We’ve all felt the frustration of staining clothes when we cook. A splash of tomato sauce on your shirt; oil splatters you can’t quite get out, even after a few washes. Which is why, in addition to chef’s knives, dutch ovens, roasting pans, and other essential kitchen tools, it’s helpful to have an apron on hand, too. They come in several different styles, from cross-back to smock, and can help keep your clothes mess-free. Some are even specially designed for grilling, so if you’re planning on spending a lot of time cooking outdoors this season, it might not be a bad idea to pick one up. We’ve gathered 13 good options to choose from, compiling well-rated models and a few editor’s picks—check out the full spread below.
Hedley & Bennett Aprons
CREDIT: COURTESY OF WILLIAMS-SONOMA
Popular workwear brand Hedley & Bennett is known for its stylish aprons, and you can find them everywhere from Williams-Sonoma (where you can get them monogrammed!) to Amazon. Most options on Amazon are currently unavailable, but Williams-Sonoma has four colors—Lemon Bar, Roma Tomato, Currant, and Fennel—which all have three reinforced pockets and can be machine-washed.
Hedley & Bennett Aprons, $90 at williams-sonoma.com
Tilit Aprons
Tilit is another popular workwear brand that counts chef Missy Robbins among its fans (they’ve collaborated on aprons and a jumpsuit). The Contra Chef Apron (pictured) is made from waxed cotton and has a leather strap that snaps on and off when you need to wash it; the Wrinkle Free Chef Apron rings in at $69, with a hip pocket and a chest pen pocket. Both are available in several colors.
Contra Chef Aprons, $89 at tilitnyc.com; Wrinkle Free Chef Aprons, $69 at tilitnyc.com
Food52 Five Two Ultimate Apron
Food52’s Five Two aprons, which sport a solid 4.6/5-star rating, have several handy features, including built-in pocket holders on the bottom corners (up to 250 degrees) and a conversion chart in one of the pockets, laying out how many quarts are in a gallon, how many fluid ounces are in a cup, and more. As for the colors? Choose between five—“Blueberry,” “Smoked Salt,” “Peppercorn,” “Maple,” and “Rhubarb.”
Five Two Ultimate Apron, $45 at food52.com
MINNA Grid Apron
MINNA’s minimalist cotton aprons would make a chic addition to your kitchen gear, and they’re washer- and dryer-friendly, too. Each has two loops for tools and a pocket, with an adjustable neck halter. While the indigo color is currently almost sold out at Need Supply Co., you can find several more available through Food52.
MINNA Grid Apron $125 at needsupply.com and food52.com
Williams-Sonoma Classic Apron
CREDIT: COURTESY OF WILLIAMS-SONOMA
With 34 five-star reviews, Williams-Sonoma customers are big fans of these aprons, available in both kid and adult sizes with plenty of colors to choose from. Customize them with text for a thoughtful gift.
Williams Sonoma Classic Solid Adult & Kid Aprons, $25 at williams-sonoma.com
Sur La Table Kitchen Apron
CREDIT: COURTESY OF SUR LA TABLE
Thanks to a sale, you can currently score this well-reviewed Sur La Table apron for just $8. It’s 100-percent cotton and machine-washable (cold water, on gentle), and can be tumble-dried on low.
Blue Butcher Stripe Kitchen Apron, $8 (was $28) at surlatable.com
Portland Apron Company Pinafore Apron
CREDIT: COURTESY OF PORTLAND APRON COMPANY
Out of 195 ratings, Portland Apron Company’s Pinafore Apron received a whopping 191 five-star reviews, and it’s an editor’s pick, too. Pick from four different sizes and eight colors.
Pinafore Apron, $82 at portlandaproncompany.com
Patagonia All Seasons Hemp Canvas Apron
This Patagonia apron is another editor’s pick, made from sturdy hemp canvas. There’s a utility pocket near the top of the front with a pencil sleeve, and two larger pockets below for storing tools.
Patagonia All Seasons Hemp Canvas Apron, $59 at patagonia.com