The hedley & bennett Smock is a comfortable and easy to wear professional chef smock. Instead of a neck strap, the cris cross back takes the pressure off of the neck when it's weighed down with utensils. It feels comfortable and secure. The smock also has generous pockets and a utility strap that's well placed and functional. My only complaint is that this smock is short. It may be the nature of the one size fits most sizing, but this smock is short on my 5'3", busty frame. The smock crosses very high on the back as opposed to the suggestion on the photo that it would hit lower, near the waist. Just be mindful and manage your expectations. I would suggest having size options of this smock for different body types at this price point.

I have always wanted a H&B apron but have yet to pull the trigger because I am not a chef and its use would be more limited than I would like given the expense. Everything I have ever read or seen about H&B products has been extraordinarily positive so my expectations were so high when I received this. Fortunately, I was not disappointed; it was even better than I imagined. The smock is made of a very soft, comfortable, and durable fabric. I was impressed with the craftsmanship visible through the perfect stitching and impeccable fit. This smock is good for much more than just cooking. it has deep pockets and is comfortable enough to wear all day. I anticipate using it for a lot of chores around the house for both protecting my clothes and the convenience of the big pockets and towel loop.

I was today years old when I realized that an apron/smock could be so comfortable and easy to take on/off. For starters, No strings to tie at the back! The wide straps are so comfortable and keep it securely in place even though there are no string ties! Nice pockets, and a utility loop on one side.

I ordered this Hedley & Bennett “apron” because it did not have a neck strap. About a year and half ago, I had spine/neck surgery where I had a plate, two rods, and ten screws inserted. Though I’m all healed now, the nerves in my neck and upper back were cut during the surgery, and so the skin of my neck and upper back is incredibly sensitive to anything rubbing against it — and that’s principally the neck straps on aprons, no matter their fabric. I LOVE the cross-back design of the straps of this apron/smock. But why is the apron/smock so short? I know they call it a “smock,” but is there a rule about smocks where their lengths have been determined to be short? ESPECIALLY when they cost $110? I notice none of the pictures on the Amazon site show a person actually wearing the smock — shot from a distance. Yes, Hedley & Bennett tell you the exact length of their smock — 28 and 3/4 inches — but it’s hard for people to determine actual sizes by just reading measurements in inches. Most people need visual references. This smock is short. Too short. As far as I’m concerned. And far, far too expensive. In fact, the Hedley & Bennett “long” apron is $90. The Caraway apron, which is very-well designed and made from the same materials as this smock, is $49. How was the $110 price determined by this company? It’s not like they’re the only apron/smock ever made with cross-back straps, or made from cotton and linen. So, you decide if you want to spend $110 on a “smock” apron, that’s nicely made, but that you can get for half the price for the same quality; and you decide if you don’t need your apron to go down to your knees.

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. And, while this may seem a little expensive, when I amortize it by wearings it is super affordable. It took me half a minute to get used to not tying it on, but it is nice to just be able to slip it on and go. There are a lot of deep pockets. (I like to tuck a towel into the side loop.) It washes well, but I use cold and dry flat. (Not sure how a hot water wash and dry would work.) I now have two hedley and bennetts, and am tossing all my other aprons because these, frankly, are just better.

I guess I expected a thicker, more rugged canvas-style weave. This thing's downright comfortable. I mean, I like it - love the feel, love the color - but ngl it took me a few minutes to figure out how to put it on. I won't wear this in the kitchen. There's no adjustment in the straps so it wears loose. I disagree with loose clothes when cooking. Lightweight fabric might twirl into a flame while you race around the kitchen. Smockwise: Lovely. Great for the garden & painting. That's wear I use it.

There's nothing I hate more than tying aprons and the way they feel sort of restrictive in both the neck and waist when tied. This just pulls right over your head and naturally sits on your shoulders comfortably. The fabric is so lightweight but durable. I love the huge pockets and the creative colors! Hook your grilling tools right over the utility strap, too! I just might have to get another one of these for the craft room when I'm working up there. As a card maker, I need to protect my clothes and the pockets are super handy, too.