Cook Better: What to Look for in a Chef-Worthy Kitchen Apron

Years ago, I used to match my clothing to whatever I was cooking. Tomato sauce? Red shirt. Anything with turmeric? Yellow shirt. This was kind of fun, but it turns out that tomato-sauce-splattered shirts still look splattered, even if they’re red. A much better option is a kitchen apron.

When looking for an apron, you want to make sure to find a few different features. First of all, the neck strap should be adjustable. If it isn’t, there may be a substantial gap above the neckline of the apron, which means the top of your shirt (or your neck!) could get drenched in hot oil.

Another nice feature to have in an apron is a pocket or two. There are certain tools or utensils that you may want to have easily on hand while you flit around the kitchen; maybe that’s a thermometer, a tasting spoon, a notebook or a measuring cup. You may not always need it, but you’ll be glad to have it when you do.

Look for an apron made from a durable but lightweight fabric like cotton so you don’t overheat in the kitchen. Another plus? It’s machine washable and easy to scrub out fresh stains.