Types of Aprons

Since they do not provide full body coverage, server and waist aprons are not suitable for back-of-house use. However, their shorter length offers comfort for servers walking throughout your facility, making them a valuable part of a server's dress code. Most server aprons include pockets so your waitstaff can have pens, guest checks, and beverage straws close at hand.

Server Apron Applications:

• Front-of-house servers
• Bussers
• Head waitresses or waiters 

As their name suggests, 4-way waist aprons have 4 layers and are the perfect choice for staff who must use their aprons multiple times before washing them. If the outer layer becomes soiled, the wearer can switch it to the next clean surface. These aprons save laundering costs since your staff won't need to change aprons as often. 

4-Way Apron Applications:

• Chefs 
• Back-of-house kitchen staff

Just like waist aprons and 4-way aprons, bistro aprons do not provide upper body coverage. Bistro aprons are distinguished by their long length, which provides greater coverage and protects pants from stains. They're ideal for completing messy jobs like wiping down tables. Additionally, most bistro aprons include pockets so your waitstaff can have pens, guest checks, and beverage straws close at hand.

Bistro Apron Applications:

• Front-of-house staff 

This traditional apron style ties around the back of the waist and has a loose neck loop. Many bib aprons feature pockets to let staff carry order pads, guest checks, thermometers, or other handy kitchen utensils with them as they're working. Bib aprons, also called chef aprons, are one of the best aprons for kitchen staff because they offer full body coverage and protect staff from spills and backsplash.

Bib Apron Applications:

• Kitchen Staff
• Servers
• Butchers

Ideal for front-of-the-house staff in fine dining establishments, banquets, and catered events, tuxedo aprons are an upscale version of the standard bib apron. They're ideal for front-of-the-house staff in fine dining establishments, banquets, and catered events. Pair tuxedo aprons with a white button-down shirt and bow tie for a crisp, clean restaurant server dress appearance.

Tuxedo Apron Applications: 

• Waiters at fine dining establishments
• Catering staff
• Buffet line staff 

Also known as smock aprons, cobbler aprons offer both front and back coverage. The side ties are adjustable so you can make the apron snug or loose. They're great for keeping employees' shirts clean underneath, but they end around the waist or mid-thigh. Due to their versatility and comfortable fit, smock aprons are used in bakeries, schools, hospitals, and housekeeping.

Cobbler Apron Applications:

• Bakers
• School cafeteria workers
• Hospital staff
• Housekeeping staff

As their name suggests, dishwasher aprons are specially designed to help your dishwashers stay dry as they clean large volumes of dishes in your restaurant, hotel, cafeteria, or assisted living community. These waterproof aprons come in full-length designs that extend past the knees. Some dishwasher aprons are heat-resistant, fire-retardant, and cut-resistant. These aprons shield clothing and skin from potential harm caused by residue on pots, equipment grime, grease, and chemicals while working at a 3-compartment sink or loading a dishwasher. 

Dishwasher Apron Applications:

• Dish room staff

Dishwashers and bussers cleaning tables benefit from these non-porous, waterproof disposable aprons. Made of water-resistant polyethylene or polypropylene, you can throw away disposable plastic aprons after using them. Single-use aprons reduce the chances of cross-contamination and are ideal for working with raw meat and fish, slicing deli products, and using harsh chemicals. 

Disposable Apron Applications:

• Deli staff
• Cleaning staff
• Bussers
• Dishwashers