Restaurant Gloves, Aprons & Towels

Common Questions About Restaurant Textiles

What are the most common types of aprons?

Bib aprons are most often worn by wait staff and servers. They run from under the neck to below the knees, and most are secured by waist ties and an adjustable neck strap on the square neckline. Commonly used in high-end restaurants, tuxedo bib aprons have a V-neck design resembling a tuxedo jacket.

Usually worn by bartenders and servers, waist aprons do not provide any coverage to the upper body. These are typically 11 inches to 34 inches long; the longest options, also called bistro aprons, are often worn by chefs. Bistro aprons protect pants from stains and splashes without hiding chef coats.

Smocks, also called cobbler aprons, fit over the wearer's head and rest on the shoulders, covering the back and chest completely. Ties on the sides keep smocks in place. These aprons aren't typically worn in restaurants and other front-of-the-house operations, but they are common in commissaries and cafeterias.

What are the most common types of gloves?

Foodservice gloves, made for food prep and serving, reduce the risk of contamination and adhere to health codes that restrict hand contact with ready-to-serve food. These gloves are often made from polyethylene, vinyl, and other disposable, non-latex materials. Disposable gloves made of transparent polyethylene provide a looser fit, while other options are tight fitting and opaque.

Cut-resistant gloves protect hands and fingers from injuries when you're working with knives during food prep. They are typically made of metal mesh or special fabrics. Some gloves are available in various colors or with a colored band, so they can be used with HACCP processes to eliminate the risk of cross contamination.

Dishwashing gloves are made of nitrile rubber or latex. Extending up past the hands, these protect wearers from chemicals and hot water while washing dishes and cleaning other surfaces. Heat-resistant gloves protect the wearer from temperatures as hot as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Some dishwashing gloves are machine washable, but others should be washed by hand and air-dried.