Cheesemaking is one of the most demanding jobs in the food industry. It’s a mix of craft, science, long hours and almost constant contact with water, whey and cleaning agents. In this kind of environment, it’s no wonder that ordinary aprons don’t last.
A cheesemaker’s apron must be industrial-grade, specially designed to handle hours of use, exposure to moisture and rigorous cleaning routines. Whether you’re in a large dairy facility or a small artisanal business, it’s a smart idea to invest in top quality gear that is up to the challenge.
But how do you find the right one for your needs? Below, we’ll show you what features and qualities to look for in an industrial waterproof apron.
Why PVC is the best material for cheesemaking aprons
First things first, you need to choose the right material. Cotton is a total no-no, as it simply isn’t tough enough for the daily wear and tear of a typical day. You may consider rubber, but this too will wear out faster than you’d like. Both of these options are also no good from a hygiene perspective, as they’re too difficult to keep clean.
PVC, on the other hand, ticks all the right boxes. It is:
- 100% waterproof – so it fully protects against liquids and splashes.
- Resistant to oil and chemicals – it can stand up to everything from sanitisers and cleaning agents to salt and acidic substances
- Smooth surface – this makes it easy to wipe and disinfect between uses, and there are no nooks and crannies for dirt to hide in
- Long lifespan – reinforced seams and thick material prevent tearing and resist abrasions.
- Comfortable fit – it’s lightweight yet strong, making it comfortable to wear even for long workdays.
Spotlight on: 999HW Industrial Heavy Duty PVC Apron
A great example of PVC in action in a dairy setting is our 999HW Industrial Heavy Duty PVC Apron. It’s made from ultra-tough 500gsm PVC. It’s oil resistant, made with special polymetrics which enable it to withstand whatever chemicals or corrosive substances you may encounter during a typical working day. It’s also abrasion resistant and fully waterproof.
Another reason it’s one of the best PVC aprons for cheesemakers is the deliberately simple design. It consists of just one piece of PVC with durable, adjustable PVC ties. This makes it easy to throw on over other clothing, so there’s no need to struggle in and out of it at the start and end of the working day.
Despite its heavy duty material, food industry professionals who’ve used this apron say its comfortable and light enough to wear for extended periods. As an added bonus, it can be trimmed to fit wearers of any heights – as well as being useful for those who prefer a shorter or longer apron. If you want something more heavyweight and with elastic straps for comfort, try the premium 999ST Apron.
If you need added arm protection, you can always slip on a pair of our 202 Commercial Sleeves. They’re commonly used in commerical fishing, but have also become popular in the food industry thanks to their waterproof qualities and comfortable mid-weight poly/cotton backed PVC material.
Other key features to look for when buying industrial waterproof aprons
While it depends on the work environment and the preferences of the wearer, cheesemakers may want to look for some of these features when buying new aprons:
- Full coverage – protecting the torso, legs and sides from splashes
- Reinforced or welded seams – these increase durability, as seams are often weak points in workwear
- Adjustable straps – to ensure a comfortable all-day fit for every wearer
- Comfort and mobility – the design should be easy to move in, whether stirring, lifting or cleaning.
Here at Stormline, we specialist in professional-grade workwear for food and farming industries. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right product, feel free to get in touch.