Choosing the Right Apron Fabric
These days aprons come in many styles, colours and fabrics - so the search for the right apron can be daunting. Aussie Chef Clothing Company has spent years researching and testing apron fabrics and thought it would be a good idea to take some time and explain the different choices available.
Aussie Chef has a wide range of chef aprons from simple everyday black and whites to colourful aprons to aprons with signature embellishments. You can choose from styles like classic bib, cross back, pinafore or waist. And then there are the fabrics - leather, denim, cotton, linen, poly blends, pvc and nylon.
All of our aprons are designed to be hard wearing, but all fabrics wear with age and have some limitations. Depending on the fabric composition, colours may fade or may stay vibrant wash after wash. Some may become more relaxed in appearance, or wrinkle and perhaps need pressing, while others look fresh straight out of the laundry. Our aprons are designed to be unisex and therefore suitable for men and women. We hope this article will help you decide which fabric is best for your needs.
Factors that can influence Apron appearance
- Frequency of washing
- Types of washing powders & liquids
- Water quality & temperature
- Line or machine dried
- Exposure to sunlight or UV
- Stains - time left untreated
- Drycleaning
Aussie Chef aprons are all designed with double stitching on all edges, bar tacking on pressure points and quality hardware - press studs, rivets and eyelets - so that no matter which one you choose you will receive a well made apron.
100% Cotton Denim
Everyone LOVES denim! So it’s a super popular choice in aprons! It’s durability and easy care is a plus. And denim aprons just look great - like a favourite pair of denim jeans. Our denim aprons are one of our most consistent sellers and with 6 styles to choose from there is sure to be the right one for you.
See Archie Denim, Mia Denim, Jackson Denim, Outback, Barber, Utility Pouch
Benefits
- Comfortable to wear
- Durable & hard wearing
- Breathable, pure cotton denim
- Fabric becomes more relaxed after repeated washing
- Designed to fade over time like your favourite jeans
100% Cotton / Cotton Canvas
Cotton is a beautiful natural, absorbent fabric to wear! Our cotton and cotton canvas aprons are a heavier weight to ensure they are durable and long lasting. And your colour choices range from muted neutrals to vibrant, deep colours! Our customers love the range and keep coming back for more.
See Cantine, Oska, Ice Cream, Grey Combo
Benefits
- Relaxed & comfortable to wear
- Breathable, natural cotton fibers
- Intense colours will naturally fade over time
- Fabric becomes softer & more relaxed
Leather
Leather aprons can be seen to be a luxurious purchase - but leather is also a very practical, long lasting choice too. Aprons have been made of leather for centuries and are worn in many industries for its protective qualities. Today leather aprons are also chosen as a unique statement piece and are popular with barbers, baristas and bartenders.
See Axil Leather, Riley Leather
Benefits
- 100% durable long lasting cowhide leather
- Heat and spill resistant
- Protective and practical
- Soft, luxurious feel
Poly/Cotton
Poly/cotton blend chef aprons are an excellent for chefs, cafes, restaurants, commercial kitchens, healthcare and hospitality uniform requirements. Poly/cotton fabric has increased fabric strength while being lightweight. It is colourfast so blacks stay black, colours resist fading. Easy to care for and maintains its great looks for longer.
See Alex Chef Bib, Bella, Monaco, Paris, Heavy Weight,
Benefits
- Beautiful to wear with a professional look
- Increased fabric strength with poly/cotton thread mix
- Hard wearing & protective - ideal for commercial use
- Greater resistance to colour fading - looks brand new longer
Poly/Viscose
Poly/viscose blend aprons are a go to apron for chefs - these navy/white or navy/black stripe aprons are a favourite addition to the traditional chef’s uniform - chef jacket, chef pants & striped apron. The poly blend has increased fabric strength, resists fading and wrinkling - looking great wash after wash - ready to tackle the busy day or night ahead.
See London, Chef Bib, Butchers Bib
Benefits
- Professional, lightweight choice
- Increased fabric strength with polyester & viscose fibers - resistant to wrinkling
- Hard wearing & protective - ideal for commercial use
- Greater resistance to colour fading - looking new longer
Linen
Linen is a lightweight, natural fabric that is so comfortable and lovely to wear. It is ideal for when you desire a lightweight apron - one you might even forget you are wearing! Our pinafore apron is often mistaken as part of the wearer’s outfit. An ideal apron for cafes, florists, artists and more.
See Ava Linen, Hanna Pinafore
Benefits
- Beautiful wearability
- Natural, breathable pure linen
- Colours may slowly fade
- Fabric becomes relaxed & softer - linen may wrinkle
PVC
Waterproof PVC is the ideal choice for aprons needed in wet or spill prone areas. A favourite in kitchen wet areas, in school food tech, art and de- sign tech classes. Soft, lightweight and 100% waterproof - these aprons are easy to care for - just wipe clean with a damp cloth & hang to dry.
