Cross-Back Aprons

Comfort-First Cross-Back Aprons

If you’ve ever worn a traditional neck-loop apron and ended the day feeling like a sack of flour took up residence on your spine, it’s time to meet your new favorite kitchen companion: the cross-back apron. Designed to slip on effortlessly and drape comfortably across the shoulders, these aprons trade pressure points for comfort and look good doing it.

Our collection of criss-cross-back aprons is made for the daily doers—the stirrers, potters, bakers, picklers, planters, and “I-just-like-looking-put-together” types. Crafted from natural fabrics like soft linen and organic cotton, each is handmade with care, simplicity, and sustainability in mind. The aprons that cross in the back are the soft armor you never knew you needed. And yes, you can absolutely wear them even if you’re just heating up leftovers. 

Find Your Apron Personality (Yes, That’s a Thing)

If you think all aprons are just fabric with strings, you'll want to double-check your selected style before you buy. At Portland Apron Company, we’ve stitched up a few distinct styles so you can choose the silhouette that suits your craft, your kitchen, or your plant-watering aesthetic.

The Pinafore Cross-Back Apron

The classic. The icon. The apron equivalent of that one friend who always looks put-together but swears they “just threw this on.” With a roomy silhouette and wide shoulder straps that cross in the back, thePinafore offers full coverage and ease of movement—ideal for weekend baking marathons or last-minute plant repottings.

The Japanese Cross-Back Block Smock

Equal parts art teacher and cozy-day essential, theBlock Smock is your go-to when you need something a little more structured but still comfortable.Its boxier fit and wider body give it a smock-like feel, perfect for when flour’s flying or paint’s dripping. Also, pockets. Always with the pockets. (Becausecross-back aprons with pockets are a love language.)

The Split Leg Cross-Back Apron

For the real movers and doers. This linen beauty features—you guessed it—split legs, which makes it ideal for serious kitchen sessions, ceramics work, or any situation where bending, crouching, or general apron acrobatics are on the agenda. TheSplit Leg has all the cross-back charm, with bonus mobility.

Each style comes in soft, breathable, sustainable fabrics that feel as good as they look—and wear even better over time. Whether you like your fit loose and flowy or prefer a bit more structure, there’s a style in our collection that fits, feels, and looks like it was made just for you. 

Good for the Planet, Better for Your Laundry Basket

We’re not into fast fashion—or fast anything, really. Ourcross-back aprons are made usingorganic, earth-conscious materials like linen, cotton, and hemp, all sourced from domestic textile companies that share our obsession with quality and sustainability.

What does that mean for you? The natural texture of linen gives every apron a relaxed, lived-in look that only gets better with time. And let’s not forget:natural fibers mean better breathability, easier washing, and fewer synthetics ending up in the ocean. So every time you slip into one of our linen aprons in a cross-back style, you're not just making a smart choice for your wardrobe—you’re making one for the planet, too. 

How to Wear a Cross-Back Apron

Still curious how our criss-cross-back aprons actually fit? Watch this quick video to get a closer look at how these styles move, sit, and settle into your daily rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cross-Back Aprons with Pockets

If you'd like to know more about ourcross-back aprons, check out our helpful FAQs down below.  

Do cross-back aprons fit all body types?

Yes! The beauty of the cross-back design is its flexibility. With no ties and a relaxed fit, it adapts to a wide range of shapes and sizes—snug where it should be, roomy where it matters. 

Will a cross-back apron stay in place while I’m working?

Absolutely. The crisscrossed straps help distribute weight and hold the apron securely without constant adjusting. It moves with you—whether you're kneading, weeding, or wrangling small humans. 

What’s the difference between cross-back and traditional aprons?

Cross-back aprons skip the neck strap and tie entirely, opting for two wide straps that cross over your shoulders. Less pressure, more support, and none of that slow strangulation feeling by hour three of cookie baking.