Updated March 2025
A functional, comfortable, and good-looking apron can really elevate your studio. It doesn’t have to be super fancy or expensive, just something to get the job done. An old T-shirt or button down shirt might work, but if you want your arms free of extra fabric, a traditional apron just works best. And if you are sitting at a pottery wheel, a specialized, split-leg apron can make a big difference in keeping the rest of your clothes free of clay.
Posted here are some studio favorites that have worked for me, friends, and students. A few are specific to wheel-thrown pottery with a split leg, but others will work for just about any studio situation. In general, most of these aprons feature a simple loop that goes over the neck and ties in the back. There are a variety of smock-like aprons that often have difficult-to-put on straps, but the recommendations below are easy to use, functional, and durable.
Top Pick: The Claypron
The Claypron is the original, full-coverage pottery apron and was developed by the Echo Ceramics studio in Los Angeles, so it has been tried and tested by many potters. The apron has a loose, easy-to-put-on style with a neck loop, a tie at the waist, and two large overlapping leg panels. It is made from 100% cotton, has two pockets, and is 48” long. It’s a great option if you want a long, full-coverage apron.
This is the favorite of many potters, and the overlapping leg fabric provides ample coverage to protect your pants and legs from clay drips and splashes.
The only drawbacks with this apron is the neck loop is not adjustable and at 48” inches long, it may be too long for some.
The Claypron
Available in a few colors including denim, olive, deep purple, and others
$39.99
The Claypron in blue or red. It is also available in olive. Shop this apron at Blick.
Budget Pick: Revco Split-Leg Apron
The Revco apron has an adjustable neck and quick-release leg clips.
This affordable, cotton, split-leg apron is a studio favorite that comes in 36”, 42”, and 48” lengths. Although it has thinner fabric than the Claypron, the Revco Split-Leg Apron has the added bonus of an adjustable, quick release neck loop along with two quick-release leg loops per leg, keeping the apron in place as you move. It’s an ok pottery wheel apron but a great option for general duty handbuilding / glazing / everything apron. In the summer months, the lightweight fabric is appreciated.
Sold as a welding apron, this split-leg apron is also a decent option for working on the potters wheel. The cotton fabric covers your thighs and a bit of your knees, and with three lengths you can choose a size that fits you. The reinforced leather leg joint adds strength and durability. But unlike aprons designed specifically for pottery such as the Claypron, the split leg is not double layered, it is simply hemmed down the middle. The apron is machine or hand washable.
The Revco apron. Note the leg clips which can be used or not. The neck strap has the same quick-release clip, making it easy to take on and off.
Overall this is a great apron that typically retails for $24–$28. The 36” length will work for around 5’ 8” or shorter, while the 42” will work for those around 5’ 8” to 6’ feet in height. Select the 48” length if you are taller or prefer full coverage.
Revco Split Leg Apron
36” $24
42” $28
48” $23
Deluxe Pick: Potters Apron from Atelier Pracht
The Atelier Pracht Potters Apron, pictured here in yellow ochre. Note the towel loop!
The Atelier Pracht Potters Apron is a well-thought out, heavy-duty canvas apron made and shipped from the Netherlands. It has a doubled-over, split-leg design along with an adjustable neck loop, long tie straps, and a loop for holding a towel. It’s available in six colors in normal and also “petit” or shorter sizes. You can also communicate with the Etsy seller and request custom lengths or different fabrics.
This is a great potters apron. Go for this one if the Claypron is too long or if you prefer thicker fabric. This is an apron that will last forever. It has great fabric, styling, and features. The only drawback would be it might be too thick if you are working in hot or humid climates.
This apron is available via Etsy and typically retails for around $51 plus shipping from The Netherlands.
Potters Apron from Atelier Pracht
Available in yellow ochre, marine blue, beige, grey blue, forest green, and black
$51
This deluxe potter’s apron features thick, doubled-up cotton with nice details on the neck loop and ties.
A detail shot of the adjustable neck loop, which is riveted to the apron fabric.
Table of Contents
Top Pick: The Claypron
Budget Pick: Revco Split-Leg Apron
Upgrade Pick: Atelier Pracht Potter’s Apron
More Apron Options
Under NY Sky Pottery Aprons
ClayNGlaze Pottery Apron
Jspft Generic Pottery Apron
makemake tools Pottery Apron
Hedley & Bennet Aprons
BKLYN Claypron
Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron
Denim Apron options
Print-on-demand Aprons with fun designs
More Apron Options:
Under NY Sky Pottery Aprons
The Under NY Sky Pottery Apron is a 43 inch long, split-leg apron available in three colors.
Under NY Sky makes a few pottery aprons.
The Under NY Sky Pottery Apron is a newer option that is a strong competitor to the Claypron. It’s 43 inches long, has overlapping fabric at the legs, an adjustable neck strap and is a bit cheaper than The Claypron. The main difference is that it is made from an 82% cotton / 18” poly blend while The Claypron is 100% cotton.
Under NY Sky Pottery Apron
Available in Beige, Grey, or Green
$32–$35
Under NY Sky also makes a 53” long, full-coverage option made from a poly / cotton twill with a variety of pockets and loops. It also has an overlapping, split leg design that makes it comfortable and functional for sitting at the potter’s wheel. It is very long and best for taller adults.
