Aprons are worn by many different employees, in many different industries, and it can be helpful to know what kind of apron you might be required to provide your employees with, according to the industry you’re in. Alternatively, it can be useful for employees to know whether they’re wearing the right kind of apron while at work.
With this in mind, here are some of the most common and popular types of workplace aprons that you can easily purchase from companies specializing in safety workwear:
Bib
Hanging around the neck, and with a strap that you can tie it up with at the back, bib aprons sometimes also have pockets. Bib aprons that are fire-resistant or waterproof can be worn if needed, and the main industries that wear bib aprons, are: culinary, arts and crafts, and hairdressing.
Waist
Covering the waist and upper legs only, waist aprons lack the bib portion, and are the most commonly used type of apron for employees working in the service industry, as well as food servers.
Enabling freedom of movement in industries where speed is of the essence, they are smaller than many other types of apron, but no less essential.
Bistro
Similar to the waist apron, bistro aprons are longer, and reach down to below the knees. Used by a range of industries, they provide style and functionality for anyone working as a server, for example; offering a professional look that’s instantly recognizable.
Medical
Used extensively by those working in the medical field, these aprons help promote a sterile environment; limiting the spread of germs from one person to another through clothing. They also prevent the wearer from being splashed with contaminants such as bodily fluids. Typically designed to be disposed of after every use, medical aprons can be bought in bulk, and all hospitals will have a good stock of them.
Chemically resistant
Composed of materials such as rubber, PPV and neoprene, aprons that are chemical-resistant are designed to stop leaks or damage caused by dangerous chemicals, and are used in industries like paper manufacturing and petrochemical. They are also ideal for use when treating hazardous waste, or carrying out an environmental cleanup.
Butcher
The primary aim of a butcher’s apron is that be easy to clean and kept hygienic. Not designed to be disposable, they are typically made of polyester or cotton (or a blend of these two materials), and almost always have straps that are adjustable. For anyone working in the meat industry, these aprons are crucial for keeping them clean and free from stains and spillages while dealing with uncooked meat.
BBQ
Made from materials that are extremely tough and heat-resistant, barbecue aprons are popular for those who cook at home, but they are also worn by professional pitmasters when grilling.
Workshop
These wholesale aprons come with several different sized pockets designed to make them ultra-utilitarian, and for anyone in a workshop, they are handy for keeping you clean while also giving you somewhere safe to put tools in. Used within the construction and craft industry, they are usually tough and hardwearing.
Many industries require aprons to be worn, and most workers prefer to protect themselves and their clothes by wearing them. Convenient and practical, many retailers offer bulk orders of aprons, enabling you to keep stocked up at all times.