The Best (Non-Boring) Aprons for Every Kind of Cook

Francky Knapp is the commerce writer at Eater, and an award-winning writer with bylines in GQ, VICE, The Daily Beast, and other publications. A curious home cook with a deep love of Polish cabbage rolls, her devotion to food service journalism knows no bounds. As a passionate home cook but admittedly lazy person, aprons have always felt like an afterthought. Frying tofu ? Simmering a red sauce ? The best apron subs, it seemed, were just my "whatever" clothes; most splatter-inducing recipes were executed in either a forgettable T-shirt, or a Temu-level, apron I was gifted as a gag featuring a suspiciously jolly cat in a beret.

Aside from Cursed Temu Cat, my first real introduction to cool, quality aprons came via a Hedley & Bennett drop with the Grateful Dead. A few years ago, I was served Instagram ads of the collaboration and couldn't resist the idea of baking in the company of a hundred dancing bears. (Once a college era Deadhead, always a Deadhead.)

Hedley & Bennett Grateful Dead tie dye bears apron Prices taken at time of publishing.

Hedley & Bennett Aside from the apron's many Jerry-worthy details, a chef friend assured me that Hedley & Bennett also just "made a nice apron," which matters when you're shelling out one-hundred-ish dollars. Years later, the cotton twill fabric is still thick and durable, but never feels stiff and boxy like some other aprons I've used. It almost feels like protective loungewear (if loungewear had tool pockets, which would maybe be kind of great?), and it actually feels softer with every wash.

I'm a staunch believer that there is an apron for everyone, from the slightly lazy, hungry home cook to the most discerning of industry professionals. What may have once been a far more singular symbol of domesticity has since evolved into an expression of creativity that transcends mere functionality. Don't let the swathes of sauceless, workwear-inspired aprons out there dissuade you; there are plenty of non-boring aprons on the horizon, from metallic stunners to folkloric aprons worthy of Strega Nona.

The best aprons under $50 Folkculture striped apron Prices taken at time of publishing.

This adjustable, striped apron costs less than most avocado toasts, and offers a more contemporary, graphic take on the traditional striped apron . Buy one for yourself, and one as a stocking stuffer.

Dusen Dusen sail apron Prices taken at time of publishing.

When your apron pattern options are "sail" or "egg," you know you're shopping with Dusen Dusen. The Brooklyn-based home brand is all about eye-catching graphics, and its adjustable, one-size-fits-all cotton apron will hide splashes in style.

Dusen Dusen Meema striped apron Prices taken at time of publishing.

For an apron that will make people think you have a well-rounded knowledge of French bistro culture, may I suggest this upcycled striped apron from Meema? It's designed with cross-back straps, too, to more evenly distribute weight while keeping the apron securely on your shoulders.

The best aprons under $100 Maison Balzac lobster apron Prices taken at time of publishing.

If you love the B52s and lobster rolls, boy have I found the apron for you. Maison Balzac is beloved for making personality-forward homewares (please see: " the olive bottle ") and this 100 percent linen demi-apron is no exception. Granted, there are no pockets on this tail, but let's be real: You're wearing this mostly to show off, not hold spoons.

Coming Soon Maison Balzac MacKenzie-Childs garden check apron Prices taken at time of publishing.

This Mackenzie-Childs power clashing moment feels especially perfect for the baker in your life. And, yes, that check print center is disguising some aptly-placed front patch pockets.

Neiman Marcus The best aprons under $200 Gohar World lace hands apron Prices taken at time of publishing.

Gohar World is the brand behind those Marie Antoinette-esque baguette purses , so its twist on the traditional striped apron comes as no surprise. In lieu of regular ties around the back of the apron, you will find a pair of lace hands.

Mind the Gap heirloom linen apron Prices taken at time of publishing.

What better way to enjoy soup season than in your Transylvanian folk print-inspired apron? The stonewashed linen apron is even embellished with a little brass buckle. Gift this and a Le Creuset pumpkin-shaped cocotte to someone, and they'll probably love you forever.

Wolf & Badger The best splurge aprons Gohar World apron and pearl gloves bundle Prices taken at time of publishing.

OK, now we're getting into the truly extravagant selection of aprons, but you have to applaud Gohar World's commitment to the bit. This bundle unites the brand's faux pearl- and lace-embellished washing gloves with a pinafore-inspired apron that is made out of Egyptian cotton and linen, which means it will only get softer with every wash.

Net-a-Porter Eskandur Leather Designer Apron $2,512 $4,186 Prices taken at time of publishing.

Well, congratulations. If you are entertaining this $2,500 leather apron , you are either heading to kink night at a Berlin club, or just really want to make pasta in a luxury leather body harness-apron hybrid.

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