10 Best Woodworking Aprons of 2023 – Top Picks & Reviews

If you work with wood and you don’t have a woodworking apron, you’re making life more difficult than it needs to be. Aprons are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that also serve as a quick-access and mobile storage unit.

Despite how simple they are, there are many differences in modern aprons. You want a good product but don’t want to overspend on one that isn’t worth its cost.

We want to help, so we’ve created this list of reviews of the top woodworking aprons of the year to help you with determining the models that are worth the cost and which ones you should skip over.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Bucket Boss Duckwear	16 pockets 2 hammer loops Fits waists up to 52”	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Ergodyne Arsenal	16 pockets Adjustable straps to provide a comfortable fit Heavy-duty canvas	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Hudson Durable Goods	Adjustable size Two hammer loops Padded straps	CHECK PRICE
		Texas Canvas Wares	Water resistant Made from waxed canvas Reinforced using rivets and grommets	CHECK PRICE
		Dickies 16-Pocket	Made of durable canvas 16 pockets for tool storage 2 loops for additional storage	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Woodworking Aprons

1. Bucket Boss SuperBib Work Apron – Best Overall

The Bucket Boss SuperBib Work Apron is a woodworker’s dream. With 16 pockets, padded shoulder straps, and an adjustable belt, it has everything you could want in a workshop apron.

Made of heavy-duty canvas, this apron has two hammer loops and numerous pockets. It will fit a waist up to 52 inches and is made for efficiency and ease of use. It’s an ideal apron for DIY or professional carpenters. The SuperBib is built to last several years, making it our choice as the best overall woodworking apron.

2. Ergodyne Arsenal Work Tool Apron – Best Value

When searching for the right woodworking apron for the money, the Ergodyne Arsenal 5700 Work Tool Apron is the apron to choose.  This 16-pocket apron has plenty of options for holding fasteners, tools, and anything else you may need to carry.

It’s ideal for contractors, construction workers, DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, gardeners, grillers, and anyone looking for a sturdy and durable apron. The Ergodyne Arsenal is made of heavy-duty canvas, but the tight pockets keep it out of the top spot.

3. Hudson Woodworking Apron – Premium Choice

When money is no object, we recommend the Hudson HDG901W Woodworking Apron. This waxed canvas apron is adjustable and can go from medium to 2XL to fit just about anyone. The straps are padded and spread the weight of your tools to help prevent neck strain, and the hammer loops and large pockets have ample room for angles, measuring tapes, wrenches, etc.

There’s a pocket in the chest for your cell phone, tools, or pencil. Sawdust flaps keep sawdust and dirt out of your pockets, protecting your tools. We liked how we looked in this apron but wish the storage pockets were larger. At 16 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than others on this list.

The waxed canvas construction should last a long time, and the Hudson is a wise investment if you like the design.

4. Texas Canvas Wares TCW9001 Apron

The Texas Canvas Wares TCW9001 Apron is a professional-looking, long-lasting apron made of durable canvas and can go from medium to extra-large. It has a generous 27-inch width and 34-inch length, which might be too large and long for some woodsmiths.

It is also waxed canvas, so it’s water-resistant. The shoulder straps are padded for comfort, and the selection of pockets is pretty standard: two large pockets at the waist and one chest bib pocket for pencils and mobile phones.

Though the manufacturer touts the apron’s breathability, we found the opposite to be true. It does a great job of insulating body heat, which is good for frozen climates, but it’s a sweat factory in warmer zones.

5. Dickies 16-Pocket Workshop Bib Apron

Dickies products have a loyal customer base, so many shoppers choose this apron over all the others without doing the homework. The Dickies 16-Pocket Workshop Bib Apron is made from durable canvas and has 16 pockets, so you will always find a place to put your tools. Also, it’s fitted with a pair of tool loops on both sides of the apron.

With an adjustable belt and reinforced edges, this stylish and sturdy apron will bring you many years of use if you take good care of it. Having said that, the only thing that separates this apron from others on the list is the Dickies logo. It’s a decent apron at a decent price but offers nothing special. In other words, a perfectly middle-of-the-road product from a brand that many people swear by.

6. Armor Gear Durable Work Aprons

The Armor Gear Durable Work Apron is almost identical to the Texas Canvas Wares product in our number four spot. This apron is just 16 ounces in weight, so it’s comfortable to wear, and it can easily adjust to accommodate a 50-inch waist. It’s the ideal apron not just for woodworking but for butchers, painters, barbers, baristas, and more.

The Armor Gear apron features wax-infused canvas, so it’s made to last. It’s recommended for individuals who are 5’2” or taller. On the downside, our apron bled a lot of color during its first washing and lost a lot more color on the second wash. If you don’t care about a faded apron, the Armor Gear may be for you.

7. Eco Zen Woodworking Shop Apron

It can be hard to find an apron that can be comfortably worn by men and women, which is why we love the Eco Zen Woodworking Shop Apron. This stylish apron has a unique design and quick-release buckle, making it easy to wear and completely adjustable from small to 2XL.

