Choose the Best Fabric for your Apron (2)

Poly/Cotton

Poly/cotton blend chef aprons are an excellent for chefs, cafes, restaurants, commercial kitchens, healthcare and hospitality uniform requirements. Poly/cotton fabric has increased fabric strength while being lightweight. It is colourfast so blacks stay black, colours resist fading. Easy to care for and maintains its great looks for longer.

See Alex Chef Bib, Bella, Monaco, Paris, Heavy Weight, ProChef Basic Black & White

Benefits

  • Beautiful to wear with a professional look
  • Increased fabric strength with poly/cotton thread mix
  • Hard wearing & protective - ideal for commercial use
  • Greater resistance to colour fading - looks brand new longer

Poly/Viscose

Poly/viscose blend aprons are a go to apron for chefs - these navy/white or navy/black stripe aprons are a favourite addition to the traditional chef’s uniform - chef jacket, chef pants & striped apron. The poly blend has increased fabric strength, resists fading and wrinkling - looking great wash after wash - ready to tackle the busy day or night ahead.

See London, Chef Bib, Butchers Bib

Benefits

  • Professional, lightweight choice
  • Increased fabric strength with polyester & viscose fibers - resistant to wrinkling
  • Hard wearing & protective - ideal for commercial use
  • Greater resistance to colour fading - looking new longer

Linen

Linen is a lightweight, natural fabric that is so comfortable and lovely to wear. It is ideal for when you desire a lightweight apron - one you might even forget you are wearing! Our pinafore apron is often mistaken as part of the wearer’s outfit. An ideal apron for cafes, florists, artists and more.

See Ava Linen, Hanna Pinafore

Benefits

  • Beautiful wearability
  • Natural, breathable pure linen
  • Colours may slowly fade
  • Fabric becomes relaxed & softer - linen may wrinkle

PVC

Waterproof PVC is the ideal choice for aprons needed in wet or spill prone areas. A favourite in kitchen wet areas, in school food tech, art and de- sign tech classes. Soft, lightweight and 100% waterproof - these aprons are easy to care for - just wipe clean with a damp cloth & hang to dry.

See PVC

Benefits

  • 100% waterproof fabric
  • Soft yet durable
  • Easy care
  • Colours remain vivid

Nylon

Nylon is also a sturdy, lightweight, waterproof fabric and is ideal for wet, messy areas. Super easy to keep clean & colours remains vivid.

See Nylon

Benefits

  • Comfortable to wear, lightweight & durable
  • Waterproof fabric
  • Easy to keep clean

Branding - Embroidery and Screen printing on Aprons

Aprons are the ideal canvas for embellishment! Embroidery or screen printing really standouts - making your branding a feature of the apron while adding a touch of personalisation to your workplace. Choose to add your business logo, names or a combination of both!

Aussie Chef can help you create just the right look with your branding - and arrange everything for you - taking one thing off your list of To Do’s! Ready to start the process? Just enquire here.

Apron Care Guide

We have also compiled a handy Apron Care Guide to help you understand apron fabrics and their care instructions - view Apron Care Guide.

Questions?

If in doubt, our friendly staff is available to assist you in your selection via chat, email or phone. We also carry a wide range of chef uniforms - chef jackets, chef pants, chef caps, clogs and accessories.

To see our entire range of aprons and chef uniforms visit us @ aussiechef.com.au

Chef Apron Fabric - Choose the Best Fabric for your Apron (3)

Chef Apron Fabric - Choose the Best Fabric for your Apron (2024)

FAQs

Chef Apron Fabric - Choose the Best Fabric for your Apron? ›

The best materials or fabrics to use in aprons are often 100% cotton (canvas or denim) or poly blends (poly/cotton or poly/viscose). Cotton based aprons are super durable, designed to fade and soften with repeated washes, whereas poly/blends are lightweight, super durable and colourfast.

What is the best material for a chef's apron? ›

The best materials or fabrics to use in aprons are often 100% cotton (canvas or denim) or poly blends (poly/cotton or poly/viscose). Cotton based aprons are super durable, designed to fade and soften with repeated washes, whereas poly/blends are lightweight, super durable and colourfast.

What kind of fabric is used for aprons? ›

Choosing the Right Apron Fabric

You can choose from styles like classic bib, cross back, pinafore or waist. And then there are the fabrics - leather, denim, cotton, linen, poly blends, pvc and nylon.

