Aprons have long been used to keep workers safe and clean. Butchers, welders, stoneworkers, homemakers and chefs of all types, including the outdoor barbecue cook, use aprons for protection. Until very recently, most people did not have a closet full of extra clothes and washing the ones they did have was a time-consuming affair. The apron kept valuable garments clean during dirty work and prolonged the lifespan of a wardrobe.

While the apron has been a functional article of clothing for ages, it has only recently doubled as a fashionable accessory. Options in material and design for barbecue aprons have exploded, and this practical piece of apparel now enjoys some new flair.

Protection

Of course, barbeque aprons keep clothes from getting soiled by soot, grease, sauce and other grimy byproducts of the grilling process, but a fire resistant apron also helps to protect the griller from heat and flames. Most barbecue aprons are sturdy enough to provide some protection from heat, but when in the market for truly fire resistant aprons, make sure that the garment is made from a flame-retardant material.

Some aprons can be found in fireproof materials like Nomex, but heavy, flame-retardant cotton will also keep the flames at bay and the same material can be found in BBQ gloves that need to provide even more protection since they are closer to the action.

Style

Grilling aprons come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one is almost as tough as picking the perfect sauce. A simple waist apron will keep that sauce off the trousers and doesn’t get in the way, while a full length bib apron will completely defend against BBQ dirt of all kinds. Most of these styles are modeled after practical chef aprons and can usually be found with pockets for keeping a handy supply of spices or utensils nearby.

Far from being simply a functional garment these days, BBQ aprons can be found in just about any material or color and are often customized with logos and designs. From classics like “Kiss the Cook” or “King of the Grill” to monogrammed custom designs and pictures, the apron can add a personal touch any griller’s style.