10 Best Woodworking Aprons of 2023 – Top Picks & Reviews
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Pete Ortiz - Last updated:
Aprons are a staple of workshops across the planet. If you work with wood and you don’t have a woodworking apron, you’re making life more difficult than it needs to be. Hardly a fashion statement, aprons are useful and important Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that also serve as a quick-access and mobile storage unit.
That being said, in spite of how simple these items are, there are many differences when it comes to comparing modern aprons. They come with a lot of different prices, so that can make it really difficult to choose one. You want a good product, but you don’t want to overspend on one that isn’t worth its cost.
We want to give you some help, so we’ve created this review list 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 | |
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Best Overall
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Bucket Boss Duckwear |
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CHECK PRICE |
Best Value
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Ergodyne Arsenal |
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CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
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Hudson Durable Goods |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Texas Canvas Wares |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Dickies 16-Pocket |
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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, adjustable, padded shoulder straps, and an adjustable belt, this apron has everything that you could want to have in a workshop apron.
Made of heavy-duty canvas, this apron has 2 hammer loops and a generous number of 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. Built to last, this apron will give you many years of use which makes it our choice as the best woodworking apron on our list.
- 16 pockets
- 2 hammer loops
- Fits waists up to 52”
- Size: 23”W x 24.5”H
- Adjustable, padded shoulder straps
- No cons
2. Ergodyne Arsenal Work Tool Apron – Best Value
When you are 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 that you may need to carry with you.
It’s ideal for contractors, construction workers, DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, gardeners, grillers and anyone else who is looking for a sturdy and durable apron. Made of heavy-duty canvas, it’s durable and ready to go to work with you. The thing that keeps it out of the top spot is that we did note that the pockets were a bit tight.
- 16 pockets
- Adjustable straps to provide a comfortable fit
- Heavy-duty canvas
- 14 oz weight
- Shorter, so it’s easy to bend and maneuver
- Pockets are a bit tight
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, so it can fit just about anyone. The straps are padded and spread the weight of your tools to help with preventing neck strain, and 2 hammer loops and 2 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 the way we looked in this apron but wish the storage pockets had some kind of organization. At 16 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than others on this list.
The waxed canvas construction should last for a long time, so this might be a wise investment – if you like the look.
- Adjustable size
- Two hammer loops
- Padded straps
- Sawdust flaps
- Has a quick-release buckle
- Could use a few more pockets
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’s got a generous 27-inch width and 34-inch length, which might be too large and long for some woodsmiths.
This apron is also waxed canvas, so it’s water-resistant. The shoulder straps are padded for comfort and it can be used for many different types of workshops. The selection of pockets is pretty standard: 2 large pockets at the waist; 1 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 insulation body heat, which is good for frozen climates, but a sweat factory in warmer zones.
- Water resistant
- Made from waxed canvas
- Reinforced using rivets and grommets
- Adjustable from medium to extra-large
- May be hard to put on for some
- Doesn’t breathe well
5. Dickies 16-Pocket Workshop Bib Apron
Dickies products have a loyal customer base, so many shoppers will simply 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 are always going to find a place to put your tools. And of course, 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 doesn’t offer anything special. In other words, a perfectly middle-of-the-road product from a brand that many people swear by.
- Made of durable canvas
- 16 pockets for tool storage
- 2 loops for additional storage
- Edges are reinforced
- Belt expands to accommodate waists from 32-52 inches
- May seem smaller than stated
- Nothing special
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 metalwork, butchers, painters, barbers, baristas and more.
This apron is made from 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, then you’re simply making a choice based on price.
- Weighs just 16 oz
- Made of wax-infused canvas
- Adjustable to accommodate a 50” waist
- Water-resistant
- Color may bleed in wash
- Recommended for people 5’2” or taller
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 to make 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 all over for the tool you need.
This apron is highly durable and the pockets have flaps so that your tools are protected from paint, dust, finishes, stains, and more.
- High quality
- Very durable
- Flaps on pockets protect tools
- Padded straps
- Not good for wider/bigger chests
- Length could be longer
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 in the home.
One thing that we noticed about this apron is that it’s not very sturdy. The material wears out quickly and the clasps do too.