What fabric do you think is the best suited for an apron for kitchen staff? ›

Cotton aprons are usually used at home, as well as in bakeries and other kitchen environments. Cotton comes in various colors in this means you can choose it's for a wide variety of aprons in your workplace. Rubber or nylon is another common fabric when manufacturing aprons.

What is the best fabric for chef clothes? ›

Heavy cotton fabric can be your best option. The material breathes, which prevents the chefs from being overheated, especially when they are exposed to hot surfaces. Heavy cotton is also durable even if you frequently wash it. Combination of comfort and safety is a must.

Is linen a good fabric for aprons? ›

Cotton and linen are best used for kitchen, garden aprons, basically anything that involves working with dry materials. Linen is especially wonderful because it dries out very quickly and is naturally dirt-repellent so your linen aprons will stay clean and crisp for a long time.

How much fabric do I need for a chef apron? ›

To make the apron, you'll need to gather up your supplies: Adult: 1 1/2 yards of pre-washed and ironed fabric, give or take. You can get by with a little less if you make a shorter tie.

What is the best color for kitchen apron? ›

Most people in the food industry, wear white or black aprons. If you want to be bold and professional, you should consider going with a red apron. Gray is also another popular color for aprons.

What material is used for butchers aprons? ›

Some of the most popular materials for butcher's aprons include leather and Kevlar. Leather butcher aprons are usually the most expensive, but they're also the most durable.

Why should a chef wear an apron? ›

The main purpose is to keep you from getting spills and stains on your clothes. One should also use an apron to prevent the inner clothes from dust, dirt, spills, and debris during cooking, serving, cleaning, or performing creative tasks.

What is the name of the common style of apron? ›

The bib apron is the most common type of apron, but they can sometimes feel restrictive, so if you need to move around a lot, another style might work better such as a waist or utility pouch style for easy movement but with the convenience of pockets to store your essentials.

How many yards of fabric do I need for a half apron? ›

Materials Needed to Make a Waist Apron:

100% Cotton Duck Canvas, 10oz, at 58” wide (in Storm Grey or any color of your choosing), 3/4 yards. Printable Half Apron Pattern. Sewing machine with matching thread color. Fabric scissors (these are my go-to pair of scissors)

What are sanitation aprons made of? ›

Disposable aprons and plastic gowns are made of Polypropylene and Polyethylene fabrics, which are comfortable and skin-friendly to be worn throughout the day and for long hours. The fabric is durable, comfortable, and tear-resistant.

What type of fabric keeps you the coolest? ›

Cotton. Cotton is one of the coolest fabrics for summer and hot weather. Not only is it cheap and hugely available, but it is also great for the heat. Cotton is soft, lightweight, breathable, and soaks up sweat, allowing heat to escape the body and for you to stay cool.

What kind of cloth should not be worn while cooking in the kitchen? ›

Synthetic fibres like Polyester catches fire very easily and melts. After melting It sticks to the body of the person wearing it causing severe burns.So, it is advised to wear cotton clothes or apron while cooking in kitchen and while working in laboratory.

What materials do chefs use? ›

Whether you're just starting culinary school or have been working as a chef for years, make sure you always have access to these ten tools.
  • Chef's Knife. It's true there are all sorts of specialized knives out there. ...
  • Honing Steel. ...
  • Bench Scraper. ...
  • Wire Whisk. ...
  • Kitchen Scale. ...
  • Fish Spatula. ...
  • Meat Thermometer. ...
  • Tongs.
Mar 22, 2017

What fabric is better than linen? ›

Cotton fibers are fluffier than linen fibers, and cotton fabrics are known for their versatility, softness, and comfort. Though linen is the stronger fiber naturally, cotton fabrics, made from several cotton fibers spun and woven together, are also resilient.

What is the highest quality linen fabric? ›

Belgian Linen is widely regarded as the highest quality linen fabric globally. Linen fabrics carrying the Belgian linen quality label contain a minimum of 85% European flax fibre and are woven in Belgium. These products have a certificate of origin, allowing them to be traced to their source.

How much fabric do I need for a Japanese apron? ›

These 'throw on' Japanese style aprons have become really popular lately. Make one from just 2 metres of fabric and only a few pattern pieces. The construction is quick and easy and you can embellish it however you like.

