Lisa McManus, executive editor, ATK Reviews
Lisa’s Favorite Apron: DII
“The apron shares the rare factor I liked best about my old favorite: tunnel-style ties, which means that anyone can put it on and make it fit instantly with no adjustment of buckles or fussing.
The tie is one very, very long piece of fabric that starts where ties usually do, at the waist, but then goes up a tunnel on the side of the bib, around the neck, and back down a tunnel on the other side of the bib, back to the waist. It can be tied behind your back, but it's long enough to bring around and tie in front, which is how I like to wear aprons. You just slide the tie around in the tunnels so that the apron fits where and how you want. Nice and simple. No hardware.
Because I'm short, a lot of bib-style aprons don't fit; the neck loop is so long that the bib is too low and doesn't cover the front of my shirt, unless I have it tailored, put a knot in it on the back of my neck, or shorten it at the buckle, leaving a long piece hanging down, etc. This tunnel tie means that it is simple and smooth and fits just right on me or anyone else who's in my kitchen.
This one is denim, and it's incredibly soft and comfy. I think denim is one of those fabrics that looks better the more beat-up it gets, so I am not afraid to mess it up. That's always what I fear with really pretty aprons: Can I actually cook in it and get it grease and food splattered and not worry about it? The apron is supposed to protect my clothes; I'm not supposed to protect the apron.
It feels great, soft, and comfy like old jeans—and it isn't too big, bulky, or skimpy. It reaches down below my knees, which I like, but it wouldn't be too short on a taller person. And it's only about $16, so I'm not going to be afraid to get messy in it!”