A Walk Down the Apron Lane
Before we dive into the whys of chefs wearing aprons, let’s take a quick look at the fascinating history of this garment that holds a special place in kitchens worldwide.
Chef aprons, a seemingly simple piece of fabric, have a history as rich and varied as the cuisines we enjoy today. The term ‘apron’ comes from the French word ‘Naperon,’ meaning a small tablecloth, and aprons have been documented in history as far back as the Middle Ages. They were predominantly worn by working-class people, mainly to protect their clothing while performing tasks that could be dirty or dangerous.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, aprons became more than a protective garment. Different styles and colours of aprons began to signify the wearer’s trade or profession. For instance, blacksmiths wore black aprons, while barbers wore checkered ones. The apron evolved from a practical work garment to a symbol of professional identity.
In cuisine, the apron’s prominence grew with the advent of the modern restaurant in the 18th century. As chefs began to command greater respect and recognition, their uniforms, including the apron, became symbols of professionalism and pride.
Southside Linen Blend Bib Apron Forest Green
Cotton canvas and linen blend aprons are perfect for both front of house and back of house use.
Whites Bib Apron Red
Stylish and practical in equal measure, this red bib apron features an adjustable buckle on the neckband for easy height adjustment, and self-fabric ties which blend in perfectly with the rest of the garment.
Whites Short Bistro Apron Tan
In a striking tan colour way, this bistro apron from Whites is also designed with a shortened length, which reduces the chance of excess fabric being caught up and causing a trip or fall.
Whites Waterproof Bib Apron Red And White Stripe
This light duty water resistant apron is perfect for back of house use.
The Adaptability of Aprons in Different Styles
Two common variations of aprons are waist aprons and full aprons, each offering unique advantages in functionality and style.
Waist Aprons
Waist aprons, as their name suggests, are designed to tie around the waist and provide coverage from the core down to the thighs. One of the critical benefits of waist aprons is their convenience. They quickly put on and take off, making them ideal for fast-paced environments like restaurants or busy kitchens. Their design allows for ease of movement, enabling individuals to bend, reach, and move freely while working. Waist aprons also offer a modern and trendy appearance in various colours, fabrics, and patterns. This makes them easy to coordinate with different uniforms or outfits, adding a touch of style to the overall appearance. As a result, waist aprons are commonly worn by servers and waitstaff in front-of-house roles, providing a polished and professional look.
Full Aprons
Full bib aprons provide extended coverage, starting from the chest or shoulders and extending down to the knees or even the ankles. The additional range of full aprons offers superior protection for clothing, making them ideal for tasks involving more significant splashes or spills, such as cooking on a grill or handling messy ingredients. Due to their functional benefits, full aprons are suitable for various activities beyond cooking. While full aprons may have a more classic and traditional appearance, they offer customisation options, such as embroidery or personalisation, making them popular for branded workwear.
More than just a fashion statement: The Chef’s Apron today
Today, you would hardly see a chef, sous chef, or kitchen worker without an apron. So, why exactly do these culinary people wear aprons?
Protection
Donning an apron as a protective measure against food stains and splatters is prudent when cooking. Besides the aesthetic benefit of keeping one’s clothing clean and presentable, an apron provides additional protection against potential hazards that may arise in the kitchen, like hot oil splashes and accidental knife slips.
Hygiene
Maintaining a clean cooking environment is paramount, especially regarding food preparation. Aprons serve as an essential tool in promoting hygiene within the kitchen. Professional chefs often wear aprons to prevent their clothing, which may have come into contact with harmful contaminants from the outside, from contaminating the food they are preparing. By wearing an apron, chefs can maintain high cleanliness and safety standards.
Convenience
Many contemporary chef aprons are designed with pockets that come in handy for storing small tools, recipe cards, or even a tasting spoon. This added convenience enables chefs to keep essential items easily accessible. Chef aprons often come with pockets, which are handy for keeping small tools, recipe cards, or even a tasting spoon. This aspect of convenience allows chefs to keep essentials within arm’s reach.
Professionalism
A chef’s apron symbolises authority in the kitchen and contributes to the overall sense of professionalism that has become essential to culinary culture.
Closing thoughts
While the humble apron might seem like a simple, inconsequential part of a chef’s attire, it carries a rich history and serves multiple critical functions in the kitchen. It is not just about protection or convenience. The apron symbolises the professionalism and passion of many chefs. It signifies their commitment to the culinary arts, and that’s why chefs are so particular about the type of apron they buy.
