Aprons, bakery and catering linen
Aprons, bakery and catering linen: what to specify
Kitchen teams wear and wipe their way through linen faster than any other department. Aprons need to survive hot washes with the logo intact; bar mops need to absorb; a baker's couche needs to hold dough without sticking. This guide covers each item and what to write on the PO.
We're adding this line to our panel of partner mills. We quote it against your spec: MOQ, price and lead time come with the quote, after a sample. The figures on this page are typical industry specifications, not a promise of ours, and we confirm each one against a mill sample before you order.
Apron styles
| Style | Typical size | Who wears it | Specify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bib apron | About 70×85 cm | Chefs, kitchen and bakery staff | Adjustable neck strap, tie length, pockets |
| Waist apron | About 70 cm wide × 40–50 cm long | Servers, bar staff | Pocket layout (order pad, pen, phone) |
| Bistro apron | About 70–90 cm wide × 70–90 cm long | Fine-dining servers, sommeliers | Length to knee or mid-calf |
| Cross-back apron | About 70×85 cm | Baristas, open kitchens | Strap width, no neck strain |
Typical industry sizes; length is usually set per brand.
Apron fabrics
| Fabric | Typical weight | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poly-cotton twill (65/35) | 200–245 GSM | Hard-wearing, holds colour, creases less | Less breathable in hot kitchens |
| Cotton canvas | 280–340 GSM | Heavy, durable, workwear look | Stiff when new, shrinks if not pre-shrunk |
| Cotton twill | 200–260 GSM | Breathable, softer hand | Fades and creases more |
| Denim | 300–400 GSM | Café and barista style | Indigo can transfer when new |
Other catering and bakery linen
| Item | What it does | Specify |
|---|---|---|
| Bar mop | Wipes spills on bars and passes | Size (16×19 in), weight per dozen, ribbed or looped |
| Glass cloth | Lint-free polishing | Linen union or cotton, 50×70 cm |
| Oven cloth | Hand protection from hot trays | Layers and filling. Heat ratings only if tested; we make no heat claim untested |
| Baker's couche | Holds proofing dough in folds | Heavy unbleached linen, width and length per bench |
| Proofing and bread cloths | Cover dough, line baskets | Cotton or linen, size per basket |
Logos that last
- Embroidery outlasts print on aprons washed hot. Keep it to 8–10 cm across on the chest.
- Agree logo position from a fixed point (for example 5 cm below the neck seam, centred).
- Approve a stitched sample before bulk. Thread colour is matched by number, not by eye.
Laundering
- A stain-release finish helps poly-cotton aprons shed grease in the wash.
- Wash new denim and dark aprons separately at first.
- Couches are brushed and dried, not washed after every use, so they keep the flour that stops dough sticking.
OEKO-TEX is available only through a certified partner mill. We show you the certificate number and scope before you order. We make no other certificate claim for this line.
Write your RFQ
What to put in your enquiry
- Item and style (for example bib apron with 2 pockets)
- Fabric, weight and colour
- Finished size, strap and tie lengths
- Pocket layout
- Logo: embroidery or print, size, position, thread colours
- Finish: stain release
- Quantity per style and colour
- Packing per outlet or per staff member
Missing a detail? Send what you have. We ask for the rest before we quote.
Request a sample and quote
Inside the sheet
Fill in one sheet per restaurant, bar or banquet room. Measure the tables, choose the drop, and write the quantities you hold today. It works for any supplier. Send it with your enquiry and the quote comes back against your exact spec.
Free buyer kit
F&B Linen Spec Sheet
One page per outlet: tables, cloths, napkins, aprons and kitchen towels, ready to send as an RFQ to any supplier.
- Outlet (3 checks)
- Tables and tablecloths (5 checks)
- Napkins, runners, placemats (3 checks)
- Aprons and kitchen linen (3 checks)
- Before you send (3 checks)
No sign-up. Works for any supplier, not just us.
Questions buyers ask
What is the best fabric for chef aprons?
Poly-cotton twill for most kitchens: it is hard-wearing, holds colour and creases less. Cotton canvas suits a heavier workwear look. Add a stain-release finish for grease.
What size is a standard bib apron?
About 70×85 cm, with an adjustable neck strap and ties long enough to wrap and tie at the front. Waist aprons are about 70 cm wide and 40–50 cm long.
What is a baker's couche?
A heavy, unbleached linen cloth that bakers fold into pleats to hold shaped dough while it proofs. Linen holds a dusting of flour so the dough does not stick.
Are your oven cloths heat rated?
We do not claim a heat rating unless the product has been tested to a standard. If you need a rated oven glove, tell us the standard and we quote a tested product.