See PVC
Benefits
- 100% waterproof fabric
- Soft yet durable
- Easy care
- Colours remain vivid
Nylon
Nylon is also a sturdy, lightweight, waterproof fabric and is ideal for wet, messy areas. Super easy to keep clean & colours remains vivid.
See Nylon
Benefits
- Comfortable to wear, lightweight & durable
- Waterproof fabric
- Easy to keep clean
Branding - Embroidery and Screen printing on Aprons
Aprons are the ideal canvas for embellishment! Embroidery or screen printing really standouts - making your branding a feature of the apron while adding a touch of personalisation to your workplace. Choose to add your business logo, names or a combination of both!
Aussie Chef can help you create just the right look with your branding - and arrange everything for you - taking one thing off your list of To Do’s! Ready to start the process? Just enquire here.
Apron Care Guide
We have also compiled a handy Apron Care Guide to help you understand apron fabrics and their care instructions - view Apron Care Guide.
Questions?
If in doubt, our friendly staff is available to assist you in your selection via chat, email or phone. We also carry a wide range of chef uniforms - chef jackets, chef pants, chef caps, clogs and accessories.
To see our entire range of aprons and chef uniforms visit us @ aussiechef.com.au
When it comes to choosing the right apron fabric, the options seem endless. Aussie Chef Clothing Company has invested years in researching and testing apron fabrics, and their dedication to quality is evident in the diverse range they offer. As someone deeply entrenched in the world of fabrics, let me shed some light on the various concepts mentioned in the article.
1. 100% Cotton Denim: Denim is a classic choice for aprons, known for its durability and easy maintenance. Aussie Chef's denim aprons, such as Archie Denim and Jackson Denim, are not only popular but also comfortable to wear. The fabric becomes more relaxed after repeated washing, creating a worn-in, comfortable feel akin to your favorite pair of denim jeans.
2. 100% Cotton / Cotton Canvas: Cotton is a natural, absorbent fabric, making it an excellent choice for aprons. The heavier weight of cotton and cotton canvas ensures durability, while the color choices range from muted neutrals to vibrant, deep colors. Aprons like Cantine and Oska provide a relaxed and comfortable fit, with the fabric becoming softer and more relaxed over time.
3. Leather: Leather aprons, such as Axil Leather and Riley Leather, are portrayed as a luxurious yet practical choice. With a history spanning centuries, leather aprons are known for their durability and protective qualities. They are not only heat and spill-resistant but also add a touch of luxury, making them popular among barbers, baristas, and bartenders.
4. Poly/Cotton Blend: Poly/cotton blend aprons, like Alex Chef Bib and Bella, are highlighted for their suitability in commercial kitchens, cafes, and hospitality settings. The blend offers increased fabric strength while maintaining a lightweight feel. These aprons are colorfast, ensuring that colors resist fading even after multiple washes, making them ideal for long-term professional use.
5. Poly/Viscose Blend: Poly/viscose blend aprons, exemplified by London and Chef Bib, are recommended for chefs. The blend provides increased fabric strength, resistance to wrinkling, and durability, making them suitable for the demanding environment of commercial kitchens. The fabric remains vibrant wash after wash, maintaining a professional appearance.
6. Linen: Linen aprons, like Ava Linen and Hanna Pinafore, are described as lightweight and comfortable. Ideal for those who prefer a barely noticeable apron, linen is breathable and soft. While colors may slowly fade over time, the fabric becomes more relaxed and softer, providing a unique aesthetic.
7. PVC: Waterproof PVC aprons are highlighted as the ideal choice for wet or spill-prone areas. The PVC aprons offered by Aussie Chef are soft, lightweight, and 100% waterproof. Easy to clean with a damp cloth, these aprons, such as PVC, maintain vivid colors and provide protection in messy environments.
8. Nylon: Nylon aprons, like those mentioned in the article, are presented as a sturdy, lightweight, and waterproof option. Suited for wet and messy areas, nylon aprons are easy to clean and maintain vibrant colors.
In addition to fabric choices, Aussie Chef emphasizes the importance of apron care, providing a guide to help customers understand the care instructions for different fabrics. The article also touches on the versatility of aprons as a canvas for branding through embroidery or screen printing, adding a personal touch to workplace attire.
With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, Aussie Chef ensures that all their aprons are designed with double stitching, bar tacking on pressure points, and high-quality hardware, providing customers with well-made and durable aprons regardless of their fabric choice.
