Aprons are not one size fits all. Too many "one size" aprons ignore the needs of plus size, larger bodied, and fat people. On larger bodies an ill-fitting, too-small apron is a hindrance rather than an asset; ties that untie, coverage that gaps, bibs that barely cover one boob, let alone two ample ones.
Plus size people — of all genders — need plus size aprons!
Poorly fitting aprons were one of my greatest annoyances in pastry school. Solid black aprons worn over bulky chefs coats were mandatory. Trying to find ones that fit was harder than making entremets.
So I thought it was time someone put together a list of the best places to buy plus size aprons designed to accommodate larger bodies. That someone is me. And that list is this list.
Thanks so much to all The Practical Kitchen readers on Instagram and Twitter who chimed in with where you've bought plus size aprons you like!
NOTE: Throughout this post I use the terms "plus size" and "fat" interchangeably. "Fat" is not an insult. It's neutral descriptor, no different from calling someone thin, tall, kind, or short. When we treat "fat" like an insult, we reinforce the idea that it's bad or shameful to be fat. It's okay to be fat! Fat people deserve cute, fun, functional aprons too! [Read more: "Fat Isn't a Bad Word" by Aubrey Gordon]
For aprons that are available in multiple sizes, I've included the largest available measurements here. Safe to assume if you're smaller than that, they'll have an apron that fits you. So I've prioritized including the largest measurements.
Got a plus size apron rec to share that I missed? Leave a comment and let me know!
Without further ado, let's dive in!
NOTE: I've linked to specific aprons featured in the photos below where possible but many of them are custom made listings and may not still be in stock. Check the storefronts for a complete list of available aprons!
1. Fat Folks Can — Heavy duty canvas customizable aprons up to infinifat sizing (7X, 30+)
These handmade canvas aprons by Christine go at the very top of this list for a reason. They are the ONLY aprons I could find with sizing options specifically designed to fit superfat and infinifat (US size 32+) people. Fat people deserve cute, fun aprons too and Christine absolutely delivers.
Of all the aprons on this list, Fat Folks Can's offer the largest dimensions right off the bat, without customization. They do offer custom sizing and adjustments if you need them, so don't hesitate to ask!
Christine's aprons come in a range of fun 100% cotton woven Duck Canvas fabric patterns, and have extra long straps and an adjustable neck strap. They're super durable and just really unique — a great way to make a big statement in the kitchen.
Measurements: (Infinifat sizing) Neck - 47" adjustable / Waist ties - 61" each / Top of apron bib - 21" wide / Waist and hip - 42" wide / Length - 32". Check the Etsy listing for measurements for smaller sizes.
2. Hedley & Bennett — "The Big Apron" (one size)
Trendy apron brand Hedley & Bennett makes the aprons you've seen on Top Chef contestants since season 17. Their classic apron design, which features a side-loop for a kitchen towel, three pockets, and an adjustable neck strap is already a fairly generous cut. And for the big and tall chef, they've scaled up their signature 100% cotton canvas apron for larger bodies, adding some extra side coverage and length.
While I wish Hedley & Bennett offered every one of their signature aprons in a plus size cut, "The Big Apron" is currently only available in three colors: Char (grey blue), Denver (tan), and Olive (dark green).
When I asked you for your favorite places to buy plus size aprons, Hedley & Bennett came up a lot. BUT! I also heard from a few 4X+ superfat folks who found The Big Apron was not big enough for them.
If you're interested in buying one of Hedley & Bennett's aprons and getting it tailored to fit a fatter body, Hedley & Bennett will offer a 30% discount to offset the cost of tailoring if you email them. It's a nice policy, but actually making all their aprons in larger sizes would be even nicer!
(They did give me a discount code to share with you if you don't want to do the extra legwork of emailing: Use code SQUAD10 to get 10% off any Hedley & Bennett apron!)
Measurements: 37" wide by 39.5" long. The straps are each 43" long, and the neck strap is 36" long and adjustable. [Hedley & Bennett size guide]
3. Susannah's Kitchen aka the Vermont Apron Company — Colorful, handmade cottegecore style aprons (up to size 5X)
Susannah's Kitchen came highly recommended by The Practical Kitchen readers. Susannah's main storefront is actually The Vermont Apron Company, while her Etsy shop is where she is able to "pass on some favorites, some OOAK [one of a kind], studio samples, and a few oddities that have no other venue."
Not only are these gorgeous, handmade aprons available in a range of styles, colors, and cozy patterns — cross back, waist tie, double straps, strapless, waist-only gathering aprons — the plus size apron patterns aren't just enlarged versions of straight size aprons. Susannah takes care to scale the patterns appropriately to fit larger bodies.
