I have worn quite a few aprons throughout the front and back of the house (FOH/BOH) work and this is one of the best that I've owned that is well-suited for either side (but more so for FOH). It's an appropriate length: not too long like drowning in a dress, and not too short like a mini skirt. It's been tough lately searching for kitchen and restaurant necessities for some reason, but this is one that I would gift to a new (career) server. This apron would be the one factor that consistently keeps its value and not disappoint them throughout their work lol. There are aprons that I have had that immediately fray upon initial use or will look horrible/fade after washing. Not this one. It may get a little wrinkled after the wash, but will retain a professional shape/smoothness once worn again. I usually neatly fold it when I am not working and the only crease visible is the one ironed half-fold that came from the manufacturer. As a clumsy person, I have also spilled a bunch of water or fluids on myself, and I rarely feel the uncomfortable squish that comes with other aprons that have low durability. I don't give it special treatment -- I will throw it in the washer and dryer with my other clothing and am constantly thrilled that it doesn't warp or change color when it comes out. Since my current uniform is all-black, I will wash them cold and dry them on low heat, separate from my casual clothes (I am forever grateful for in-unit laundry). Some qualities I would like to highlight: -- Pen pocket: YES. It is a little deep (my pens get lost sometimes), but I also will fit chopsticks or "fragile" disposable units there that need to be kept upright and not shredded in my other pockets. If something falls off the edge, it's easy to push it back up, especially since it's a wider width than typical pen pockets. Lab coats tend to have this, but only fit one pen and when you lose something in that section, it can be a struggle if you dropped like, I don't know, a small eraser? Not with this apron! --Three larger pockets: For a total of 4 pockets! One fits my small miscellaneous objects like napkins or bottle openers, the other two larger pocketes fit my checkbooks. This is a great advantage because the checkbook that holds my personal notebook/things I need to keep on me is in its separate pocket. The other pocket will fit checkbooks for my tables (usually 2 thin ones -- if they were the bigger cushier ones, it might be able to fit 2 but it's a tight squeeze. Fitting 3 thin ones is a tight squeeze), and if that runs out of room, I will be able to put it in the pocket with my checkbook. It's a huge plus to be able to hold 4 checkbooks like that. --Distance from top of apron to pockets: Appropriate distance! Recently having to borrow someone's apron, I absolutely could not stand where their pockets were located: right under the tie/knot. This sounds like a dumb complaint, but it is extremely uncomfortable when taking something out of your pocket either undoes your knot (which can take 5 minutes to tie if you are at a place that highly values the look of the uniform), or stabs you in the diaphragm because you needed to bend over to do a task you do 3000x per shift. For this, my checkbooks are a good distance, maybe 5-6 inches from the ties? It's a little low, but I don't get bothered by it -- if I want it higher I can tie it higher, but it does not bump into the knot at all throughout the shift. You can see what I mean if you buy a small apron versus this one. --The pockets are on BOTH sides of the apron, bringing it to a grand total of EIGHT POCKETS which is fantastic!! I don't often reverse the apron, however, because: 1) Even with dirt on it, it isn't very visible or it wipes right off 2) The tags (which I could cut too) are visible 3) I would feel that I am "wearing" the dirt if I were to flip it I haven't had an opportunity to have to flip it, since most things wipe right off. The length of the "ties" are perfect length. I say that as being directed to tie my aprons in the past to abide by an arbitrary uniform code. They tie behind, wrap in front, and have enough length to double-knot or to make a big pretty bow. I know it sounds benign, but if you are not familiar with *particular* work habits, it is such a relief to have something so versatile on your side. Anything else I missed? I didn't think I would have such a detailed review, but is it not obvious how much I love this apron?!
