I’ve had a few students show up for classes with brand-new full-length leather aprons. In August. Cool. But not cool. After about 5 minutes of handwork, the aprons came off.
Canvas shop aprons breathe better, but they are still too hot in the spring, summer and autumn, especially if you do a lot of handsawing and planing.
That’s why we decided to make a waist apron instead of a traditional shop apron. I stay much cooler while working in this apron, even in the crazy heat.
Our apron is made in the USA and is designed to take a serious beating. The pockets are reinforced so your tools don’t rip through the canvas (a common problem). And the apron is not so big that you feel like a contractor who has a mobile workshop around the waist.
I’ve been using our waist apron every day for months now and could not be more pleased. It’s so comfortable and lightweight I’ve forgotten that I’m wearing it and have gone to lunch with it on.
If this sounds like a shameless plug, forgive me. But thanks to designer Tom Bonamici and the crew that stitched these aprons, they have exceeded my every expectation.
If you’ve read this far, here is a morsel of news to reward you: We are working on a compact tool roll using the same canvas and design principles.
— Christopher Schwarz
Right on Christopher, I’ve been wearing my apron everyday for the past couple of months and like you I wear mine to lunch and a nap afterwards. No joke, it’s not only comfortable but the arrangement is perfect. I place my quality tools (violin plane small adjustable square and small bevel gage) in one pocket and the more utility tools (small vise-grips, tape, etc.) in there other. An array of pencils and 6” rule occupy the small pockets. Add and subtract tools as needed. I fully intend to purchase one or two additional aprons to make sure I always have one in the future since they are perfect for the office they hold (a rarity in this day and age).
I can’t work in my shop right now. Not much, anyway. I drip all over anything cast iron, and it rusts like crazy. I can’t imagine a leather apron, or even full length canvas.
I wasn’t built for global warming.
one reason i LOVE my basement shop. temp stays ~70° (using the proper imperial measurements) year round. So i get 3 seasons out of my LAP vest!
I remember when lumber companies would make thee up with their logo, and give them out free to customers purchasing lumber. These are nice, but expensive…
The ones they give away are crap. I can rip them apart with my hands. If you can make one for less – this quality and in the USA, please do so we can have one less thing to make….
I’d love it if it came with pencil/pen holders on both sides, you know, for us southpaws.
The next generation will have pencil sleeves on both sides.
Could you make a wraparound version? Pockets 360 degrees. I can use it as a kilt, and stay nice and cool.
Consider this one to be like chaps. :0
I don’t want to hurt their business: https://utilikilts.com/product-category/kilts/workman/
buy two of them
I’ve worn mine pretty regularly and I love it. I’m going to buy another for school since I’m always putting tools down or trying to fill my pockets full of stuff. Keep up the great products!
Y’all need apron hooks for these! I still have some that I made years ago…
Nice apron. They remind me of the mail aprons lumberyards used to give away (along with yardsticks) a gazillion years ago.
I have never been too hot in my canvas shop apron but everyone is different.
Lucky you! Our machine room gets above 85° at times with a dewpoint in the high 70°s. I almost want to be naked.
I never liked full-size aprons since it feels like wearing a few extra (stiff) shirts, but I love this waist apron and use it daily. The quality is fantastic and the size works well – the only thing I would prefer is if the same pencil-holder pockets be on both sides.
The next generation will have pencil sleeves on both sides.
Ooh! Maybe a bundle offer: waist apron and tool roll!
I just bought mine from your Swedish retailer at a surprisingly low price of 25 EUR (=25 USD). Sometimes life is cheaper this side of the Atlantic!
Now I just need a waste apron for my stick chair commode i am planning for my retirement.
I use an apron not only to hold stuff but also to give my shirt some protection from whatever goo I’m working with that day. In other words…consider making a full length apron too.
The apron looks great. When do you use a tool roll and when do you use a cork tip guard? Do you still use the blue tape and plasti dip trick?
Usually, no. The tips go into the center of the roll, so they can’t cut the canvas.
First off, I will not mention how old I am, but I remember when all the old independent building supply, paint stores and hardware stores would give their regular customers a free apron with their store logo, or a product on the front for advertisement if asked for. THE GOOD OLD DAYS! Just had to mention it to see how many other readers remember the same. Gilbert
Love mine. The double front and all the bartacking show the attention to detail. Now I just need the tool roll to cover my rear end with how hot it’s been in the shop.
Tool roll, please
Use it everyday and love it
I’ve been wearing mine for weeks now and it’s awesome. Great pockets for my 6in rule, pencil and tape measure. Great durability. Comfortable. Great looks. Even a secret pocket for #20 biscuits. I wish I had invented it.
I am excited about this apron, and I awfully happy to hear about the tool roll! I love your commitment to quality. Thank you!
How long are the ties? Will they fit a 54” waist? Love the design.
Hi Chris and the team. Are there any plans to have the aprons stocked by your current international suppliers (e.g. Classic Hand Tools in the UK)?
Check with CHT, but I believe they have ordered some to sell.