Years ago, I had a gig working for a theatre company that was invited to the Seoul Theatre Festival. The producers of the festival gave everyone that participated a small gift package when they arrived. Most swag* (the free stuff you get at events) is usually fairly cheep, a small LED flashlight with a logo on it, maybe a baseball hat, or if you’re lucky a t-shirt. The Seoul Theatre Festival gave us all aprons, really nice aprons (with a logo of course). This is a testament to the Korean’s love of food and to a certain practicality. Nearly fifteen years later, I still have that apron. Both my wife and I use it in our kitchen and I have to admit, it has come in pretty handy.
But, all good things must come to an end. I am retiring my old apron, because the Arlo Apron by Toad and Co. is fantastic. I mean, come on, a denim apron? Tell me you don’t want one of those. Made from heavy-duty organic cotton denim with a touch (1.5% to be precise) of spandex, the Arlo Apron will definitely protect you from any errant tomato sauce, barbeque sparks, or bicycle grease.
Not only is this apron rock solid, it’s stylish. I really like the reversed denim on the adjustable straps and corner tabs. I think it looks cool. The vintage brass grommets, D-rings and buckles are also a nice design choice. They are visually pleasing and robust enough to hold up under heavy use. The main pockets on the front of the apron are large, easy to access and sturdy. But my favorite feature on this apron is the buckle on the adjustable strap. Now you don’t have to reach around your back to tie the strings like your performing some kind of magic trick. Simply grab the strap, pull it around and clip it in. Nice!
My only complaint is as follows…the chest pocket is kind of useless. It is very small and difficult to get anything in or out of. You could put some pens there, although you can’t put them in the pen slot because it is too narrow. Not only that but the pocket is sewn on at a slight angle, giving it one of those whimsical design choice vibes that says – we’re not held back by convention… look here is a pocket you can’t put anything in. Of course this won’t stop me from using the apron. Maybe I will take the to-do list that has all of the house projects I’m supposed to finish before my next trip, fold it up and put it in the very bottom of that pocket. Yes, that sounds like the perfect place for that list…
If you’re confused by the name Toad and Co. don’t be. They used to be called Horny Toad and there is a lively debate in the comments section of their website where people are weighing in on the name change. Regardless of how you feel about the name, one thing that hasn’t changed is their commitment to quality. If the Arlo Apron is any indication, I’m sure they will continue producing well-built gear for years to come.
The good:
- well-built
- stylish
- versatile
- buckle on adjustable strap!
The bad:
- chest pocket is kind of useless
Available from Toad and Co. for $49.00
The more you know: The term swag, as it relates to the free stuff you get at events, most likely comes from the second definition for the word which is, goods acquired by unlawful means.
boring stuff: Toad and Co. provided me with a free review sample. This in no way affected the opinions expressed in this review. All images via Toad and Co website.