For longevity and a deep patina, choose vegetable-tanned leather for a woodworking leather apron. It is initially stiff, but it softens and endures for a long time. The perfect thickness is 4/5 oz; it's flexible enough for comfort and robust enough for protection. An apron made of mild-tempered leather retains its shape while permitting movement. Steer clear of chrome-tanned leather since it is less resilient and responds poorly to heat. An alternative that wears more quickly is pull-up leather. Include tool pockets for convenience and cross-back straps for balanced weight distribution. Make sure the leather apron has been treated to withstand water. For any woodworker, this system provides longevity, comfort, and protection.