- 16 pockets
- Good for many types of projects
- Material wears out fast
- Difficult to adjust
- Smaller than expected
- Material is stiff
9. Angry Beaver Waxed Canvas Work Shop Apron
When you’re working on something, it’s important to keep your clothes clean. if you want a stylish and durable apron for your workshop, one of the aprons that people choose is the Angry Beaver Waxed Canvas Work Shop Apron. This apron is made with wax that’s less rigid, to provide you with a supple look and feel. It doesn’t require any breaking in.
This apron can be worn for many types of work, such as gardening, woodworking, grilling, hobbies and much more, and can be worn by men or women. It can be adjusted and adapted to your needs, and the straps ensure a fit for just about any size.
- Supple look and feel
- Adjustable
- Hard to adjust
- Hard to put on and remove
- Smaller than expected
- Strap breaks
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. Th8s 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 a variety of reasons and is made to last. The main problems we discovered with this is that it was shorter than expected and that the neck loop wasn’t adjustable, so it felt very heavy.
- Handstitched quality
- Shorter than expected
- Neck loop not adjustable
- Felt heavy around neck
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Woodworking Apron
What to Look for in a Woodworking Apron
There are a few things that you should consider when you are purchasing your woodworking apron. Below are some of the considerations:
Weight
Weight is one of the biggest things you want to consider when you are buying your apron. A lot of 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 doing your tasks.
While you’re doing this, you won’t want to wear something that’s heavy and which will make it hard to move. A lighter apron will be much more comfortable and not as hot when compared with a heavy and cumbersome apron.
Length
You don’t have to choose a full-length apron. Waist aprons aren’t a lot more than wide belts with a lot of pockets. This is really useful for carrying items if it’s not necessary for protecting clothing. The next type is known as bib aprons. They cover your chest, but they also 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 you’re working at a counter or bench. Full-length aprons will usually go to the knee, although the welding aprons often are longer and completely cover you while you’re seated.
Material
Leather and canvas are the two main types of material that shop aprons are made from. Both of them are very durable and flexible. Shop aprons made of canvas often are coated in wax, offering you better liquid defense. However, they often develop odors which 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 it will go right through.
Durability
First, you want to consider the durability since you are working in a woodworking area. You want your apron to be tough and withstand a lot of things. This is going to include heat and dirt. You are going to wear your apron because you want to keep the dust and dirt from your woodworking off of 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 important because you want to be able to put your tools in it. The last thing that you want is to worry about your tools falling out of your pockets.
Pockets
Since we have brought up pockets in the last section, the next thing that you want to do is consider how many pockets the apron has. You want to make sure that it has enough pockets for holding 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 easily release.
It’s also important to choose an apron that is easy to wear. You don’t want to have to worry about it being hard to take off or put on. You want to be able to put it on and get on with your day quickly and easily.
Reinforcement
Even though you may not think of reinforcement when it comes to your daily clothing, you want to consider it when it comes to your woodworking clothing. Sometimes it’s annoying to have some unique reinforcements on your apron. These might look cool, but they can make it hard to put it on and take it off. So, look for an apron with grommets and rivets or snap on buckles.
Size
One of the main facts you cannot neglect is the size. There you will find so many woodworking aprons out there which comes with different sizes. According to your body shape and size, you should pick up the right one. To do so, you can follow a chart.
Size does help you to pick the right apron for woodworking but apron which can be adjusted to a variety of sizes is wise to pick.
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 that has padded straps to make it much more comfortable for you.
Conclusion
When you are someone who works in a woodworking shop and you want to get a woodworking apron, you want to look for one that offers quality and value for your money. We hope that our reviews have made this decision a lot easier for you.
Contents
- 1 A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
- 2 The 10 Best Woodworking Aprons
- 2.1 1. Bucket Boss SuperBib Work Apron – Best Overall
- 2.2 2. Ergodyne Arsenal Work Tool Apron – Best Value
- 2.3 3. Hudson Woodworking Apron – Premium Choice
- 2.4 4. Texas Canvas Wares TCW9001 Apron
- 2.5 5. Dickies 16-Pocket Workshop Bib Apron
- 2.6 6. Armor Gear Durable Work Aprons
- 2.7 7. Eco Zen Woodworking Shop Apron
- 2.8 8. NoCry Professional Canvas Work Apron
- 2.9 9. Angry Beaver Waxed Canvas Work Shop Apron
- 2.10 10. Rustic Town Genuine Leather Grill Work Apron
- 3 Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Woodworking Apron
- 4 Conclusion