Best heavy apron

For dirty jobs, only a heavy apron will do. Whether you’re grilling or tuning an engine, here are the best heavy aprons.

best heavy apron
(Image credit: Arawak Brave)

Don't want to sacrifice your clothing for the dirtiest jobs that need doing? You'll need a heavy apron to protect your threads and stay clean during a tough workday. We've put together a list of the best aprons for grilling, working, tinkering with cars, or any other heavy-duty task. 

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Hudson Durable Goods - Heavy Duty Waxed Canvas Work Apron

(Image credit: Hudson Durable Goods)

Hudson Durable Goods heavy-duty waxed canvas work apron

Support a family-owned business

Hudson Durable Goods is a small business that makes and sells high-quality, heavy-duty aprons. From the kitchen to protective woodworking wear, they have a wide variety of USA-made aprons. 

Pros:

  • Tough waxed canvas for tough jobs
  • Big pockets
  • Adjustable sizing

Cons:

  • Not machine washable

This waxed canvas apron is tough and thick, perfect for rough jobs; it will weather a lot of harsh treatment. It's also easy to reapply fabric wax in the future to keep the apron in pristine condition. This option is an easy way to shop small.

Supple suede

Leather Woodcarvers Woodworkers Apron

(Image credit: UJ Ramelson Co)

UJ Ramelson Co. leather woodworking apron

Soft, yet resilient

If you love the feel of high-quality suede, this leather woodworking apron is as tough as it is soft to the touch. It comes from UJ Ramelson Co., a company known for its long history in woodworking equipment. 

Pros:

  • Soft sueded leather
  • Resilient material for hard jobs
  • Three large pockets for tools

Cons:

  • Suede is more prone to stains

Made especially for woodworking and carpenters, this apron has three big pockets to accommodate a range of tools. The leather is supple and flexible, but it will hold up against hard jobs as well. Wood chips and sawdust will just fall right off the leather surface. 

For wet jobs

Waterproof Rubber Vinyl Apron

(Image credit: Aulett Home Store)

Aulett waterproof rubber apron

Best for the lab

If you're working with water or harsh chemicals, you'll want a thick rubber apron like this one from Aulett. The waterproof material is also resistant to chemicals and harsh detergents.

Pros:

  • Chemical and detergent resistant
  • Waterproof
  • Safe for lab environments

Cons:

  • Only comes in black

Sometimes leather or canvas just isn't enough to weather really wet or dirty jobs. For harsh chemicals or detergents, a water-repellent material will be just the thing. Aulett's rubber apron will keep you safe and dry no matter how wet your work is. 

Green-thumb approved

Garden Apron With Pockets

(Image credit: Typhon East)

Typhon East garden apron with pockets

The gardener's pick

Here you have an apron especially for gardeners. The extra-large, deep pockets will fit plenty of picks, shovels, and seeds. 

Pros:

  • Big, roomy pockets
  • Comes with kneepads
  • Waterproof and machine washable

Cons:

  • Runs small

This apron works great for gardeners; it even comes with an included pair of gardener's kneepads! You'll keep your clothing and your knees protected while you work with the earth. Rain or shine, it will hold up in wet and dry environments, and it's easy to clean. 

Dad's choice

Denim Apron for Chef

(Image credit: Arawak Brave)

Arawak Brave denim apron

Great for BBQ

Here's the perfect apron for any Dad or grill master. It's simple, comfortable, and has a distinctly masculine look. 

Pros:

  • Attractive denim material
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Great for grilling

Cons:

  • Less durable 

The denim material is tough yet lightweight, so it won't be too hot for a warm summer day. It will be an attractive fit on people of any size, men or women. We like it for grilling, but this apron would also work fine in a kitchen environment. 

Full coverage

Revco 48SL Black Stallion Quality Side Split Cow Hide Welding Split Leg Apron

(Image credit: Revco)

Revco cow hide welding split-leg apron

Best for welding

Welding can be dangerous work, so it calls for a full-coverage apron that covers the legs as well as the torso. This tough cow-hide apron has split legs for more thorough protection. 

Pros:

  • Super tough cow hide
  • Protects both legs
  • Works well for welders

Cons:

  • Runs very large

Flame-resistant cowhide and Kevlar stitching make this tough apron spark-proof. It protects the front of your shirt and pants from welding, right down to the ankles. The straps are adjustable, so the apron will fit individuals of most sizes large and above, but it may fit loosely on people of smaller sizes. 

The artsy choice

Artist Canvas Apron with Pockets

(Image credit: Tour Store)

Tour Store artist canvas apron with pockets

Best for artists

Made especially for artists and craftspeople, this simple canvas apron has plenty of pockets for supplies. With lots of straps to adjust the size, it will work well for most people. 

Pros:

  • Lots of pockets
  • Very adjustable
  • Durable 

Cons:

  • Not machine washable

Painters take note! All your brushes, cloths, and palette knives will have a place in this apron. It has lots of pockets, large and small, for tools of every shape and size. The waxed canvas will also hold up well to dirt and smudges. 

So fresh and so clean

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Keep your work clothes in good condition with the best heavy apron for your line of work. Our favorite is the waxed canvas apron by Hudson Durable Goods, a well-made, heavy-duty number crafted by a family-owned business in the United States. This one promises to hold up to rough jobs for years to come.

If you're looking for an apron more geared towards gardening, check out the Typhon East garden apron. It's machine washable and has big, deep pockets for all your gardening tools. Each of these aprons has something different to offer, so choose the one that best matches your lifestyle. 

Content Writer

Jaclyn is a content writer at Future. She has a flair for creating (written works, design, photos; you name it!) on her devices. When she’s not churning out new things, Jaclyn loves exploring the world, playing with her kids, and good old-fashioned baking.