Apron types
Six apron types, custom made to order.
Every apron we make starts from one of six apron types, also called apron styles. The type sets the coverage and where the weight sits; fabric, pockets, and logo are specced on top. Pick a type below, or use the comparison table further down to narrow it by coverage, strap, and trade.
All six types
The six apron types.
Each apron type has its own page with sizes and materials, the options you can choose, a comparison with the closest style, and the trades that use it.
01 — bib apron
Bib Apron
Full chest-to-knee coverage on a neck strap. The most-ordered apron pattern in food service.
- Coverage
- Chest to knee
- Strap
- Adjustable neck
- Length
- 30–34 in
- Fabric
- 7–12 oz
- Line cooks
- Dish pits
- Butchers
- Uniform programs
02 — cross back apron
Cross-Back Apron
Two straps cross over the shoulder blades so nothing pulls on the neck. The barista and bartender favourite.
- Coverage
- Chest to knee
- Strap
- Crossed at the back
- Length
- 30–34 in
- Fabric
- 6–10 oz
- Baristas
- Bartenders
- Banquet teams
- Retail counters
03 — waist apron
Waist Apron
Ties at the hips, covers the lap. Server, bistro, and half aprons for the front of house.
- Coverage
- Hips to knee or shin
- Strap
- Waist ties, front-knot
- Length
- 12–32 in
- Fabric
- 7–10 oz
- Servers
- Bistro & bar
- Retail floor
- Salon front desk
04 — smock apron
Split-Leg Smock
A wrap-around smock apron with a split skirt and optional sleeves. Studios, potters, florists, and kids.
- Coverage
- Chest to below knee, wrap-around
- Strap
- Cross-back or neck, wrap ties
- Length
- 32–38 in
- Fabric
- 5–10 oz
- Art studios
- Potters
- Florists
- Kids classes
05 — japanese apron
Japanese Linen Apron
Cross-back, no ties, no hardware. A pinafore-cut Japanese apron in washed linen.
- Coverage
- Chest to mid-shin
- Strap
- Sewn cross-back, no ties
- Length
- 34–38 in
- Fabric
- 6–8 oz linen
- Cafés & bakeries
- Boutiques
- Florists
- Tasting rooms
06 — leather apron
Leather Apron
Full-grain or split leather, riveted straps. Woodworking, barber, BBQ, and retail aprons.
- Coverage
- Chest to knee, optional bib-less
- Strap
- Riveted cross-back, adjustable
- Length
- 30–36 in
- Leather
- 1.4–2.0 mm
- Woodworkers
- Barbers
- BBQ and grill
- Retail brands
Quick comparison
Which apron type fits your team?
Three questions settle most orders: how much coverage, where the weight should sit, and which trade is wearing it.
| Apron type | Coverage | Strap | Fabric | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bib Apron | Chest to knee | Adjustable neck | 7–12 oz | Line cooks · Dish pits · Butchers · Uniform programs |
| Cross-Back Apron | Chest to knee | Crossed at the back | 6–10 oz | Baristas · Bartenders · Banquet teams · Retail counters |
| Waist Apron | Hips to knee or shin | Waist ties, front-knot | 7–10 oz | Servers · Bistro & bar · Retail floor · Salon front desk |
| Split-Leg Smock | Chest to below knee, wrap-around | Cross-back or neck, wrap ties | 5–10 oz | Art studios · Potters · Florists · Kids classes |
| Japanese Linen Apron | Chest to mid-shin | Sewn cross-back, no ties | 6–8 oz linen | Cafés & bakeries · Boutiques · Florists · Tasting rooms |
| Leather Apron | Chest to knee, optional bib-less | Riveted cross-back, adjustable | 1.4–2.0 mm | Woodworkers · Barbers · BBQ and grill · Retail brands |
Browse by trade
Apron types by industry.
If you know the trade but not the pattern, start there. Every industry page recommends three apron types and links back here.
- Restaurants & CateringChef · Server · Cross-back
- Cafés & BakeriesCross-back · Bib · Bakery
- Art Studios & SchoolsKids’ · Painting · Pottery
- WoodworkingCross-back · Split-leg · Bib
- Mechanics & TradesShop · Cross-back · Waist
- Beauty & Nail SalonsHairdresser · Stylist · Nail
- Hotels & HospitalityBanquet · Housekeeping · Bar
Get a quote
Not sure which apron type you need?
Tell us the trade, the shift length, and the quantity. A merchandiser recommends a type, fabric, and logo method with itemized pricing within 24 hours on business days.
- Reply
- 24 hours
- Quote
- Itemized, free
- Sample
- 7–10 days
Inquiry received
Reference — a merchandiser will reply within 24 hours on business days. Need it faster?
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Keep reading
- 01Types of Aprons: A Buyer’s Guide to 12 StylesThe long-form guide behind these six patterns.
- 02Bib Apron vs Waist Apron: Which One Your Team Should WearThe most common style decision, settled.
- 03Apron FabricsAll six apron fabrics compared by weight, hand feel, and wash rating.
- 04Industries We ServeApron programs for seven trades, from kitchens to workshops.
- 05How We Make ApronsSeventeen crafts, four production stages, and the certifications behind every build.