Measurements: Will vary by design, but should fit up to US size 5X (bust - 60" / waist - 55" / hip - 64"). Each apron is available in four different lengths!
4. Boojiboo — Pinup-style aprons in colorful retro patterns (up to size 4X)
These 100% cotton pinup style aprons by Boojiboo on Etsy are totally unique and one of a kind. No store-bought patterns here! The extra room in the apron bib is a nice touch. It's tailored to fit around a larger bust, and the neck straps tie in the back which lets you adjust it to add more room if needed.
Boojiboo's retro plus size aprons come in a lot of fun colors and food and kitchen patterns. There are always plenty of polka dot options in stock with different accent colors, while the other fabrics seem to come and go. Each apron has two deep pockets on the front and a sweetheart neckline.
Measurements: Neck straps - 29" each / Waist ties - 29" each / Length - 29" / Waist - 28.5" / In the photos, these are being modeled on a standard 2X dress form, though they can fit up to a size 4X.
5. QVC — A simple plus size apron in a range of colors (one size)
If you're looking for a plain, solid color plus size apron, home shopping network QVC has you covered. This plus size apron has a wide front double pocket, extra long straps, and an adjustable neck strap. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and is less than $30, perfect if you need something simple and inexpensive. There is no tailoring or darting in the bust or waist on this apron — it's one flat piece of cloth.
Measurements: 32" wide by 38" long. QVC does not provide measurements for the waist or neck straps, though the neck strap is adjustable. According to reviewers this apron runs large and fits at least up to a US size 3X.
6. BlueCut — A big and tall apron in 100% cotton Duck canvas (one size)
BlueCut's California-made big and tall ("El Jefe") aprons are made of 12 oz Duck canvas. Each one has a chest pocket a thermometer pocket on the bib and two lap pockets.
These are well-designed heavy duty aprons perfect for people working long days in the kitchen or by the grill.
As you can see from the photos, the apron skirt does provide coverage around the sides, which means it will provide decent front coverage on a wider body, but the length of the apron strings is about maxed out as far as tying in front goes. So these aprons can fit a larger body, but you'd have to tie the strings in the back.
Measurements: Length - 39" / Width - 42" / Bib width at neck - 11.5" / Bib width above waist - 18" / Waist straps - 48" each / Neck strap - 12" adjustable. BlueCut tells me they estimate the clothing size equivalent to be a men's 3X. Available in 5 colors.
7. Amazon — A mixed bag of styles, sizes, and prices
If you've ever shopped on Amazon before (and who hasn't?) you're familiar with the grab bag assortment of listings, prices, and quality on offer.
There are definitely plus size aprons to be found, but it's hard to find clear measurements and photos of them on actual plus size people, so you'll have to do some sifting through reviews to find the right one for you.
Shop plus size aprons on Amazon here!
8. Apronner — Adjustable plus size aprons for less than $20 (one size)
Okay, so Apronner sells their plus size aprons on Amazon, but since they have so many options, I'm giving them their own spot on this list. These budget-friendly plus size kitchen aprons are less than $20, and there are lots of helpful user reviews and photos to give you a better sense of just how they fit different body shapes and sizes.
These plus size aprons are made of a thick cotton and linen material, and are machine washable, unlike many of the other aprons on this list.
Measurements: Width - 39" / Length - 39" / Top of bib width - 14" / Apron ties - 39" / Neck - Adjustable.
9. Snapped Aprons — black cross back apron with customizable vegan leather straps (up to 3X)
Snapped Apron's black cross back aprons have a full coverage top and short apron skirt with pockets. The handmade vegan leather cross back straps are interchangeable and customizable — choose from 20+ different colors and patterns.
The shorter skirt and style of these plus size aprons are designed more for an art studio or hair salon, but the water, stain, and bleach resistant polyester/spandex fabric will be right at home in your kitchen too.
Measurements: Size 2XL/3XL should fit most sizes 18-26. Shoulder width - 13" / Body width - 35.5" / Length - 32". The vegan leather straps are adjustable. Custom sizing available on request!
10. Big Bud Press — Full bib and skirt-only aprons with long straps in a range of colors and styles (one size)
Big Bud Press is a Los Angeles based sweatshop free clothing company known for boldly colored unisex clothing with sizes up to 7XL as part of their standard offerings.
BBP first landed on my radar when my friend (and OG friend of the blog) Erin Long did 52 weeks of Big Bud Press outfits during the pandemic. I've long coveted many of their colorful styles, so I was thrilled when dozens of you reached out to let me know how much you love BBP's line of 100% cotton denim aprons for larger bodies.
These aren't the largest plus size aprons on this list by far; they only come in one size. But I do appreciate Big Bud Press' commitment to showing their clothing on models with a range of body sizes so you can really see how they might fit!
