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KITCHEN TEXTILES
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ABOUT
Aprons might seem like a simple kitchen accessory… until you actually start using one regularly.
Then you realise some are a joy to wear, and others are annoying or just plain boring (you know the ones, stuffed deep in the back of a drawer).
I’ve been a designer for over 30 years, working across product, graphic, web and surface pattern design (colour and materials have always been my thing), so when I created my own aprons for Republic of Happy, I didn’t just want them to look fabulous… I wanted them to be super practical.
After testing many fabrics and printing processes with more UK manufacturers than you can shake a stick at, and hearing the feedback from my customers, I’ve learned that a great apron always comes down to a few key features.
So if you’re on the hunt for one you’ll love and actually want to wear, here’s what to look for.
This guide is all about everyday household aprons. If you’re after heavy duty professional chef gear, you might need something more specialised, but for daily use, these are the few features that matter.
A good apron should feel comfortable, protect your clothes properly, and survive real life, with regular use and washing.
It’s all in the details...
Let’s start with the foundation.
An apron needs to be tough enough to handle daily use and regular washing… but if it feels stiff or scratchy, you’re just not going to wear it.
When designing mine, I chose 100% cotton drill because it hits that sweet spot: strong, but still soft and comfy. You can wear it without feeling like you’re wrapped in cardboard.
You can see it in action in my bold, colourful Vertical Flowers apron, where the fabric holds its shape beautifully while still feeling soft and comfortable to wear.
It’s also slightly thicker than many lightweight fabrics, which means splashes are much less likely to soak straight through.
Aprons get washed. A lot.
Sadly, one of the most common problems with cheaper aprons is that the colours fade way too quickly. They start quite vibrant and end up looking a bit sad after a few spins in the washing machine.
That’s why I spent a long time finding printers who could produce bold, joyful colours that actually stay that way.
Because if you’re going to wear colour, it should stay colourful.
One of the most annoying things about aprons is that they’re too fiddly to adjust to your size.
Too tight, too loose, too long, too short… not ideal when you’ve got your hands covered in flour.
When creating my own design, I wanted something super easy to adjust that would work for different body shapes and heights, without the constant faffing around.
So I use a design where the tape runs through tracks under the arms. You just pull the tape on each side and the apron automatically adjusts to your preferred position!
No more tying awkward knots at the neck. Just on and go.
The tape is also wider and made from cotton, which makes it much more comfortable around your neck. No scratchy, digging straps.
This is one of those things you might not think about… until you have it. And then you can’t live without it.
Many aprons either don’t have a pocket at all or have one that’s too small to be of any use.
A proper, generous pocket means you can keep useful things like your glasses, phone, recipe notes, or that essential tea towel at hand. One customer told me it’s where her tasting spoon lives while she cooks... love it.
Little detail, big difference.
A great apron should protect your clothes (obviously), but still let you move freely.
You want something that:
If it’s annoying to wear, it’ll end up hanging on a hook just looking pretty.
Now we get to my favourite part.
Most aprons are treated as purely practical… but life shouldn't be that dull.
Growing up surrounded by the vibrant colours of Colombia, and later training as a designer, made me fascinated by how colour can deeply affect how we feel. You can read more about that in my post on how bright colours can boost your mood and transform your home.
So when I design, I’m not just thinking about how something works, but how it makes you feel.
A colourful, joyful print might seem like a small thing, but it can genuinely lift your mood. So many customers tell me cooking feels more fun when they’re wearing their vibrant Republic of Happy apron.
I think our everyday moments deserve those little touches of joy.
Yes, of course aprons are brilliant in the kitchen.
But they’re also perfect for:
🎨 Painting and crafts
🌱 Gardening
✨ Hosting while looking fabulous
Once you have one that’s comfortable and easy to wear, you’ll be reaching for it for all sorts of messy or creative activities.
If you’re shopping around, here’s a checklist to keep things simple:
✔ Strong but comfortable fabric
✔ Machine washable (non-negotiable)
✔ Colours that won’t fade
✔ Easily adjustable fit
✔ Generous pocket
✔ Good coverage
✔ A colour/print design you actually love
Because if you love it, you’ll use it.
When I designed my aprons, I took everything that makes a great apron… and made sure it was all there.
They’re made from soft but durable cotton drill, with a super easy adjustable fit and a generous pocket that’s actually useful.
And of course, they feature my original bold, colourful prints, designed to bring a bit of joy into your everyday cooking and creative moments.
They’re made in small batches here in the UK by some of the most experienced printers and sewers.
If you fancy adding a bit of colour (and practicality) to your kitchen, you can check out my colourful apron collection here.
What is the best fabric for a good household apron?
Cotton drill is a great choice because it’s durable, breathable and comfortable. It stands up well to frequent washing without feeling heavy or stiff.
Should aprons have pockets?
Definitely. A good pocket makes life so much easier when you’re cooking, baking or crafting.
How should an apron fit?
It should sit comfortably, cover most of the front of your clothes, and be easy to adjust so you’re not constantly fiddling with it.
Are aprons only for cooking?
Not at all! They’re just as useful for crafting, painting, gardening, and any other messy activity where you want to protect your clothes.
A great apron protects your clothes… but it can also make everyday moments feel a bit more joyful.
And if you ask me, we all deserve a bit more of that!
Stay colourful :-)
Had enough of fifty shades of grey? Here’s your permission slip to express yourself, be bold, and surround yourself with vibrant, joyful colour. Go on, you know you want to!