How long should a cooking apron be? ›

Measurement Table
Apron FitApron Size (W x L)Top2Waist (T)
Big and Tall37" Wide x 36" Long~11.5"
Regular33" Wide x 32" Long~11.25"
Petite27" Wide x 30" Long~11.0"
Junior-Teen27" Wide x 30" Long~10.5"
1 more row

How long is a chef apron? ›

Full-Length Chef Aprons are available in size: 40"L x 38”W.

What are the qualities of a good apron? ›

Instead, it's in your best interest to look for high quality aprons that are made with sturdy materials, durable stitch work and include handy pockets or pouches. The kind of fabric that's used in an apron makes a huge difference in its quality. A cotton-polyester blend is ideal for many kinds of aprons.

How tight should an apron be? ›

Don't make it so tight that you can't breathe or you feel like you're cutting off circulation. Tie the strings in a shoelace knot or a half-shoelace knot. Tug on your knot to test its strength. Pull on your apron lightly from the top and the bottom.

Are all aprons the same? ›

In most cases, the best apron fabrics are 100% cotton or poly blends. Durable cotton aprons fade and soften after each wash, and poly blend aprons are lightweight, durable, and retain their color. However, choosing the type of apron fabric your business needs is dependent upon what your staff will be doing.

What is a chef's apron called? ›

Bib Apron. The Bib Apron or Full Apron has been worn for centuries. Also known as the 'French chef's apron', it covers the full length of the body usually to the mid-thigh or knees.

Why do chefs wear half aprons? ›

A half apron is a garment that is worn by some chefs in the kitchen. It is typically used to protect the chef's clothing from spills and splatters.

What aprons don't pull on your neck? ›

Crossback aprons are like bib aprons, but they take the pressure off your neck. Instead of the neck loop resting on your neck, a crossback apron goes over your head and rests on your shoulders, with straps that cross behind your back.

What makes a kitchen look classy? ›

Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.

What color is best for chef? ›

Traditionally Chef Jackets have always been white, in part as a symbol of cleanliness and professionalism, but to also help reflect heat in the kitchen. Today, white jackets are still popular for the same reasons, but these days, black, denim, grey and a few other colours are just as popular.

What color makes a kitchen look bigger? ›

Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.

Why are butchers aprons blue and white? ›

Along with the straw boater and white coat, legend has it the apron became the industry trademark after being introduced by the Butcher's Guild in York in 1540. The blue and white stripes are said to have been taken from the Butcher's Guild blue and silver crest.

Why do chefs wear leather aprons? ›

Aprons made out of leather provide a higher level of protection from heat, fire and sharp objects, due to the sturdiness and thickness and nature of cowhide.

Why are butchers aprons striped? ›

The stripe design and number of stripes signify the level of skill of the butcher. A broad stripe means the butcher is a master of their trade; a single stripe means the butcher works without apprenticeship and a broad and thin stripe means the butcher has completed a five-year apprenticeship.

Why are chefs aprons white? ›

Why White? White is seen as a symbol of cleanliness and professionalism. The colour white also reflects heat the most effectively keeping you cooler, which is an important feature in a warm kitchen environment.

Why do chefs always wear white? ›

Should a chef dirty their uniform, white is the most noticeable colour. A quick change reduces any risk of health hazards, such as cross-contamination and allergens. White can also be bleached, so stains aren't permanent. Additionally, white is also reflective, repelling heat instead of absorbing it.

Why do chefs wear blue aprons? ›

The Apron. Aprons are worn over the jacket and midsection to protect the uniform as well as the chef. With chefs cooking and reaching over large open flames, the apron was historically a safety measure. Now it is worn to keep the uniform clean, protecting the jacket and pants from spills, scalds, and stains.

What is a Japanese apron? ›

Sometimes called Japanese-style aprons, these kitchen aprons fit over your clothes like a smock dress.

What is a half apron called? ›

Bib Aprons

The bib apron is one of the most common kinds of aprons. This apron ties around the neck, fully covering the torso and the upper part of the leg. These aprons are great for any restaurant or food service workers that deal with a lot of spills and splashes.

What is an apron skirt called? ›

A child's garment to wear at school or for play would be a pinafore. More recently, other types of full or dress-like aprons are also occasionally referred to as pinafores. In particular, this is the case for an apron with a full skirt, bib and criss-cross shoulder straps.

