There's something unmistakably classic about the butcher's apron. In trade folklore, horizontal stripes say "butcher," while vertical ones whisper "fishmonger." It's a garment that doesn't just protect – it tells a story.
At Arrow Uniforms, we decided to write a new chapter in that story back in the 1990s.
Reinventing a Classic
When we first entered the uniform business, we took inspiration from the traditional butcher's apron – a well-worn icon in kitchens and butcheries across the country. But we knew it needed a refresh. So, we took the original version to our mill and said, "Copy this – but make it darker, richer, more modern."
The result? A sharp, deep navy striped apron that had all the heritage appeal of the original but with a bold contemporary edge. We called it the Butchers Bratting Apron – a term rooted in traditional food processing trades. The term may be old-school, but the apron was anything but!
A Hit in Hospitality
The new navy Butchers Bratting Apron didn't just land – it took off. It quickly outshone the old lighter navy styles that had dominated the market. Its success spurred us on to introduce more colours. First came deep Forest Green, a bold choice at the time that soon became a favourite in food service environments throughout the 2000s.
Then came Black – and that's when things really exploded. If navy was fantastic and green was a hit, black was a phenomenon. Orders surged, and we could barely keep up with the demand. This trifecta – navy, forest green, and black – cemented the Butchers Bratting Apron as the go-to apron for New Zealand's hospitality professionals.
This wasn't just a protective layer; it became a badge of honour. A statement that said: "I'm not just a good cook – I'm a great one."
Royal Endorsements and Lasting Legacy
Perhaps the ultimate endorsement came when New Zealand's own culinary icon, Ruth Pretty, selected our Butchers Bratting Apron while catering for Prince William and Prime Minister John Key at a Government House BBQ. It was a proud moment that reinforced the apron's place in Kiwi culinary culture.
Today, with over 100,00 aprons sold, the Butchers Bratting Apron remains a core part of the Arrow Uniforms range. You'll find them in some of the best kitchens and food outlets across the country.
And, they're built to last. Made from highly durable, commercially launderable fabric, the stripes are woven directly into the yarn – so they never fade, no matter how many washes.
Join the Legacy
Whether you're a chef, butcher, café owner or the weekend BBQ king or queen – you too can wear a piece of uniform history. Slip on a Butchers Bratting Apron next time you cook, and wear it with pride.
Because being iconic isn't just about what you cook – it's what you wear while cooking that counts!