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Whether you cook in sudden bursts or make a weekly loaf of bread, it's worth investing in a quality apron. The best apron has two main jobs: to be comfortable and easy to move in, as well as to protect the wearer (and the wearer's clothes) from stains, spills, and heat.

We spoke with Alex McCrery and Jenny Goodman, the founders of TilitNYC, a professional kitchenware retailer, to get a sense of what goes into quality apron design. They said speaking to chefs and line cooks is the primary way they get ideas. Consider their signature slanted chest pocket: "We got feedback that items like pens and thermometers fall out of vertical pockets when chefs lean over, so we made ours slanted."

There is no one perfect apron, and ultimately, it's a personal choice based on your particular needs and cooking style. We considered functionality and style in our search for the best places to buy chef aprons.

Hedley & Bennett: Thanks to multiple fabric options and thoughtful design features, Hedley & Bennett aprons are made to be worn by professional chefs and home cooks alike.

Amazon: If you're looking for an inexpensive, bare-bones apron, Amazon is worth checking out.

Chefworks: Chefworks aprons have the detail and durability required for professional kitchens, in a range of styles and cuts that make them accessible to home cooks.

Tilit: Tilit aprons are made with durable fabrics and convenient pockets, and are meant to be worn, washed, and worn again in bustling kitchens.

FiveTwo: The FiveTwo apron selection is geared towards the home chef and has an eclectic mix of fabrics, styles, and thoughtful design elements.

Williams Sonoma: If you're looking for novelty prints, Williams Sonoma offers basic aprons in whimsical patterns.