Aprons are widely used for many purposes, not only for cooking or cleaning but also painting, house decorating, drawing, etc.
We all know what aprons are for. It basically helps us stay away from stains and dirt to stick on your clothes.
Depends on the types of work, aprons have more uses. For example, cooking is interesting but also annoying sometimes when it comes to keeping ourselves clean and clear. Especially, when you try new dishes and you need to keep your phone or iPad in reach so that you can follow the instructions online. That’s when you find yourself needed an apron with pockets.
Types of aprons with pockets
There are many types and designs of aprons, such as: bib aprons, pinafore aprons, cobbler aprons, tabard aprons, etc. Depends on your cooking habits, choosing a good apron is very important to make you feel comfortable and convenient when doing your work. Let’s have a look at each type!
Bib aprons
This type of aprons is the most common and it has been used for centuries. It is also known as BBQ aprons or chefs’ aprons. Since it’s originally used for cooking, so coverage is very important, which explain why it has its shape: full front cover from chest to knees with neck strap and waist strap to adjust accordingly to various body shapes.
Pinafore aprons
Pinafore was specially designed for girls and women in the old time. This type is pretty much like a sleeveless dress with an open in the back. It used to be used as a protective dress, not the as an apron for work like nowadays. Sometimes, the bib aprons with shoulders straps are considered pinafore but don’t be confused because bib aprons only cover the front side of your body while pinafores cover almost everything except for your back.
Cobbler aprons (or Tabard aprons)
Cobbler apron is one of the types of half aprons that cover your upper body. It looks like a T-shirt with or without waist straps on the 2 sides. Since it’s short and cover only half upper part of your body, this apron is widely used for carrying stuffs in places that is not for cooking such as coffee shops, gardens, classrooms, hospital, or if yes, it is used only in places bakery kitchen (where there are less stains and splashing oil).
Waist aprons
Opposite to the cobbler aprons, waist aprons are used to cover your lower body (from waist down). The length is various from half of your thigh’s length, to knees, or even longer to your ankles. It only has waist strap to adjust so it basically fits everyone’s body size. Among all types of aprons, waist aprons are the youngest but become common due to its convenience. You can easily find people using it while catering or for non-kitchen uses: receptionists, cashiers, waiters/waitresses, … It’s sometimes worn with chefs’ jacket in some restaurants but in this case, bib aprons are more common.
Bungalow aprons
Not like any other types of aprons with pockets, bungalow is more like a piece of clothing that is worn by women when they are at home. It looks exactly like a dress if not say it is. Bungalow is worn alone, which means you don’t wear any dress under the bungalow. You might question so why we have to use this instead of a normal dress or can you make your old dresses a bungalow. The answer is yes. Basically, bungalow is a dress, but people consider it as an apron since the design and fabric make it unsuitable for wearing it outside of the house.
Without any further discussion, let’s check out my top picks for aprons with pockets.
i. Bib aprons
1. DII Cotton Adjustable Chambray Bib Chef Apron with Pockets and Extra Long Ties
This bib apron is made in the size of 32×28” that fits most body types, including men and women, plus, the extra-long waist strap makes it comfortable to use for even oversized body shape or the little ones (you can tight it in 2 rounds).
It has one large stand-pocket in front of the apron, so you can easily keep your tools upstand without worrying they will fall down while you’re working.
What makes me like this apron the most is that it’s a very basic design which means you can have customized logo on it and it becomes a perfect gift for your mom, friends or sisters. Who has ever thought of buying an apron as a gift for your beloved sister who likes cooking a lot? That’s a great idea, isn’t it?
2. Maison d’ Hermine Colmar 100% Cotton Apron with an adjustable neck & visible center pocket
This Maison d’Hermine Colmar apron is exactly what you mean when you think of delicacy. This is also my favorite one on this list.
The apron is tailored carefully to bring you the best quality including color, fabric and patterns. It’s 31.5 inches long and 27.5 inches wide, and the neck strap is adjustable. The neck strap is wide, which is a bonus point since many people find it’s painful in their necks wearing aprons with thin straps. The waist straps are not so long, so for those who like to tight the strap to the front, it might be irritating. However, some customers reported that the producer offered them a customized apron since they saw their reviews even when the customers didn’t ask for it. Hopefully you have a nice experience using their service.
Customers can also purchase this apron with a set including 2 kitchen towers, an oven mitt and pot holder.
Don’t ever think that this apron looks better on women. This apron gives impression of a gentleman if I man wears it. If you see it from far distance, it looks like a piece of art with the balance of white and green tones and some highlights of the floral patterns on it.
