Running a restaurant means making countless decisions every day: from menu changes to staff scheduling. But when it comes to bulk apron purchasing, many restaurant owners make costly mistakes that hurt their bottom line and staff satisfaction. Whether you're outfitting a new location or refreshing your team's uniforms, avoiding these seven common pitfalls will save you money and headaches down the road.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Material for Your Environment
The Problem: Many restaurant owners default to 100% cotton aprons thinking they're the safest bet, but cotton isn't always the right choice for every restaurant environment.
Cotton aprons absorb spills easily and take forever to dry, which can be problematic in high-volume kitchens. They also shrink unpredictably and wrinkle like crazy after washing: not exactly the professional look you want for your staff.
The Fix: Consider poly-cotton blends or performance fabrics that resist stains and maintain their shape wash after wash. For busy kitchens, look for aprons with soil-release technology that actually helps stains come out easier during washing.
Our bistro aprons come in durable poly-cotton blends that are perfect for high-traffic restaurants. They maintain that crisp, professional appearance your customers expect while standing up to the daily grind.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Fit and Comfort (Your Staff Will Thank You)
The Problem: Ordering aprons in just "one size fits most" or choosing styles that don't accommodate your team's diverse body types leads to uncomfortable, unhappy staff.
When aprons don't fit properly, they create safety hazards. Too loose? They can catch on equipment. Too tight? They restrict movement and make long shifts miserable. Plus, uncomfortable staff don't perform at their best: and that shows in customer service.
The Fix: Prioritize adjustable features and order sample sizes before committing to bulk orders. Cross-back bib aprons distribute weight evenly across the shoulders, while adjustable neck and waist ties ensure a custom fit for every team member.
Consider the different roles in your restaurant too. Front-of-house servers need freedom to move quickly, while kitchen staff need full coverage protection. Our waist aprons work brilliantly for servers who need mobility, while full bib aprons provide maximum coverage for kitchen workers.
Mistake #3: Overlooking the Pocket Situation (Storage Matters!)
The Problem: Underestimating the importance of pockets: or choosing aprons with poorly designed pocket configurations: creates workflow inefficiencies that add up over time.
Servers need quick access to order pads, pens, and wine keys. Kitchen staff might need small tools or cleaning cloths within reach. But in some food prep areas, pocket-free aprons are actually preferred for hygiene reasons.
The Fix: Match pocket designs to specific job functions. For servers, look for aprons with multiple pockets positioned for easy access without interfering with movement. For kitchen staff handling raw ingredients, consider pocket-free designs that eliminate bacteria hiding spots.
Our three-pocket waist aprons are server favorites: they keep essentials organized and accessible without adding bulk.
Mistake #4: Going Cheap and Paying Twice (The False Economy Trap)
The Problem: Buying the cheapest aprons available seems budget-friendly upfront, but low-quality aprons fall apart quickly, fade after a few washes, and need constant replacement.
Cheap aprons often have weak stitching at stress points, ties that break under tension, and fabrics that pill or tear easily. When you factor in replacement costs, lost productivity from apron failures, and the unprofessional appearance of worn-out uniforms, "budget" options become expensive mistakes.
The Fix: Invest in quality construction from the start. Look for reinforced stress points, bar-tack stitching at pocket corners, and embedded ties that won't pull out. Quality aprons last significantly longer and maintain their professional appearance through countless wash cycles.
Our Chef Works aprons and Uncommon Threads collection are built for durability: they're designed to withstand commercial laundering and daily restaurant use without compromising on style.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About Color Strategy (It's Not Just Aesthetics)
The Problem: Choosing apron colors based solely on what looks nice, without considering practicality, stain visibility, or how colors affect customer appetite and restaurant atmosphere.
White aprons might look clean and professional, but they make every stain, crumb, and splash highly visible. On the flip side, certain colors can actually suppress appetite or create unwelcoming vibes in dining areas.
The Fix: Choose colors strategically based on function and brand image. Dark colors like black, navy, or charcoal hide stains beautifully while maintaining a professional look throughout busy shifts. For upscale establishments, consider rich colors that complement your restaurant's aesthetic.
Browse our aprons by color to see how different shades work in various restaurant environments. Black aprons are consistently popular because they hide stains while looking sophisticated and professional.
Mistake #6: Skipping the Bulk Discount Research
The Problem: Many restaurant owners don't realize that bulk purchasing often comes with significant discounts, or they don't ask about volume pricing before placing orders.
Buying aprons piecemeal as needed costs substantially more per unit than ordering in bulk. Plus, you lose consistency: apron styles get discontinued, colors change slightly between production runs, and you end up with a mismatched team uniform.
The Fix: Plan ahead and order your entire team's aprons at once to lock in bulk pricing and ensure consistency. Many suppliers offer tiered pricing that significantly reduces per-unit costs on larger orders.
Contact us directly to discuss volume pricing for your restaurant's needs. We work with restaurants of all sizes to provide competitive bulk pricing that fits your budget while maintaining quality standards.
Mistake #7: Not Planning for Growth and Seasonal Staff
The Problem: Ordering exactly the number of aprons for current staff, without considering employee turnover, seasonal hiring, or business growth.
Restaurants have some of the highest turnover rates in any industry. Running out of aprons mid-season means emergency orders at full retail price, mismatched uniform pieces, or staff working without proper protection.
The Fix: Order 20-30% more aprons than your current staff count to account for growth, replacements, and backup needs. Having extras on hand means new hires can start immediately with proper uniforms, and you're prepared when seasonal busy periods require additional staff.
Consider creating a rotation system too: having backup aprons means you can maintain professional appearance even during peak washing cycles or when aprons need repairs.
Bonus Tip: Consider Customization (But Don't Feel Pressured)
While most restaurants do perfectly well with blank aprons, adding your logo or restaurant name through custom embroidery or screen printing can enhance brand recognition and create a more polished, unified team appearance.
Customization works especially well for front-of-house staff who interact directly with customers, but it's completely optional. Many successful restaurants prefer the flexibility of blank aprons that can be easily replaced or mixed between locations.
Ready to Get Your Bulk Apron Order Right?
Avoiding these seven mistakes will save you money, improve staff satisfaction, and create a more professional appearance for your restaurant. The key is thinking beyond just price: consider durability, functionality, and how your choice affects daily operations.
Whether you need server aprons for front-of-house staff, heavy-duty kitchen aprons for back-of-house teams, or a mix of styles for different roles, we're here to help you make the right choice for your restaurant's specific needs.
Shop Our Server Aprons and see why restaurant owners nationwide trust ApronWarehouse.com for their bulk uniform needs. Need help selecting the right styles for your team? Our friendly customer service team is always happy to discuss your specific requirements and help you avoid these costly mistakes.