What does 2 yards of fabric look like? ›

What does 2 yards of fabric look like? 2 yards of fabric is the same as 72″, 6 feet, 1.8288 meters (rounded down to 1.8m), and 182.88cm. I held 2 yards of fabric behind a 5ft 8″ (173cm), XS mannequin. It's about 4 times her shoulder width.

How far down should an apron go? ›

A well-fit Calavera apron will cover the area between the top of your chest and a few inches above your knees, providing protection from sawdust, wood chips, finishes and other assorted workshop mess while enabling full range of movement and easy access to pants pockets.

Can you make an apron with 1 yard of fabric? ›

With just one yard of your favorite fabric, you can make a one-size apron for any season and any chef in your friends and family.

What fabric is best for apron? ›

The best materials or fabrics to use in aprons are often 100% cotton (canvas or denim) or poly blends (poly/cotton or poly/viscose). Cotton based aprons are super durable, designed to fade and soften with repeated washes, whereas poly/blends are lightweight, super durable and colourfast.

What is the best material for kitchen apron? ›

Cotton is a popular material for aprons because it is gentle, breathable and generally durable. Cotton is also simple to clean and it is effective in absorbing moisture, making it a good option for general use in the kitchen.

What is the best material for grilling apron? ›

Leather grill aprons

Leather is extra durable, making it among the top choices of materials for aprons. It also does not absorb stains, making it much easier and more convenient to clean. That said, leather is a little more expensive than other materials.

What material pans do professional chefs use? ›

Carbon steel frying pans are one of the most popular choices in commercial kitchens, made to easily withstand the demands of hospitality environments. Pro chefs will know that using a carbon steel pan is probably one of the best materials due to its superb durability and affordability, and it heats up quickly.

What cookware material do chefs use? ›

In a restaurant, you will notice a variety of different pans, including stainless steel pans, cast iron pans, aluminium pans and more. However, most chefs prefer to use stainless steel pans when preparing food.

How do I choose a cooking apron? ›

Bennett says there are a few things: An apron should not feel heavy (i.e. avoid hardware or too many buckles up top); its neck strap, if it has one, should be about an inch wide so that it doesn't dig into your neck; and the fabric shouldn't be thicker than a pair of jeans “because that's gonna be too hot in the ...

What does Gordon Ramsay use for pans? ›

Well, HexClad, the hybrid cookware brand, does. And they're the pans that professional chef Gordon Ramsay uses at home. You may have seen HexClad mentioned on Gordon Ramsay's show Next Level Chef on FOX. After using and liking them, he actually became a partner of the brand's.

Do chefs use stainless steel or nonstick? ›

Chefs, professional cooks, and restaurants use stainless steel cookware. They prefer it because it's practically indestructible. The construction and material offer superior heat distribution, and when used properly, a stainless steel pan can keep food from sticking.

What brand of pans are used Top Chef? ›

Non-Stick Pan

It not only makes the act of sauteeing and frying that much more fun, but it also makes post-meal cleaning a lot easier. No one does non-stick better than the “Top Chef”-loved brand Anolon. This anodized frying pan set is top-rated, featuring rubber handles, sloped sides and a sleek design for only $60.

What color apron do chefs wear? ›

White is intended to signify cleanliness and is generally worn by highly visible head chefs. Increasingly, other colours such as black are becoming popular as well. The long, wide chef's apron serves many functions. It is primarily worn for safety purposes.

Do chefs wipe hands on apron? ›

Chef Aprons

It serves as an extra barrier against hot splashes, hot foods, and other kitchen dangers. Do not use your apron to wipe up spills, messes, or your hands—towels are available for this purpose.

What does Bobby Flay use for cookware? ›

We partnered with Williams Sonoma to create this unparalleled collection for award-winning chef Bobby Flay. Featuring our most advanced ceramic nonstick coating, GreenPan Premiere is designed to deliver world-class cooking.

Which material is best for cooking? ›

Stainless Steel

This material can be found in many of the best pots and pans because it is durable and attractive. Stainless steel (particularly "18/10") is also prized as an interior cooking surface because it does not react with acidic or alkaline foods and won't pit or scratch easily.

What is the healthiest pan to cook with? ›

The least toxic cookware are non-stick pans and pots, like cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and enamel-coated cast iron. These options don't have any Teflon coating on them, making them safe to use.

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