8 Best Woodworking Aprons (Tested & Reviewed in 2024)
If you’re a woodworker, you know how valuable a quality apron can be. It protects your body and clothes from an assortment of messes like paint, stain, glue, and much more.
But the tough part is finding a decent quality woodworking apron that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. That’s why I put together this list of the best woodworking aprons you can buy. Here are my favorites!
In a rush? The best woodworking apron is Down Under Leather Woodworking Apron. I strongly recommend going with a leather apron for more protection and durability. This is a strong, long-lasting, and comfortable woodworking apron I’d recommend for anyone.
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- 13+ aprons considered
- 8 aprons thoroughly vetted and hand tested
- 26+ hours of use
8 Best Woodworking Aprons Worth Your Money
- Best Overall Woodworking Apron: Down Under Leather Apron
- Best Woodworking Apron Made in the USA: Under NY Sky Tool Apron
- Best Woodworking Apron for Women: Hudson Durable Good Canvas Apron
- Best Canvas Woodworking Apron: Texas Canvas Wares Canvas Apron
- Best Woodworking Apron for Big Guys: Woodworking Apron with 10 Pockets
- Best Short Woodworking Apron: NoCry Heavy Duty Work Apron
1. Down Under Leather Woodworking Apron – #1 Best Leather Woodworking Apron
- EXCLUSIVE QUALITY: Treat yourself to the finest with Down Under Aprons made from 100% genuine leather that will look better with age.
- NO DISTRACTIONS: With highly resistant leather, you can focus on the task at hand without worrying about spills or splashes.
- STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE: Look and feel great while you work with adjustable straps, lightweight leather, and classic styling.
If you want the best shop apron you can buy, the Down Under Leather Apron is the choice for you. This apron is made of genuine leather – so it can last a lifetime. It features tons of different pockets and holders so you can easily access your hammer, measuring tape, or other tools.
It has cross back straps that are great at preventing shoulder and neck strain that some other aprons yield.
It’s also heat resistant, meaning it can be used for welding and other high heat projects.
Lastly, this apron looks great. You can tell that it’s a quality apron just by looking at it with leather straps and riveted loops.
What I Liked:
- Genuine leather construction meaning it’s going to last
- Plenty of pockets and holders for an assortment of tools and supplies
- Heat resistant so you don’t have to worry about working with heat
What I Didn’t Like:
- Shoulder straps are slightly uncomfortable
- More expensive than other options
- Slightly heavier than others because of the leather construction
My Thoughts:
Overall, the Down Under Leather Woodworking apron is the best of the best. It has the perfect mix of quality, durability, comfort, and price that you can find. Because of its leather construction, you can expect this apron to last for decades. It’s the best leather woodworking apron you’ll find. Yes, it’s more expensive than other aprons, but it’s for a good reason. This is the type of product you should only have to buy once in your life, and the Down Under Leather apron is that product.
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2. Texas Canvas Wares Work Apron – Most Comfortable
My second choice is the Texas Canvas Wares apron. This apron is constructed with a waxed canvas material that’s pretty tough and durable. No, it’s not as durable as the leather Down Under apron above, but it’s still a great apron that’s comfortable, protective, and durable.
Like most woodworking aprons, this one include a variety of pockets, loops, and holders for all of your equipment. Whether you have a hammer, tape measure, or pencils – this apron can hold it.
But where this apron stands out is comfort.
It features padded shoulder straps that are extremely comfortable and an adjustable back strap so you can’t tell that it’s there. It’s also pretty lightweight (made with a 16oz material), which means less strain on your back and neck.
Finally, the pockets are riveted, which gives it even more durability.
What I Liked:
- Extremely comfortable so you can complete projects for hours
- Lightweight so you won’t have something weighing you down
- Affordable, so you won’t spend a fortune
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not as durable as leather aprons
- Stiffer at first, but it loosens up over time
My Thoughts:
If you want a work apron that’s both durable and comfortable, this Texas Canvas Wares apron is the apron for you. My favorite part of this apron is the padded straps that make it feel like you don’t have an apron on. It’s extremely comfortable and adjustable, so it works for anyone. Hands down, this is the most comfortable woodworking apron you’ll find.
