Q: I'm looking to give a young relative an apron that is both practical and stylish — I'm thinking French bistro or patisserie style rather than frilly and vintage. As she's tall, it would have to be larger than the usual one-size-fits-all and she prefers one that wraps all the way around her hips.
Readers, do you have any recommendations?
Sent by Joanna
Editor: Readers, any ideas for aprons Joanna's relative will adore?
Related: Survey: What Style of Apron Do You Wear?
(Image: Foodpictures/Shutterstock)
Martha Concrete Lam...

My wife is not very tall, but she likes this apron, very much. It wraps around more completely and is laminated for easy cleaning.
http://www.apronwarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=Cherrieslaminated-Vintage-Apron
You can also always find something on etsy you like. Once you find an apron you like, you can ask the seller to customize the size since she is taller. Since most items are hand made, usually the sellers are very agreeable to customize something for you.
I was in Red Chair Antiques (Hudson, NY) the other day and they had gorgeous vintage (and new I think?) aprons made from old French linen, quite big and long. Looks like they don't sell from the website, but you could call them.
http://redchair-antiques.com/favorite.php
Real linen is great for aprons as it resists stains. I really wanted one, but have 5 or 6 aprons already!
Not sure how tall you're talking, but I bought this apron on etsy and am a big fan.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87667227/apron-lithuanian-linen-blue-striped-full
I'm not that tall, and the straps are longer than I would like, so might be perfect for a tall woman.
American Apparel actually carries on in a ton of fun colors:
http://store.americanapparel.net/rsa0502.html
It's incredibly adjustable, so it tends to work well for super tall folks, and it's on sale right now.
I think Anthropologie has the cutest aprons! They are kinda expensive for an apron, however. Some of them are a little on the frilly side, but there are plenty of options. Not sure how well they'll work with her height.
Sur La Table sells an Union Jack apron: http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-958207/Union-Jack-Apron
I just got one of these for my mother for painting -- they're a little stiff at first but are very classy european. She loves hers. Theres a plain canvas version too. And inexpensive!
http://www.brookfarmgeneralstore.com/products/Tourne-Herringbone-Apron.html
Love the brooks farm apron! I'm 6 foot tall myself and this looks great.
How do you like mine? http://sensesinthekitchen-karolina.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/quite-unusual-day.html
I am extremely happy with it. :)
It is handmade by Polish company COOKie (looklikecookie.com) and I am sure they ship overseas.
I have a striped Williams Sonoma apron and I find it well sized. It wraps around me enough to be very utilitarian (I'm 5'9" and hate those frilly little aprons that barely cover your front). It's nice and long and the strap around the neck is adjustable. I'm sure there are similar aprons out there with a bit more style, but I like that it's plain enough that I don't care about actually using it!
The link below for lovely, handmade, individual aprons :)
http://www.facebook.com/robert.h.bugeja#!/groups/coloursofgrace/
I'm 5'9" and haven't had any issues with apron sizing.
I have one from Anthropologie - vintage style, got it on sale.
I've also been eyeing this kitzy one. I've seen it at a couple local gift stores, but I've also spotted it at the chain Francesca's Collections.
http://www.ohgizmo.com/2010/07/07/quick-reference-apron-cooking-guide/
icemilkaprons.com
Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions! I'm sure to find the perfect apron among them.
I would like to find a comfortable apron that covers the whole front but doesn't go around my neck. can't stand anything around my neck.
Try buttonsandpears.com.
They are stylish, but designed for someone who really cooks - towel loop, pockets, and they go pretty far around relative to other aprons. They have an adjustable h-back, so no neck straps.
I also like icemilk's designs, but I haven't seen them in person.
Good luck!
Check out Crumb Designs. http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrumbDesigns?ref=si_shop
The aprons are very durable and so stylish.
This one looks great! It's 28" around so it would definitely go around her hips. And it's very long, and adjustable at the neckline. Both very important to us tall ladies.
Good luck! :)