Measurements: One size. Width - 26.5" / Length - 28.75" / Apron strings - 42" each / Neck - adjustable.
11. For Home Atelier — Handmade and embroidered linen aprons (up to size 5X)
These linen aprons from At Home Atelier are rated extremely highly on Etsy where reviewers rave about the quality construction and true to size measurements.
Most of what they have on offer are pinafore style Japanese cross back aprons, though there are some waist-only aprons as well. Available in 13 different colors, with deep pockets and gorgeous embroidered details. The front of the shoulder straps attach to the bib with buttons.
Measurements: Some aprons available in sizes XXS-5XL (look for the listings with the big colorful sizing dot). Size 5XL has a 50" circumference and 37" length. Waist-only aprons are available in "one size" (35" wide; 39" straps) or you can request custom sizing for an additional cost. The sizing charts are available in the listing images, not in the listing description.
12. Shift + Wheeler — 100% cotton twill cross back apron with custom sizing available (one size)
Shift + Wheeler is a small queer- and women-owned brand making and selling high quality handmade clothing and bags in Astoria, Oregon. When I asked The Practical Kitchen readers for their best plus size apron recommendations, Shift + Wheeler's 100% cotton twill apron with its cross back straps and stain resistant coating was one of the most popular and enthusiastic recommendations.
This apron is available in three different colors: Navy, Spruce, and Charcoal. There are three pockets on the skirt front and two pockets on the left breast of the apron bib.
Measurements: One size; US Women's 26 / Men's 3XL; Width - 28" / Length - 30" / Straps - 55" adjustable. Shift + Wheeler will do custom sizing for no additional charge.
13. Apron AnyWear — A denim cross back apron with full coverage (up to 3X)
This cross back Japanese style pinafore apron is made from a unique pattern that Apron AnyWear has refined over the years in which she's been making it. Each one is made by and in her home studio, and the measurements are done according to bust sizing.
Apron AnyWear's plus size apron is made from a 100% cotton mid-heavy weight denim with a rust orange top stitching. Each one has two deep pockets in the front of the apron skirt. Unlike some of the other cross back pinafore aprons on this list, the straps on this one do not disconnect from the apron bib.
Measurements: Varies by size; See listing for specifics. 3X sizing: Bust - 52" / Shoulder-to-hem length - 39". Custom lengths available by request.
14. Linen Fairy Tales — Lightweight linen pinafore style aprons (up to 4X)
There's no shortage of places to find plus size linen pinafore style aprons, but Linen Fairy Tales secures a spot on this list thanks to the fact that they also offer a unique side-button apron with full back coverage. Their cross back apron straps are narrower than many of the other pinafore style aprons on this list, which can give an easier range of movement with less pulling around larger arms and chests.
Though Linen Fairy Tales offers their lightweight linen Japanese-style pinafore and cross back aprons in sizes up to 4X, none of their photos feature their aprons on plus size models. It's hard to say how the fabric would fall on a rounder figure.
Measurements: Varies by size; see listings for specifics. Size 4XL: Bust - 51" / Waist - 44" / Hips - 54".
15. Artsy Craftsy Boutique - Fun and flouncy pinup style aprons for cosplay and kitchens (up to size XXL/5X)
Sandi Graham of Artsy Craftsy Boutique makes handmade plus size retro-style pinup aprons that look great at Comic Con and in the kitchen. Happy 5-star reviewers seem fairly split in where they're wearing these aprons — some in the kitchen, some for costumes.
These flirty, ruffled aprons are made from high quality fabrics with lined pockets, long ties for the neck and waist, and a deep-V sweetheart neckline. Upgrade any of their straight sized aprons to plus size by adding this plus size upgrade listing to your Etsy cart.
Measurements: The sizing is a bit confusing here, so you may want to reach out if you have specific questions. The plus size aprons come in two sizes, "20-22" which fits someone who usually wears a 1X/2X and "XXL" which fits someone who usually wears a 3X/4X/5X and can fit up to a 60" bust size. Measurements for the skirt and length vary by design, so check the listings!
For more of my product roundups and gift guides click here. For a master list of my favorite kitchen tools click here.
Rachael
If any of your readers are sewers and want to make their own, Muna & Broad has an apron pattern in their Patreon files (up to 70 inch hip, I think, plus they'll grade up their patterns for free if you need larger). Helen's Closet also has an apron pattern or two, up to about a 60 inch hip. I haven't made these aprons, but can vouch for the quality of both companies patterns in general and their excellent, beginner-friendly instructions.
Rebecca
Thanks so much for sharing!!
Melissa
Thanks for this guide! Based on your recommendation, I just ordered from ApronAnywear’s shop