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3. Briteree Work Tool Apron for Men and Women
This Briteree Woodworking Apron is another solid apron that’s manufactured with a 20oz waxed canvas material that’s durable and medium-weight.
This one is slightly more heavy duty than the Texas Canvas Wares above, which means it also weighs more, but it’s still very comfortable and not overly heavy.
It features many different pockets and loops that are extremely convenient. For example, the magnetic pocket can hold nails and screws so you can easily grab them when you need them and it also has pockets for your phone and other accessories. It even has a metal ring that you can use to hold a towel or hammer – which stands out against other shop aprons.
The padded shoulder straps and customized fit make this one of the more comfortable woodworking aprons you’ll find.
What I Liked:
- Medium-weight apron that’s not too heavy or light
- Very comfortable so you won’t run into back pain while working
- Easily washable
- Priced well
- Magnetic pockets are convenient
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not as durable as a leather apron
- Some of the pockets felt tight
My Thoughts:
Ultimately, the Briteree Workshop Apron is a solid pick and I’d recommend it for most people. It’s a medium weight apron that’s comfortable and relatively strong. It’s made with a 20oz waxed canvas material that can withstand the beating that woodworking aprons take on a daily basis. It’s also priced affordably, so you don’t have the break the bank to get a nice apron. If you’re looking for an apron with the most pockets, loops, and storage – this is a tremendous option.
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4. NoCry Heavy Duty Work Apron – Best Value
- With 26 tool pockets of different sizes (double-stitched for durability), a tape measure holder clip and D ring loop, you’ll be able to organize all…
- Comfortable to wear all-day-long, thanks to the wider & thicker shoulder pads, convenient bib length that does not restrict movement, and thoughtful…
- Made from extra durable professional grade 600D canvas with waterproof backing to withstand tough woodworking, gardening, BBQ, painting, cleaning,…
Looking for one of the most budget friendly woodworking aprons?
The NoCry Heavy Duty Work Apron is a great choice that I would recommend. This shop apron offers everything you need in an apron at a reasonable price. And I’m all for affordable woodworking tools and equipment!
This apron is made of a waterproof canvas material that’s quite durable and it contains plenty of storage options with over 25 pockets, loops, and clips.
It’s extremely versatile so you can use it gardening, woodworking, or completing projects around your home.
What I Liked:
- Extremely affordable and the cheapest on this list
- 4-year warranty which speaks to its quality
- Many different pockets, loops, and clamps
What I Didn’t Like:
- Didn’t feel as quality as others
My Thoughts:
This NoCry Work Apron is one of the best woodworking aprons for the price. It’s not going to last as long as more durable aprons like the leather options available, but it’s still super strong and offers a plethora of tool storage pockets and clamps. This apron is also surprisingly comfortable with padded straps that are thicker than many others. Lastly, it comes with a 4-year limited warranty which is more than most others.
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5. Hudson Durable Goods – Heavy Duty Waxed Canvas Work Apron
Another solid waxed canvas apron is the Hudson Durable Goods woodworking shop apron. This apron is made from a waxed canvas material that’s pretty durable and provides solid protection.
This is a great middle-of-the-pack shop apron that offers most of the things you’re looking for.
The only things I didn’t like about this apron was how comfortable it was and the lack of storage options. When compared to other aprons, the straps on this one aren’t padded and rubbed against my neck, which can be annoying. Additionally, it doesn’t have a ton of storage and pockets like other aprons, so if that’s important to you – I’d recommend another option.
What I Liked:
- Priced well
- Lightweight so it’s great for working in warm areas
- Very adjustable to fit almost anyone
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not as comfortable as others without padded straps
- Pockets are exposed
My Thoughts:
If you want a lighter-weight apron that’s priced right and gets the job done, this Hudson Durable Goods apron is a solid pick. While it doesn’t have a ton of pockets, it’s a solid apron that I would recommend for the price given the quality of it.