I would say it’s a really nice idea if you choose this apron as a gift for the friends what love painting.
3. EDICP Aprons for Women,Men Thicker 100% Cotton Canvas kitchen Cooking Apron Bibs with 2 Pockets
EDICP offers a bib apron that is suitable for most men and women in the size of 32×28 inches. Adjustable neck strap with quick-release button on the side helps users adjust easily to their comfort. It has 2 pockets in the size 6.7” x 5.2” on 2 sides which are suitable for carrying light and small stuffs such as pens, notes, phones, or spatula.
It’s made from cotton which give you the soft feeling using it, yet it’s not waterproof.
There are 3 different colors and designs: Grey/Smile, Coffee/Love, and Coffee/Castle. I would suggest this apron for catering in coffee shop purpose since it seems like the colors and quotes on the aprons are made just to wish or to make the customers happy. It also can be a very cute gift because of the messages written on the apron.
4. Fashion Black Bib Kitchen Apron, Extra Long, 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, with Pocket-by KINGO HOME
KINGO HOME brings you a collection of floral aprons with 2 spacious front pockets that are easy for you to holding tablet, phone, tools while working. There are 8 designs including the black apron with pocket for wider choices for both men and women. Some designs have 2 pockets on 2 sides of the aprons which are better to carry smaller and lighter tools. Some designs have the lower part spreading out which makes the apron looks more like a dress.
This apron is most appropriate for at-home use, not the professional type nor other work not only because the fabric but also the designs and the price is relatively cheap.
It is made 100% from cotton. The fabric is heavy and not scratchy, which means it is a bit heavy for some who don’t use to the type of heavy aprons, but it also means that it will last longer so you might consider your preferences. Adjustable neckline suits every height and weight. They also have a design of black apron with front pockets for men with extra-long waist strap for most body shapes.
5. Fame Adult’s 3 Pocket Bib Apron
If you don’t attach importance to form, and you want to look for an apron that is simple but convenient and tidy, Fame offers you this 3-pocket apron in many solid colors that suit your personality. It is made 65% from poly and 35% of cotton.
Not like other bib apron, this Fame apron has shorter size: 24” length x 28” width. For those who have smaller or shorter body size my find the apron is not properly suited because the pockets are going to be half way to your leg, which you might feel a little bit lower than you expect. The prices are various from $5.85 to $14.80 depends on the size and colors for you to choose from.
From the list above, you may feel a little hesitated about choosing the right apron for your male friend, this apron may be the best option. But since it’s shorter than other bib apron so it can’t cover your knees which might be better to use it for gardening or electrics repairing than cooking.
6. Work Aprons for Men with Large Pockets | Heavy Duty & Adjustable Chef Apron for Men and Women
If your cooking skill is considered master or cooking is your profession, this apron is designed for you. First impression, this black apron with pockets looks so professional.
It is made from organic cotton and army polyester which is softer than other aprons made from rough fabric and more durable that makes you feel the softness for both men and women, but men are suited well in this apron since the design in black and red colors are so manly.
This apron is waterproof which you can use it in most work from cooking in the kitchen or grilling on your back yard.
The apron has 2 large front pockets for you to keep all tools that you need. The neckline is adjustable and the extra-long waist ties which perfectly fits most body sizes.
The package also includes a carrying bag and an oven mitt so you have your own full kit in one buy.
2. Cobbler aprons
1. AmeriMark Women’s Easy-Care Aprons
A cobbler apron is a good idea for those who like tidy style, this is the one you’re looking for. This AmeriMark women’s apron with pockets is basically like a floral shirt with front buttons. There are 9 different designs, so you can choose the one that show your personality.
Keep in mind that this is not a long apron that can cover your knees, its length is just right in the same level of your normal shirt.
Since the design is floral, it may be a bit picky for users. Normally, old women love these designs. There’re full sizes for both adults and children so it will be really nice if you wish to have couple apron with your mom. The price is various depends on sizes and designs but it’s relatively cheap, from $12 to $14 per piece.
One thing that draw back the customers is the snaps sometimes require a lot of effort to close which is not really convenient.
2. Adar Unisex Cobbler Apron with 2 Pocket / Adjustable Ties
If AmeriMark introduces to you the floral aprons collection, Adar Unisex brings use the collection of solid color half apron with pocket. There are 30 different colors for you to choose from.
This sleeveless cobbler apron is made from 65/35 polyester/cotton which is durable through time. It’s 27 ¼” for size regular with 2 adjustable straps on the sides that fits perfectly on both men and women and they don’t ask you a lot of effort to wear it like you have to for the AmeriMark apron that I’ve described above.