Its pockets are strategically placed so that everything you need is right at hand instead of you having to search for the tool you need. The Eco Zen apron is highly durable, and the pockets have flaps to protect your tools from paint, dust, finishes, stains, and more.

8. NoCry Professional Canvas Work Apron

A lot of people enjoy doing projects at home. When you’re working, you want to keep your clothes clean. If you are searching for a quality, lightweight apron to wear in the workshop, the NoCry Professional Canvas Work Apron is the one to choose.

This apron has 16 pockets in it, and it can be used for all types of work, from working on wood and metal to doing other types of crafts at home. One thing we noticed about this apron is that it’s not sturdy. The material wears out quickly, and the clasps do too.

9. Angry Beaver Waxed Canvas Work Shop Apron

If you want a stylish and durable apron for your workshop, try the Angry Beaver Waxed Canvas Work Shop Apron. This apron is made with less rigid wax to provide a supple look and feel. It doesn’t require any breaking in.

The Angry Beaver can be worn for several tasks, such as gardening, woodworking, grilling, hobbies, and much more, and men or women can wear it.  It can be adjusted and adapted to your needs, and the straps ensure a fit for just about any size.

10. Rustic Town Genuine Leather Grill Work Apron

If you dream of having a leather work apron, the Rustic Town Genuine Leather Grill Work Apron may be what you’re looking for. The apron has a vintage style and is made for an easy fit and comfort throughout the day. The tool pockets are versatile, with three large pockets that give you access to your accessories and tools. There’s a pocket for your cell phone or pencils on the front chest of the apron.

This apron can be used for various reasons and is made to last. The main problems we discovered were that it was shorter than expected, and the neck loop wasn’t adjustable, so it felt very heavy.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Woodworking Apron

What to Look for in a Woodworking Apron

There are a few aspects that you should consider when you are purchasing your woodworking apron. Below are some of the considerations:

Weight

Some people prefer a lightweight apron rather than a heavier one. You are going to be working with wood, and you’ll be using up a lot of energy. You don’t need a heavy apron since it will make it hard to move. A lighter apron will be much more comfortable and not as hot.

Length

You don’t have to choose a full-length apron. Waist aprons aren’t much more than wide belts with many pockets. They’re handy for carrying items but don’t provide much protection. The next type is known as a bib apron. They cover your chest but go down to around halfway down your thigh.

They are good because they offer a lot of movement and give you a decent amount of protection when working at a counter or bench. Full-length aprons will usually go to the knee, but the welding aprons often are longer and cover you entirely while you’re seated.

Material

Leather and canvas are the two main types of material that shop aprons are made of. Both of them are very durable and flexible. Shop aprons made of canvas are often waxed, offering a better liquid defense. However, they often develop odors that can be unpleasant. An advantage that leather offers is from welding splatter or sparks. Although they will singe leather, if you are wearing a canvas apron, sparks can go right through.

Durability

First, consider the durability since you are working in a woodworking area. You want your apron to be tough and withstand abuse. You also want to keep the dust and dirt from your woodworking off your clothes.  It’s also worth it to find one that is waterproof. Wax and leather aprons can both be treated so that they are water-resistant.

Having a durable apron is also vital because you want to be able to put your tools in it. The last thing you want is to worry about your tools falling out of your pockets.

Pockets

Since we brought up pockets in the last section, the next step is to consider how many pockets the apron has. You want to ensure that it has enough pockets to hold your tools and your phone.

Adjustability & Wearability

Finally, you want to find an apron that can be adjusted around your waist and neck according to your needs. Something else you want to look for is an apron with buckles that you can quickly release.

It’s also essential to choose an apron that is easy to wear. You don’t want to worry about it being hard to take off or put on.

Reinforcement

Even though you may not think of reinforcement when it comes to your daily clothing, you want to consider it for your woodworking clothing. Sometimes, it’s annoying to have reinforcements in your apron. They might look cool, but they can make putting it on and taking it off hard. So, look for an apron with grommets and rivets or snap-on buckles.

Size

Most manufacturers have a sizing chart to help you order the correct apron, depending on your height and weight. However, most have adjustable straps to accommodate various waistlines.

Straps of the Apron

The apron’s straps will sit on your shoulders and hold the weight of the whole apron. In general, the apron’s weight will depend on the material.

Woodworking aprons tend to be strong, so they use leather or canvas. That’s why they are sometimes heavier. So, you want to choose an apron with padded straps to make it much more comfortable.

Conclusion

Although we discussed several remarkable woodworking aprons, we have our favorites. The Bucket Boss SuperBib Work Apron is our top pick, and we love its oversized pockets and adjustable straps that can accommodate 52-inch waists. Its durable construction can handle any task in the workshop. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend the Ergodyne Arsenal Work Tool Apron. It only weighs 14 ounces but can hold all your tools. We hope our reviews and buyer’s guide help you find the ideal woodworking apron.