I bought six aprons! In my search for the perfect workshop apron, I came across six that were all well-reviewed and prime-ready, so I decided to do a shoot-out. Bottom line: The best shop apron is the Hudson Woodworking Edition. The best leather apron is the QeeLink. I would be happy with any of them - except the Angry Beaver. Full breakdown: Flipzon Work Apron https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q19DT8R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Pros: Most Affordable, light and comfortable, quality leather accents Cons: Cheap straps, odd pockets, color (subjective) Summary: The Flipzon Work Apron is an attractive, light, and comfortable piece that I could see used in a variety of working environments. For the price, it is very impressive. I would say that the main shortfall is the pocket situation: the leather chest straps, while nice in appearance, are only good if your utensils have clips. None of my construction pencils do, so I wouldn’t trust them to stay. Further, while the main pocket is quite accommodating, the side pockets are too narrow for almost any of my hand-tools. I can’t think of good use for them other than straw storage. Finally, the straps are nylon, lack shoulder pads, buckles, or a connecting piece for the cross-back straps. Overall: If you’re on a budget, don’t need too many pockets, and don’t mind an apron that isn’t classic brown, this one is a great choice. ★★★★☆ LEASEEK Leather Welding Work Apron https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNS5SSH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews Pros: Price, quality leather, Cons: Cheap straps, heavy, color (subjective) Summary: The LEASEEK Leather Welding Work Apron is a few improvements away from being a quality apron. It was middle-of-the-road on comfort, had cheap nylon straps and a plastic cross back strap, and the color was pretty orange and splotchy. That being said, the leather did seem of good quality and the smell wasn’t as noticeable as some reviewers suggested. I’ve got a good sense of smell and this apron didn’t bother me. Overall: For an inexpensive leather apron, I think you’re getting a good deal, here. However, for a bit more, you could do a lot better. Also, the wife thought this was the ugliest one, so there’s that. The QeeLink is superior. ★★★☆☆ Angry Beaver - Waxed Canvas Work Shop Apron https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0774CRW1P/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews Pros: color, metal grommets, hammer loops Cons: shoulder pads slip, poor fit, too short Summary: Of all the aprons I tested, there was only one loser, and here she is. Though it was perhaps the best-looking apron color-wise, the fit was relatively poor and it just seemed to want to bunch in the middle and get shorter - and it’s already a bit too short. All of the pockets are the same and they’re too shallow unless you’re only holding screws. The missing cross back strap was noticeable by comparison. Worst of all, the shoulder straps didn’t adjust well and just kept falling sideways down my arms. Overall: Nice canvas and appealing color, but otherwise, it’s a bit of a mess. You could do a lot better. ★★☆☆☆ Leather Work Shop Apron by QeeLink https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079KDMV1Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews Pros: extremely comfortable, quality leather, pocket layout
Cons: cheap straps Summary: This is the most comfortable apron that I tried on, hands down. It feels light, but protective, has a pleasant leather smell despite what some reviewers mentioned, and has an excellent pocket layout. The orange may be a bit much for some, and it is probably a touch too long for my 5’7” frame, but I like this one a lot. If it had better quality straps with shoulder pads or a hammer loop, this one would be the best. Overall: If you want leather over canvas, this here is the one for you. If comfort is most important, it still is. But if you want a bit more quality in the straps, keep reading. ★★★★☆ Texas Canvas Waxed Canvas Heavy Duty Shop Apron https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071P9LM7P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 Pros: extremely comfortable, quality straps, metal grommets Cons: limited pockets, color different than pictured Summary: I’ll keep this one short - this one is highly comfortable, has great straps with shoulder pads and a leather cross strap, and all-around just seems really well-made. The color is much lighter than pictured - more like the deluxe version. The packaging was also impressive. The only downside is the pockets just aren’t as nice as the Hudson. Overall: If you don’t wanna spend the extra $5 for the Hudson, then this is more than a serviceable shop apron - plus it is more comfortable. If you don't need as much for pockets, I'd go with this one. ★★★★★ Hudson Durable Goods - Woodworking Edition Apron https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0798WWM89/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 Pros: all the bells and whistles
Cons: price, stiff Summary: Look, this one is just the best. It has a great color, excellent quality canvas and straps, a terrific assortment of deep and covered pockets, hammer loops, metal grommets, etc. The only complaint I have is that among such stiff competition, this is the stiffest. It really isn’t all that comfortable at first, but after I put a few miles on it, it started to ease-up. I was most torn between this one and the QeeLink, just because I love the feel of nice leather, especially on that particular apron. But at the end of the day, the Hudson is just pure quality and I know it will last me a long time. So for me, this one’s the keeper. Overall: If you can afford it, this one is the best. ★★★★★