Aprons have been used since time immemorial as protective and fashion statements, from cute pinafores on dolls to a blacksmith wearing that heavy leather apron while working.
In those times, the aprons were primarily worn for decorative and ceremonial purposes, but they are now used to protect clothing and sometimes as a fashion accessory.
It is important nowadays to wear an apron while cooking to avoid soiling clothes while cooking.
Aprons are not only worn by chefs or people in the kitchen but also with waitresses, nurses, homemakers, domestic workers, and other handsy jobs.
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What Is A Cooking Apron For?
Cooking aprons are used in the kitchen, or anywhere food is being prepared.
Its primary purpose is to protect the one cooking from getting spills and food stains on their clothes.
In addition, it is used for hygienic purposes to prevent inner clothes from the dust, dirt, and debris from cooking, serving or performing a creative task in the kitchen.
They also come in handy when youve been working the whole day, and you come home to prepare supper.
It is only normal that the clothes you have daily have germs that may contaminate the food.
The cooking apron helps confine that risk and prevents the germs from transferring to the food.
What Is A Chef Apron Called?
The chefs apron is also known as the bib apron or barbecue apron.
As derived from the name, it is made with fabric making a bib-like covering that chefs slip over their necks and tie behind their backs.
It offers full-body coverage from the upper chest to the knee area. They are most popular because of their functionality and durability.
How Do Chefs Tie Aprons?
Wearing the apron over your neck requires you to put it over your head.
Some aprons need you to tie the two pieces of fabric around the neck.
Then, place the bib area below the collar bone and not too high or too low to expose your shirt to spillage.
The second popular way is wearing it in front of your body.
Bring the ties behind you and switch your hands to grab the opposites of the other tie.
Tie them in front to form a knot like a shoelace knot. Make it in a way you can release it easily when done.
The same case goes for if you are tying it behind. It is important not to make the knot too tight and test it so that it does not fall while cooking.
Also Read: 3 Best Ways On How To Wear An Apron In The Kitchen
Reasons To Wear An Apron
So far, we have understood some benefits of wearing aprons in the kitchen. Other reasons are:
- They are wearable dish towels. You can use it to wipe your hands after washing, then wipe them on your jeans sides and risk contamination.
- You feel safe and can do whatever is needed in the kitchen since you arent trying to avoid spilling the Bolognese stew on your good shirt.
- It encourages adventure and curiosity in the kitchen since you are covered.
- And as farfetched as it may be, if you are a man, you are modeling a healthy male figure for your children or nieces and nephews.
The best apron for the kitchen is the one that you are most comfortable and safe with.
Also Read: Must Have Protective Kitchen Wear And Gear
Points To Consider When Choosing The Right Apron For You
Purpose: As weve seen above, different aprons have different advantages in the kitchen. Identify your priority and buy accordingly.
Mobility: Consider your kitchen space and how much you move in the kitchen while cooking. You do not need something that will hinder making those numerous movements to the oven and back to the counter. Of course, a kitchen apron should have a reasonable length that will help in movement, and that is why many people prefer the waist apron, but you could still get a bib apron that goes all the way to below your knees.
How easy it is to clean it: It is pretty difficult to wash out the stains if the apron is made with heavy material, so consider how easily washable it could be.
Style: If you are purchasing an apron for your home, go all out and choose something that will motivate you to cook and enjoy.
Types Of Aprons
4-Way Aprons
From the name itself, the apron is a waist apron and has four layers.
They are mostly used with kitchen staff in restaurants since they can be used multiple times before being washed.
Efficient! If the outer layer gets dirty from all the stains, they can switch it to another clean surface.
Bib Aprons
As we saw earlier, the apron ties at the back of the waist and has a neck loop. This one has the advantage of full-body coverage and can be used to wipe hands.
Dishwasher aprons
The difference between this one and the rest is that they are waterproof and come in full-length designs.
They help mostly when washing dishes, not to get your clothes all wet. They help protect clothing from water and debris or grease from the dirty dishes.
Waist apron
This apron is tied, of course, around the waist and does not cover the torso.
It also reaches above the knees allowing more effortless movement, which is the whole point of a half apron.
Tabard apron
This apron is quite different from the rest because it covers both the front and back of the upper part of someones body.
It has waist ties that one can use to loosen or tighten. It is mostly used with bakers and nurses.
So, you see, they all serve some purpose, and choosing one would highly depend on where you are and what you are doing in the kitchen.
How Do I Know My Apron Size?
If you are making a custom-made apron, make sure the measurements are taken over the top of your clothes so that you do not get an apron that is too tight and you cant work in it.
Measure from mid-chest to just below the knee if you want one with full-body coverage.
For the waist area, measure around the outside of your trouser line with a tape measure that is loose.
Sources
https://www.forksupblog.com/3-best-ways-on-how-to-wear-an-apron-in-the-kitchen/
