What is the difference between an apron and a smock

Providing ample protected for clothing, they are used in a wealth of professions, such as medical, and provide ample protection for clothing. In contrast to smocks, aprons have largely maintained their functional use, yet today they are considered more of a fashionable accessory.

Though never entirely obsolete in the twentieth century, the advent of the new Millennium saw an upsurge in their popularity. Featuring the same bib-style front and dual pockets in the front, aprons are commonly worn in professional kitchens, with chefs using them to protect their clothing against food and liquid splashback.

Most apron designs do not feature a collar. Some are reversible. Their traditional square or rectangle front white cloth design has been retained, as have the dual front pockets. They are designed to be tied by the side or behind the waist, providing ample protection of the torso.

However, most only reach to the waist and do not cover the arms or shoulders, leaving clothing or skin exposed. The advent of digital printing has seen a surge in printed designs for garments of all descriptions. Institutions and businesses alike recognise the value of being able to emboss a logo, crest, image or even school motto onto clothing.

T-shirts and other casualwear have long used customisable designs to build their brand authority, though with such widespread application, garments such as aprons and smocks are increasingly used for the same purposes. It covers more area on the top half of the body than a bib apron and also covers your back. Aprons are used in restaurants for many purposes, but its main purpose is to protect you from getting spills and stains on your clothes. Aprons are also used by businesses for employee identification.

Wearing an apron prevents your food coming into contact with the dust, dirt, hair, germs and whatever else might have been floating around you throughout your day. Available in a variety of colors and styles with white being the most popular color for medical professionals. Pockets on a smock are deeper than an apron and protect all of your upper body. Two main styles of smocks: jackets or coats.

Typically have 3 pockets — two on the bottom and one in the upper left side of the garment, whereas aprons usually have 2 pockets on the bottom. May also have a built-in-belt in the back and usually have a straight bottom hem. Smock Jacket or Shirt A smock jacket sometimes called a smock shirt is shorter than the smock coat by at least six inches. Smock Coat or Dress The smock coat is a longer version of the smock jacket inches and is also known as a lab coat. Smocks are popular with teachers, doctors, technicians, painters, dog groomers, and pharmacists.

Bib Aprons are the most common type of aprons to protect clothing while working. Bib aprons became a popular choice based on its practical design and full coverage. Bistro Aprons are usually designed for professional servers, such as cooks and kitchen staff and are available in different lengths such as half bistro or full bistro apron. Kitchen staff often wear bistro aprons because they provide space to wipe their hands as well as offering full body coverage that protects staff from frequent spills and splashes.

Cobbler Aprons cover the front and the back of clothing, can have pockets, and tie on both sides at the waist, providing effective protection for the front and back of clothes. Cobbler aprons are often made from polyester and cotton blends in a wide range of styles, sizes and colors that are machine washable.

Aprons are part of the restaurant worker uniform and are often required in food production and serving areas only.