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6. Under NY Sky Tool Apron – Best Made in the USA
If you’re searching for a woodworking apron that’s made in the USA, this Under NY Sky Tool Apron is a great choice.
This apron is constructed with polyamide and can stand the test of time compared to other materials. While it won’t compare to a genuine leather apron, it’s still an amazing apron that’s going to last for years.
This apron is comfortable and contains plenty of storage options for your tools and supplies.
Additionally, this apron is priced well. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s still very affordable.
What I Liked:
- Made in the USA
- Has a magnet pocket that’s great for nails and screws
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not as durable as leather aprons
My Thoughts:
If you’re looking for one of the best work aprons that’s made in the USA, this Under NY Sky apron is the best woodworking shop apron for you. It’s a quality apron that’s built to last. It’s comfortable with padded straps, contains multiple pockets, and is priced affordably.
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7. Durable Denim Jean Tool Apron
- BUILT-TO-LAST: 65% cotton, 35% polyester, thick retro denim fabric.Well Made&Lightweight .Build quality that cheap aprons can’t match!
If you’re looking for the best denim woodworking apron, this Durable Denim Apron is a perfect choice. This is a durable apron with a classic look that’s perfect for many woodworkers and DIYers.
This is a medium weight apron that’s not too heavy, but also not super light.
It’s also very affordable, which I love. And if it ever gets messy, you can throw it in the washer to clean it which is super simple. It has many different pockets you can use to store your supplies, although because they are exposed, dust can get in them.
But there are some downsides as well. This apron isn’t waterproof or heat resistant, which might be a dealbreaker for some people.
What I Liked:
- Priced affordably
- Easily washable – just throw it in the washer
- Medium-weight so it’s not too heavy or light
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not as comfortable as other aprons
- Not waterproof or heat resistant
My Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a denim full length work apron, this Durable Denim woodworking apron is a great choice. It features four large pockets that are perfect for storing items and it’s very affordable. While this apron won’t be for everyone, if you like the denim style, this could be the best option for you.
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8. Woodworking Apron with 10 Pockets – Best for Big Guys
- SUPERIOR PROTECTION: Heat & Flame-Resistant Black thick waxed canvas apron. Extra Long ( 24 inches wide x 36 inches tall ) full coverage apron protect…
- MORE DURABLE: Handcrafted from Flame-Resistant & Rugged 16 oz waxed canvas. Reinforced with heavy gun-metal grommets and rivets. Sewing with stronger,…
- 10 TOOL POCKETS: 10 pockets for tools and work accessories. Include one cell phone pocket, two pencil pockets, 2 Handing Loops, 4 large pockets and…
If you’re looking for the best adjustable woodworking apron that’s great for big guys, this Woodworking apron with 10 pockets is your best bet.
It’s a great heavy duty (16oz) waxed canvas material that’s durable and provides top notch protection when working. This is a medium weight apron, so it’s not too heavy or light, which is nice. It’s also heat and flame resistant so you can use it when grilling or on other projects.
The best part of this adjustable apron is how customizable it is for any person. It’s a full length apron with multiple pockets for all of your tools and supplies.
The only downsides to this apron are the lack of padded straps that can really make your apron more comfortable and the fact that it’s much taller than other aprons. So you need to be sure that this one won’t be too long for you.
What I Liked:
- Great for larger people, making it more comfortable
- Solid price to quality value
- Tons of different pockets for all of your items
- Not too heavy or too light
What I Didn’t Like:
- Longer than other aprons, so be sure it fits
- Shoulder straps are not padded, so it’s not as comfortable as others
My Thoughts:
Ultimately, the 10 Pocket Waxed Canvas Shop Apron is a solid choice for people who need an adjustable apron that fits. This apron is much bigger than others, so it’s great for people with a larger stature. It has adjustable straps for a better fit, although it’s worth mentioning that the shoulder straps aren’t padded, which means less comfort.
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Considerations When Buying a Woodworking Apron
Material
The material your work apron is constructed with makes a big difference in how durable and protective it is.