Under NY Sky Full-Coverage Potter’s Apron
Available in five colors
$43
ClaynGlaze Pottery Apron
The ClaynGlaze split leg pottery apron also has two hip pockets on the sides.
The ClaynGlaze Pottery Apron features blue cotton, a split leg, along with straps that tie at the neck and at the waist. It has full leg coverage and two hip pockets. It’s a great, full-coverage option for throwing on the wheel.
This apron is just under 45 inches long and ties at the neck as well as the waist. It also has two hip pockets. It ships from the UK and is available via Etsy.
ClaynGlaze Split-Leg Pottery Apron
$54
Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron
The Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron is available in five colors and 3 lengths, including pumpkin color pictured here.
One of those strangely named “Amazon” brands, Jspft makes a simple split-leg pottery apron in “mid-weight” 100% cotton in five colors. The nice thing about these aprons is they come in three sizes, ranging from 36” to 43” and it has an adjustable neck strap.
Hand-builders may want the shorter option, but the longer 43” option will be great on the wheel for most people. Choose this option if you want a lighter weight material than The Claypron.
Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron
Available in 5 colors
36”, 39” and 43” lengths available
$35
makemake tools Pottery Apron
The makemake tools pottery apron is available in five colors included cinnamon.
A newer option is the split-leg pottery apron from makemake tools. It seems to be modeled after The Claypron but is a bit shorter, around 39” inches, and is made from a 65% cotton / 35% poly blend fabric. It has an adjustable neck loop, back ties, and is available in five colors.
makemake tools Pottery Apron
$55–$58
The Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron in purple.
Hedley & Bennett Aprons
Beloved in kitchens, the Hedley & Bennett Aprons are equally at home in studios. Available in variety of prints and styles, the basic Essential apron typically retails for around $85 and features high quality fabric, an adjustable neck loop, tie straps, and a length of around 33 inches. These stylish aprons are great for handbuilding, but plan to add a towel for your knees and thighs if you are on the wheel.
These aprons really hold up—personally I’ve had one for kitchen use at home (and occasional studio use) and it is weathered but going strong after more than a decade.
BKLYN CLAY-PRON
The BKLYN CLAY-PRON
Designed with Leslie King, the BKLYN CLAY-PRON is a 43” long, 100% cotton split leg apron. Made of a thicker but still comfortable fabric, it’s available in 5 colors and would look just as good in the kitchen as the studio. It has an adjustable D-ring on the neck, side pocket, and ties in the back. It has a thicker fabric than the Claypron, but it weathers and wears into a comfortable and stylish studio favorite.
Made in Brooklyn, New York, the apron costs $80 and is available directly from BKLYN CLAY.
Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron
This split-leg nylon apron is long-lasting and super tough and is a great hand-building apron. At 35 inches long with water-resistant nylon fabric, it’s also great for sculpture or painting.
Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron.
This apron will cover your torso and upper thighs. The split leg makes it comfortable for sitting down, but you’ll need to grab some extra towels if you are using this on the pottery wheel as it won’t cover your knees.
This apron attaches with quick-release buckles at the neck and waist. It has reinforced corners, a variety of open and zippered pockets, and loops for hanging a hammer or other tools. It’s a well thought out, functional apron.
The only drawback is that it’s not very long (this may be a plus for some) and the thicker nylon fabric may not move as easily with your body. But it’s a super tough apron that will last for many years.
Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron
Available in Black
$40–$43
Denim Apron options
These simple denim aprons are a good option if you are looking for a durable split-leg pottery aprons that also happens to be very short. These aprons are most suitable to those who are 5’ 6” or shorter The apron is made from a thin denim with a tie at the waist. There are also two small pockets.
The aprons are 35” inches long from the top of the chest fabric to the bottom and the fabric is hemmed down the middle. They are a significantly cheaper than other options because of the simpler design and thinner denim, typically retailing for $13, but these are a good option for classroom settings.
Bestoall Denim Apron
$13
The Bestoall Denim Split-Leg Apron
A similar but discontinued Mocohana Pottery Apron. Note the very high seam and short torso coverage. It’s best for people 5’ 6” or shorter.
Blick Thrower’s Apron
The no-frills Thrower’s Apron is available at Blick.
Blick art stores also carry a generic “thrower’s apron” made from denim. It’s 45 inches long with no frills. It just ties at the top and back, it has optional leg loops, and the material is hemmed down the middle.
Thrower’s Apron
$23
Aprons with Fun Designs
Bad Pottery Cat apron. Find it at Redbubble.
Print-on-demand powerhouse Redbubble has aprons as one of their options, and there are a lot of interesting and funny aprons available with pottery themes. Generally they retail for $24 each plus shipping. Here are a few of our favorites, but you can also search the site and find dozens of examples.
ClayBoss pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.
Pottery Cat on the wheel apron. Find it at Redbubble.
Ceramica Kiln ‘Em All pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.
Pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.
Conclusion:
This post has covered a wide variety of aprons for use on the potter’s wheel, in ceramic studios, or in any sort of painting or sculpture studio. In general, a longer split-leg apron is good for those working at the potter’s wheel, while a shorter apron is great for ceramic hand building or sculpting. Our top picks range from a budget option of $24 to an upgrade pick of around $55. Most ceramic aprons are in the $30-$40 range, and they also make a great gift if you are looking for a gift for a potter.
What kind of apron do you use in the studio? Let us know in the comments.
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