Charlie Pennes, founder of White Bark Workwear (whose own apron I recommend, below), says, “If you ask any chef what they always remember as their first ‘nicer apron,’ it’s probably this.

Cristeta Comerford is turning the stoves off and hanging up her apron. Comerford, 61, is the first woman to become the executive chef at the White House, and is also the first Asian and Filipino ...