I firmly recommend going with a leather woodworking apron as these provide the most protection and durability. Genuine leather is extremely strong and is very difficult to puncture, which is why it’s great for woodworking.
That said, leather aprons are slightly heavier and more pricey than other shop aprons, but I think they’re worth it.
Another common option is a waxed canvas work apron. These are much lighter than leather aprons, but they aren’t as durable. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still very strong, just not quite as strong as a leather apron.
Lastly, there are denim aprons. I personally don’t like the look or feel of these, but some people do.
Comfort
Obviously, your apron needs to be comfortable. If you’re working on a project for hours, you want an apron that’s rubbing your skin the wrong way and causing irritation.
You’ll want to look for an apron that includes adjustable padded straps that you can easily adjust to your form.
You should also be on the lookout for an apron that can fit different sized people. After all, an apron that fits is more comfortable.
The most comfortable aprons will feature a cross strap design that allows you to adjust the weight distribution on your back, which makes it more comfortable.
Pockets and Storage
Pockets can come in handy on your woodworking apron. They’re great for storing pencils, tape measures, and other woodworking tools so you can easily access them when needed.
Most aprons are going to have at least a few pockets, but some have more than others. Some aprons will also feature rings, clamps, or even a magnetic pocket that can be extremely useful.
You might want to look for aprons that have a few enclosed pockets so wood dust doesn’t make its way into some of them.
Storage space and certain pocket configurations can be essential for some people, so be sure to pick a woodworking apron that suits your needs.
Check out the video below on why you should own an apron for woodworking!
Price
The price of your apron should also be considered. Leather aprons are going to be the most costly, but it’s because they cost much more to make.
Most woodworking aprons are going to cost between $20 and $150 depending on the quality and brand.
I am a strong believer in the saying “you get what you pay for”, so I tend to buy the better quality products but if you don’t have the budget, there are plenty of great affordable options worth considering.
Size
Just like clothing, woodworking aprons can come in many different sizes. Some aprons are meant for taller people while others are meant for more average sized people. You’ll want to look at the dimensions of the apron to find one that will work for you.
Most claim to be one size fits all, but it’s best to check the size of the apron before ordering.
Warranty
Some aprons will come with limited warranties that can be nice in case something happens to yours. However, not all of them will. And the length of the warranty will also depend. Many aprons will come with a 30 day warranty, but some can be as long as 4 years.
Ease of Cleaning
Unfortunately, your woodworking apron is going to be stained, painted on, or just dirty eventually. How easy it is to clean should be considered.
Leather aprons are typically one of the easiest to clean because you can just wipe away any dirt or grime on the surface. Denim aprons are also very easy to clean because they can be placed in your washer with other clothes.
FAQs
What makes a good woodworking apron?
A good woodworking apron should be comfortable, durable, and protective. The top woodworking aprons are made of leather and have plenty of tool pockets. They should also have shoulder pads and a waist strap for added comfort.
Why do woodworkers wear aprons?
Woodworkers wear aprons for a few reasons. Probably the most important it to protect themselves and their clothes against any debris and harm that occurs when woodworking. Between paint, sawdust, and other substances – woodworking can be messy, and an apron can protect you from it.
Do I need an apron for woodworking?
While it’s not required, I highly recommend using a woodworking apron to protect yourself and have easy access to your tools.
What is the best material for workshop apron?
The best aprons are made from real leather. These are the most durable and protective aprons you’ll find. They’re made to last for decades and are a great investment for any woodworker. While canvas aprons can also be quality, they aren’t quite as good as a leather apron.
Final Thoughts
Woodworking aprons are an essential in my opinion. They protect your clothes and body from the rigors of woodworking in addition to adding some style.
If you’re looking for the best woodworking apron, I highly recommend a leather woodworking apron like the Down Under Leather Woodworking Apron. This work apron is extremely high quality and will last for decades. It’s comfortable and comes with multiple pockets so you can easily carry pencils and other tools with you.
If you’re looking for a more budget friendly shop apron, you can go with the Texas Canvas Wares Work Apron that’s a solid choice for the price.
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