Best Gardening Apron Roundup (2024 Homesteader Style)

Do you feel like we've suddenly rediscovered aprons the past few years? I never wore one until they started majorly trending after spring of 2020, but now I can't stop.  I honestly don't know why we let this simple accessory fade away in the first place!  Whether I'm washing dishes, baking bread or harvesting cucumbers in the garden, I'm wearing an apron. Today I'm bringing you a round-up of the Best Gardening Apron (2024 Homesteader Style)!

My stash has grown, and today I'm sharing my current top picks with you!  I've rounded up my favs to help you find the best gardening apron!

All of these aprons are affordably priced at less than $40 and have different features that make them super useful. Before publishing this post, I double checked to make sure they are all still available, too. Keep reading to see why I chose these aprons!

Jump to:

• What to look for in an apron
• The best gardening aprons I've found so far
• Roo gardening apron (pictured above)
• ​Ticking stripe apron (pictured above)
• Washed cotton smock (pictured above)
• Cotton linen Apron Crossback
• Roo Joey Apron (pictured above)
• ​Perfect gift for the gardener or homesteader in your life!
• More most loved gardening posts:
• Comments

As an amazon associate, this post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

What to look for in an apron

I think the most important feature of any apron is how easy it is to put on and take off.  The motion needs to be effortless and fast.  If wearing an apron is anything like taking off a post-workout sports bra, you'll never want put it on in the first place.  

I've included two aprons in this roundup that just slip over your head and that's it. No tying or adjusting necessary! The other three aprons do have adjustable straps, but they are still easy to wear.  

An apron should also be washable. The whole point of wearing one is to keep your daily clothes from getting dirty, so I think we an all agree that the purpose of the apron is to, in fact, catch any splashes or smudges. 

I bought an apron once from Anthropologie, and it was beautiful. It was coral and had a lovely embroidered pattern. And no, this would not have met my above mentioned qualification for "best aprons under $40." 

Do you want to know what happened the first time I washed it? The darn embroidery thread bled all over the apron! It stained horribly, almost like an accidental tie-dye. Never again. My aprons need to be able to be washed often. 

The best gardening aprons I've found so far

I needed a good gardening apron.  As I said, it can't be afraid of my washing machine. While water resistance is a bonus, it isn't a deal breaker for me.  Some of the different options I've included are water resistant, but a good garden apron doesn't necessarily have to be. 

​My body type is tall and slim, and all of these aprons fit my height.  I also really like to have a good number of pockets in my aprons for quick access.  Plenty of pockets is never a bad thing, is it? I also like a mix of lengths, from full-size aprons to half aprons.  

​While there is no such thing as a perfect fit, I do expect a good fit in all the right places.  The smock style aprons are easy because they don't need adjusted for a proper fit, but it is nice to have the option to adjust the neck straps or loosen the waist every once in a while.

Since every garden task is different, I'm ranking these aprons for specific chores, not every single garden project at once. The various styles are tailored for yard work, harvesting, just "running out to pick a tomato real quick" (ha! we know better than to believe that lie after all of these years).

Roo gardening apron (pictured above)

Why I love it: This is more of a personal reason, so I'm not sure if it will resonate with you or not.  I have degenerative discs in my upper spine, and this apron is the most comfortable apron I have found for harvesting lots of vegetables.  I can adjust the shoulder straps to evenly distribute the weight off of my neck.   It also gives me a handy pouch for storing veggies without having to look or bend down. Save 20% with code MEGANAUSTIN !

But I also love it because it is high quality and I really consider it more gardening gear than an apron.  It's incredibly practical, cute and just what every avid gardener needs! Am I hauling seed potatoes or random garden tools in my roo pouch? It depends on the day!

features of the roo garden apron

• made with heavy duty durable material
• large pouch for collecting the harvest
• easy release for emptying pouch
• 3 storage pockets
• one size fits most
• lined with water-resistant nylon to keep you dry
• The patented design of this apron keeps the weight off your neck with adjustable straps and distributes the weight evenly across your shoulders and back and will hold up to 45 pounds of produce!

​Ticking stripe apron (pictured above)

Why I love it: This is the best choice for going from kitchen to garden.  It's thick enough to meet my gardening needs, but also lightweight and soft enough for simply canning peaches or baking cookies.  

It's ultra versatile! This is my favorite of the half-length aprons and the one I use most often. I'm 5'10" and this apron is a little short on me, but most things are and I barely notice. If you are average height, this would be perfect for you.

features of the ticking stripe apron

• 100% cotton
• adjustable neck strap & ties
• plenty of deep pockets
• one size fits most
• machine washable

Washed cotton smock (pictured above)

Why I love it: These smocks are a good choice for both gardening and baking. They cover nearly all of your clothes, offering maximum protection from messes.  

I actually have this style in two colors, mustard and gray.  The pockets are perfect for keeping my phone within easy reach and even carrying small garden tools.  And isn't that the entire purpose of a gardening apron?

Five stars for this inexpensive harvest smock! 

features of the washed cotton smock

• 100% cotton
• 2 deep pockets
• one size fits most
• machine washable
• several colors to choose from
• two large pockets

Cotton linen Apron Crossback

Why I love it: While this lightweight apron doesn't have any fancy tool pockets and it's not a thick canvas apron like some of the others, I love this one for when I want to feel ultra airy during the hot summer mornings in the garden. This fabric washes well and I haven't had any stains (so far!) that I couldn't get out.  For the price and comfort, this is a really great type of apron for both the kitchen and garden. The only downside is that the waist isn't adjustable, so sometimes I feel like it's a little too baggy. Not a bad thing, just an observation. The comfort far outweighs the slouchy fit of this full apron.

features: 80% cotton, 20% linen, machine washable, ultra soft, one size fits most, lightweight and breathable, flattering on nearly all body types, 

Roo Joey Apron (pictured above)

Why I love it: This is a durable canvas fabric apron that is a great option for when I'm harvesting a fair amount of produce but I'm not terribly worried about getting my shirt dirty.  I love it for cucumbers, potatoes, okra and other veggies that tend to be awkward or poky.  It has a buckle closure that I can tighten or loosen, depending on how I want it to fit.  Roo Joey aprons are perfect waist garden aprons!

features: waist apron made with durable cotton canvas, water resistant lining, machine washable, extends to 54"at waist, 3 storage pockets, roo pouch for collecting the harvest and easily empties when the latch is released.

​Perfect gift for the gardener or homesteader in your life!

I wish I could tell you which of these garden aprons are the best option, but it's really a personal choice.  I wear them all for different purposes.  My Roo garden apron is my go-to for picking cucumbers and veggies, while the washed cotton smock is ultra light and flowy when it's hot outside and I'm simply watering or pulling weeds.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Which apron is your favorite from my list, and if you have an apron you love that didn't make the cut, please let me know! I'm always on the search for quality garden aprons!

Happy gardening, friend!

Meg

More most loved gardening posts: