Real Cooks Wear Aprons
Real cooks wear aprons (you should, too)
There are some badass aprons happening in restaurants these days.
Made of leather or heavy-duty Japanese denim and designed with special pockets to hold tweezers and other chef gear, these new-school aprons bring some real style and utility into the kitchen.
Chef David Bazirgan enlisted a Project Runway alum to create his custom dark denim apron for the new Dirty Habit in SF. L.A.-based Hedley & Bennett outfits chefs like April Bloomfield, Dave Chang and Naomi Pomeroy of Portland's Beast.
More rugged than retro, more functional than frilly, today's handcrafted chef's aprons would be just as at home in a workshop as a kitchen—and we're kind of obsessed with them. Check out thirteen of our favorites in this slideshow.
Stanley & Sons Leather Lap Apron
Stanley & Sons Leather Lap Apron
apronandbag.com, $143
What we like: Roomy leather pocket, contrasting materials
Scarr Leather Workshop Apron
Scarr Leather Workshop Apron
scarr.co, $320
What we like: It's a leather apron. What's not to like?
Hedley & Bennett Mellow Yellow
Hedley & Bennett Mellow Yellow
hedleyandbennett.com, $90
What we like: Light stripe, sunny straps, chest pocket for a thermometer or pen
Will Leather Goods Wax Coated Canvas Apron
Will Leather Goods Wax Coated Canvas Apron
willleathergoods.com, $195
What we like: Waxed coating means splatters won't stick, heavy-duty pockets
KDH x KM Dark Denim Apron
KDH x KM Dark Denim Apron
kaufmann-mercantile.com, $89
What we like: No-frills, affordable, towels can be attached to an antique brass snap
Butcher & Baker Butcher's Apron
Butcher & Baker Butcher's Apron
butcherbakerstore.com, $49
What we like: Available in four colors, cross-back straps to remove pressure
The Craftsman's Apron from Mercy
The Craftsman's Apron from Mercy
mercysupply.com, $199
What we like: Durable waxed canvas, fastens around the back like a belt
Hardmill Rugged Apron
Hardmill Rugged Apron
harmill.com, $220
What we like: Smartly designed with canvas, leather and denim; fastens around the waist with a nifty snap hook
Knife & Flag Split-Leg Apron
Knife & Flag Split-Leg Apron
knifeflag.com, $120
What we like: Covers all the way to mid-shin; split leg allows for easy movement
West Elm Cotton Apron
West Elm Cotton Apron
westelm.com, $24
What we like: Takes the look of more heavy-duty aprons and applies it to a more casual, lightweight fabric and design
Ice Milk Beauty in Brie Apron
Ice Milk Beauty in Brie Apron
icemilkaprons.com, $55
What we like: Good coverage for a half apron, can be monogrammed if you're into that kind of thing
Small Batch Production Half Apron
Small Batch Production Half Apron
etsy.com, $68
What we like: Vibrant citron color, roomy patch pockets, even the grommets are hand-hammered
Midi Fog Linen Apron
Midi Fog Linen Apron
food52.com, $46
What we like: Lightweight linen fabric, subtle gray stripe, Parisian bistro feel