Crossback Aprons

[Orange Yolks]

I have a Manahan (also available from JKI). Not a cross back per se, it's a Y-back. Expensive, but pretty durable, mildly waterproof, has decent pockets, and I like that it has a pocket for a sharpie. The Y-back isn't included, but you can buy it from Manahan's website. Darwin is also a pretty good guy, so supporting him is a cool plus in my book.

https://www.japaneseknifeimports.com/collections/aprons/products/manahan-and-co-apron
https://www.manahanco.com/

 

[labor of love]

looking to order a Valentich apron from carbon next. But my white bark and Hedley&Bennets have both held up quite well. Also the cheapo $30 caldo from amazon was a good first crossback apron to try just to test the waters.

 

[labor of love]

Anybody have any experience with any of the stuff from valentich?
It about that time to pick up a couple of new aprons, would like to hear more about them from anybody that’s tried them.
https://www.valentichgoods.com/

 

[Mikeadunne]

Anybody have any experience with any of the stuff from valentich?
It about that time to pick up a couple of new aprons, would like to hear more about them from anybody that’s tried them.
https://www.valentichgoods.com/

Decent, I have one from them. not cross back. The quality of construction is high. I have perhaps a strange gripe - the straps are too thick/heavy duty and don't really stayed tied that well. Also the metal hardware on the straps is heavy duty and you can kinda wack yourself with it throwing the strap over your head when putting it on - this might not apply to cross back. I prefer my hedley and bennet, but glad I tried it and glad to support their business, they seem cool.

 

[labor of love]

I really like the comfort of H&B but they do fade and become worn after 100+ washings. I guess that’s to be expected. H&B seems like the shuns of the apron world atm I’m surprised there isn’t more competition

 

[Mikeadunne]

I really like the comfort of H&B but they do fade and become worn after 100+ washings. I guess that’s to be expected. H&B seems like the shuns of the apron world atm I’m surprised there isn’t more competition

I hear that. Like I said I’m glad I supported valentich and if you’re interested I think it’s worth checking out. I just decided after buying that one that from now on if I’m gonna spend $90 on an apron I’m going to get the one I know I like. Haven’t done 100 washings yet but I don’t feel like the color is gonna hold up significantly better than the h&b.

 

[jcsiii]

I don't use a crossback but those little apron clips on newerish jackets behind the neck have been a godsend. Can wear bragard travails without having them super loose. I sure wish those could be added to the rest of my jackets.

 

[labor of love]

Received a few aprons from Tilit, both the wrinkle free line and the supply line.
Really recommend the supply line for anyone that wants a nice clean looking non flashy lightweight apron at a very reasonable price.
https://www.tilitnyc.com/collections/aprons/products/supply-apron?variant=29296243605578

 

[Jbpruner]

I'd like to put Cayson into the conversation as well. Thier chef coats and Aprons are all high quality at a decent price. I've used the. For 8 years or so and gave never been disappointed.

https://caysondesigns.com/aprons?apron_styles[]=314

 

[labor of love]

I'd like to put Cayson into the conversation as well. Thier chef coats and Aprons are all high quality at a decent price. I've used the. For 8 years or so and gave never been disappointed.

https://caysondesigns.com/aprons?apron_styles[]=314

Bumping this old thread to see what kinda recommendations I might get.
My Hedley&Bennets are wrecked at this point. Hundreds of washings I’m sure. Still not feeling that company anymore as most of their offerings are in flashy colors lmao.

I like my Tilit aprons but unfortunately they don’t make Cross backs, good designs lightweight, not too flashy, nice thin straps, decent price point. But my neck really prefers cross backs.
White bark is the best I’ve used in terms of weight, durability, simple aesthetic. But they’re roughly $100-110 per apron so I’m not sure I’m in the mood to pay that much.
Cayson looks cool. Might take a chance on one and finally try a Valentich.

 

[Jbpruner]

Definitely try out the caysons. The quality is great and they are longer than most other brands which is nice. I wear them everyday. Thier coats amd cook shirts are quality too.

 

[labor of love]

Oh well my theory is if you wear a nice apron you can cover up your cheap $17 cook shirt/coat and no one notices.
Might look into it though. I can a appreciate a quality coat in the summer

 

[Jbpruner]

That's a good theory...

 

[Taurahe]

Under ny sky is hard to beat for the price. I have several.

 

[jakuda]

reluctant threads makes some decent stuff. Some restaurants in SF use them. i have an Under Ny Sky and the straps are a bit short for my body.

 

[Jbpruner]

reluctant threads makes some decent stuff. Some restaurants in SF use them. i have an Under Ny Sky and the straps are a bit short for my body.

I'll have to check them out. I've seen/ worked at a few places in the bay use cayson crossbacks.

 

[Illyria]

If you're spending that kind of money on aprons, consider getting a chef jacket with a collar - total game changer, as the apron strap goes around the collar and is held in place, reducing all of the neck strain from them.

 

[jcsiii]

Cross backs are towel droppers

 

[Edge]

Cross backs are towel droppers

Can you explain that? I don't understand.

 

[jcsiii]

Can you explain that? I don't understand.

Aprons move as you do and any real active movement like turning or lifting doesn't really effect a bib apron around your waist so your towels stay in place no matter how you fold them. On a crossback these movements will shift the apron to loosen at one point or another and it's typically around your waist as the cross back is one long string around your waist and shoulders. If all you do is stand around they are great but as soon as you have to do anything kitchen related you start dropping towels that are kept on you waist unless you tie them down or fold them so they hang which is not ideal when you need them quickly on a hot line.

 

[Taurahe]

Aprons move as you do and any real active movement like turning or lifting doesn't really effect a bib apron around your waist so your towels stay in place no matter how you fold them. On a crossback these movements will shift the apron to loosen at one point or another and it's typically around your waist as the cross back is one long string around your waist and shoulders. If all you do is stand around they are great but as soon as you have to do anything kitchen related you start dropping towels that are kept on you waist unless you tie them down or fold them so they hang which is not ideal when you need them quickly on a hot line.

I hold the towel in my teeth like a pirate

 

[Jbpruner]

I hold the towel in my teeth like a pirate

Just don't sling it over your shoulder like a mechanic.

 

[M1k3]

Aprons move as you do and any real active movement like turning or lifting doesn't really effect a bib apron around your waist so your towels stay in place no matter how you fold them. On a crossback these movements will shift the apron to loosen at one point or another and it's typically around your waist as the cross back is one long string around your waist and shoulders. If all you do is stand around they are great but as soon as you have to do anything kitchen related you start dropping towels that are kept on you waist unless you tie them down or fold them so they hang which is not ideal when you need them quickly on a hot line.

If you keep them on your waist, you make it easy to cross contaminate and make it hard for me to steal your towel.

 

[jcsiii]

If you keep them on your waist, you make it easy to cross contaminate and make it hard for me to steal your towel.

On the hot line I don't want to have to look for a towel, Hot things hot...everything is hot.

 

[Edge]

Thanks for explaining the towels with regular and cross-shoulder aprons.