• Wear a specific apron style depending on the type of protection needed.ma??tre d'h?¡ätel (3) image by fotogis?¡§le from Fotolia.com
  
  An apron is primarily used as an outer protective garment covering the front of the body when working in specific activities. Most people in the food industry and factories use them while working. Others use aprons for hygienic reasons and also to protect clothes from wear and tear. Aside from the popular ones used by homemakers, chefs, cooks and other kitchen staff, there are also aprons used for medical, cleaning or even religious purposes as those worn by X-ray patients, carpenters, blacksmiths, clerics and bishops.
  
  

Kitchen/Homemaker Apron

• The kitchen or homemaker apron is a popular type of apron mainly used when cooking. Most are bib-style aprons that are worn over the neck, then tied or ribboned from the side to the back.
  
  This apron generally protects homemakers while cooking and prevents dirt, oil and odors from getting onto the clothes. It usually has large pockets to make utensils and other materials easily accessible. It is also typically available with embroidered or customized designs from vintage to handpainted styles to cater to the varying tastes of homemakers.
  
  

Restaurant Apron

• Restaurant aprons often serve as the establishment's uniform for the restaurant personnel. Various catering establishments also use this type of apron for their employees. Since a restaurant apron generally identifies the staff and name of a restaurant personnel through the logo and the design of the apron, it helps customers distinguish the restaurant personnel from other people in the restaurant.
  
  Like a kitchen apron, the restaurant apron protects the worker from possible accidents, such as spilling hot drinks, soups and other liquids. It also provides more comfort and peace of mind while working in the kitchen or serving food for restaurant guests.
  
  

Lead Apron

• A lead apron is used in various medical fields to protect both medical workers and patients from X-ray radiation. When not in use, it must be kept separately from other clothing. Unlike kitchen and restaurant aprons that are typically made of cotton or other similar clothing material, this type of apron contains the metal lead and it requires a more specialized disposal process.
  
  A lead apron is generally part of the uniform in dental practices. It is worn by patients undergoing specific medical operations to prevent radiation from entering the body. It is also mandatory for X-ray machine operators and doctors working in the radiation zone to shield the body from radiation.