I highly recommend this apron because its solid color and design makes you look neat when you wear it and it’s not picky about its users: both men and women, children and adults, the young and the older, all look nice in it.
iii. Waist aprons
I’ve saved this type of apron for the last because it’s the most convenient type and best use for me. So, check out these 2 recommendations that I have for waist aprons with pockets.
1. 2 Pocket Canvas Waist Apron (3-Pack)
Its measures are 18.5 x 8 inches with 27 inches ties that fits all body sizes. It’s made 100% from cotton canvas and washable in washing machine. One fact about the apron is that even it gets colors from markers on it, you just have to wash it normally and it gives you the result as the new one.
The seller is so thoughtful to make it 3 in a package so that you always have an available one when the others are in in wash. You can also choose from the 3-pack package or 10-pack to have a better deal.
This white canvas waist apron is best used for gardening or garage work. Just bear in mind that if you have the habit of carrying a lot of heavy stuffs in your aprons, waist aprons might not be the best choice since they don’t have the neck straps, so the aprons might slip down when it’s too heavy in the pockets.
2. 3 Pockets Waist Apron (Set of 2, Black, 24 x 12 inches)
Last but not least, Utopia has this design of 3-pocket waist aprons that are the most suitable for bakers, waiters/waitresses, bartenders, etc.
This black half apron is made from polyester so it’s very useful when you get something spilt on it, you can easily swipe the spilt without soaking the apron into water and soap. The material is very soft, and also very long-lasting. It’s machine washable and you can tumble dry it on low. This fabric looks shiny, so some men may not like it.
It’s made from environmentally friendly materials so I would suggest you buy this if you own a restaurant or a coffee shop and you need to use a lot of aprons for your employees and yourself. The package includes 2 pieces so it’s even more convenient if you want to buy it in a large number.
The 3 pockets are very deep. The waist straps are extra-long, so for those who have big waist will get to use it easily, but for those who have small waist may struggle a little bit to balance the apron while tying the 2nd round.
3. 5 Pockets Black Waist Apron (22×13 inches). Clip-on Server Apron with Zipper Pocket
This iServ apron with zipper pocket seems to be the solution to many of my apron problems.
First and foremost, instead of using strings like others, the apron has a buckle in the back to save you from having to tie the strings that keeps coming undone. No strings also means nothing to get in the way when going to the restroom. Plus, such wide straps don’t dig into my sides like other string aprons do.
What’s more, the apron also allows you to adjust the straps to comfortably fit your waist. And the best part is you only have to do this once, while with others you have to re-adjust them over and over again.
Another nice feature is the zipper pocket at the front to keep your valuable items like your keys or phone safe and sound. Besides, there are 2 big pockets at the front and another 2 on the sides, all of which are big enough to store everything you need in an organized manner. These pockets especially come in handy if you’re a parent, like me, who has to look after toddlers.
My only concern about this apron is its durability, whereas the seam of the pockets started to come undone after some time. As a result, I had to stitch a couple of the pockets back together. However, judging from the price, I wouldn’t place too much expectation on such aspect. Moreover, the set comes with up to 5 aprons, which is without a doubt a great deal.
4. DII Cotton Adjustable Buffalo Check Plaid Apron with Pocket & Extra-Long Ties
The first glance, this DII apron’s attractiveness definitely caught my eyes with the blue and white gingham pattern. The overall look of this apron will go well with many concepts, whether it’s a contemporary or a 1950s-style kitchen.
The apron measures 32 inches in height and 28 inches in width, with adjustable straps around the neck and waist, making it a one-size-fit-all. Made from 100 percent cotton, the apron washes well and is durable yet not too thick or uncomfortable, allowing you to move easily while cooking up a storm.
This DII seems very well sewn with no bad stitching or loose threads. There’s a plain pocket at the center front, which I have taken advantage of to make my own personalized apron with my monogram. The pocket, however, is a bit small and sewn rather close to the body, making it difficult to carry much in it.
One small issue with this apron is the neck buckle doesn’t stay on for long so I have to keep adjusting the buckle for the apron to fit me well. All things being said, this is a beautiful cooking item, and can be made into a personalised apron with pocket. The manufacturer also offers a table cloth with the same pattern to match your apron, which I highly recommend to try out.
It’s your turn!
Keep in mind all these features I have listed above and choose the best one for your friends, family, business and yourself.
Hope this article is useful for you, good luck! Remember that aprons are not only aprons, it is also a fashionable item if you pay attention to it.
