Why I Love Cross-Back Aprons
To know me is to know that I am crazy about aprons. From the moment I started really cooking for myself (and let’s be honest, way before that), I’ve been collecting them. Once in college, on a routine visit to my local Marshall’s to see what was new in the home goods section, I looked down to find three (3) aprons in my basket at checkout and purchased them without even batting an eye. Some aprons I own still have the tags intact because they’re just too pretty to put on. But as I find myself in the kitchen more and more these days, concocting recipes and making a general mess of my surroundings, I’ve grown rather attached to a specific type of apron: the cross-back. It’s a smock of sorts that lets me unleash my messiness without fear of ruined clothes underneath. Life is beautiful when I can save money on stain removers.
Sometimes referred to as “Japanese-style” aprons, cross-back aprons are soft, comfortable, flexible, and the type of outfit-saver perfect for practically any creative task you could get into. As I was shopping for my small but mighty collection of stylish smocks, I found many made out of linen. Linen’s a great breathable fabric, but if you ask me, cotton (or, at least a good cotton-linen mix) is your best bet. It’s just as breathable, but also incredibly sturdy, and less-prone to wrinkles. I’m not fussy when it comes to wrinkles - most aspects of life require movement - but even I have my limits!
After years of buying based on style alone (the prettier the pattern, the more likely it would find itself in my shopping cart), I’ve come to realize there are specific things I need out of my aprons from now on:
Coverage: Can we be real for a second, ladies? How confident are you that your apron’s actually covering your top half? For those of us with more ample bosoms, those cutesy pieces of fabric designed to create a more feminine shape with a narrow top and a full skirt just don’t cut it! On many, MANY occasions, I’ve found myself smack-dab in a sauce splash zone with one or both of the gals completely unprotected. Have you ever tried getting tiny, red dots (which seem to dry as fast as lightning!) off of a button-down in a hurry? Not fun, and next to impossible.
Comfort: When you think of an apron, what comes to mind? A long swatch of fabric with one neck strap and ties at the waist? It’s classic, and a style you see in kitchens, bakeries, and workshops worldwide. But have you ever noticed much strain that type of apron can put on your neck? And how tightly sometimes you have to secure the apron ties at your waist to make sure it fits properly? I’m over it all! On big cooking days I practically live in my apron, so I’m calling for comfyness over everything. The very essence of cross-back aprons is the crisscross style in the back, ensuring an even distribution of weight on your shoulders and alleviating any pressure on your neck and waist.
Pockets: Just like my dresses, my favorite aprons have pockets galore! One for my cellphone (for snapping quick Instagram pictures), one for my pencil to jot down notes in the margins of my books and recipe sheets, one for my spoon or other quick-grab kitchen items, and one for snacks. An apron can offer full coverage, comfort, and style, but without pockets, it just won’t make it in my kitchen…or life!
In the end, it’s about finding an apron style that works for you. Much like your trusty chef’s knife, your kitchen shoes (PLEASE! Heed my advice: invest in comfy shoes for your cooking adventures!), and your favorite pots and pans, your apron is a constant cookery companion. Donning one signifies there’s work to be done, something new to create. Make sure that whatever style you choose, it feels like you. After all, a confident cook (or artist, or woodworker, or any other apron-wearing creative type) is totally unstoppable!
(Aprons featured: 1. Claire Saffitz for Alex Mill Herringbone Apron, 2. Pink Linen Apron, Stacy’s Kitchen Decor, 3. Corduroy Smock, Hedley & Bennett (Currently sold out. Similar)