Masonic Aprons – AASR, RSR, French Rite, York
Masonic aprons — tradition, symbols and craftsmanship
The Masonic apron is the most emblematic ritual garment in Freemasonry. A direct heritage of the operative lodges of builder fellows, it covers the thighs and lower abdomen of the Mason during Lodge work — just as the lambskin apron once protected stonecutters from marble chips. Nos Colonnes offers a complete selection of Masonic aprons for all rites practised in France and internationally.
Aprons by degree and by rite
The shape, colour and embroidery of the Masonic apron vary according to the degree and the rite practised:
- Entered Apprentice apron (1st degree) — plain white apron, symbol of purity and the rough ashlar to be hewn
- Fellowcraft apron (2nd degree) — white apron with blue lining and embroidered border
- Master Mason apron (3rd degree) — white apron with sky blue flap, embroidered borders and symbols of mastery
- Higher degrees AASR aprons — aprons in the specific colours of each degree (red, black, white, gold)
- French Rite, RSR, Memphis-Misraim aprons — conforming to the ritual books of each obedience
Embroidery and customisation
Our embroidered aprons are made with machine or hand embroidery depending on the model. The embroideries feature ritual tools, degree-specific symbols (Square, Compasses, Letter G, Officers' Square) and the distinctive colours of the rite. Certain models can be customised — with the Brother's name, date of initiation or Lodge number. Check our full Masonic regalia to order the complete set.
Masonic aprons by rite
| Rite | Origin | Entered Apprentice Apron | Master Mason Colour | Higher Degrees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AASR | Scotland / France 1804 | White lambskin, raised flap | Red border + letters MB | 4th to 33rd degree |
| French Rite | France 1786 (GODF) | White lambskin, plain | Turquoise blue border (Groussier) | Orders of Wisdom |
| Rectified Scottish Rite | Switzerland / Lyon 1778 | White with triangle | Sky blue border | Knights Beneficent of the Holy City |
| Emulation Working | England 1813 | Pure white lambskin | Sky blue border + rosettes | Royal Arch, Mark Masonry |
Frequently asked questions about Masonic aprons
At what age can a Masonic apron be worn?
From initiation into the Entered Apprentice degree. Before initiation, the apron is not worn in Lodge.
Can an apron be given as a gift to a future initiate?
Yes, absolutely. Although the Entered Apprentice apron is traditionally presented by the Lodge on the day of initiation, giving an apron (especially a Master Mason apron to a raised Brother, or a second personal apron) remains an appreciated gesture. White gloves and Masonic books are also appropriate gifts.
What is the difference between a leather apron and a satin apron?
The lambskin apron is the premium option, with a long lifespan that accompanies an entire Masonic career. The satin apron is more a matter of personal preference and is found more frequently in French rites.
How should a Masonic apron be maintained?
Clean gently with a damp cloth. Store flat in a protective cover. Avoid moisture and prolonged direct light.
Does the apron change at each degree?
Yes. With each advancement (Fellowcraft, Master Mason, higher degrees), the apron evolves: flap, borders, rosettes, ribbons. Nos Colonnes offers compliant aprons for each degree and each rite.
Is the apron worn alone or with other regalia?
In the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft degrees, the apron is worn alone, without a sash. From the Master Mason degree onwards and for Officers, it is accompanied by sashes and baldrics or a collar according to Lodge custom.
What is the difference between the AASR apron and the French Rite apron?
In the AASR, the Master Mason apron features a red border and the letters MB; in the French Rite Groussier, the border is turquoise blue. The higher degrees then follow two distinct scales: from the 4th to 33rd degree in the AASR, and the Orders of Wisdom in the French Rite.
Are white gloves worn with the apron?
White gloves are worn in Lodge like the apron, and the plain white model is common to all obediences. To assemble full dress, see all Masonic regalia.
Masonic aprons: choosing a model suited to your rite, your degree and your practice
The Masonic apron is one of the most emblematic elements of regalia. It is not just an item worn in Lodge, but a piece that belongs to a precise tradition, with customs, shapes and details that vary according to the rite, the degree and sometimes the office held. Choosing the right apron therefore means ensuring consistent regalia that respect the codes of your lodge and are pleasant to wear over time.
In this collection we have brought together Masonic aprons for different uses, to meet the needs of a Brother looking for his first apron as well as those of more advanced members wishing to complete or renew their regalia. Each model should be easy to choose without needless hesitation, taking into account what really matters: the rite practised, the degree concerned, any office, but also the quality of workmanship and the overall balance of the design.
A well-chosen apron naturally accompanies your practice. It finds its place among your regalia, matches your outfit and conveys seriousness at first glance. For many, it is also a purchase they want to be durable, with clean finishes, pleasant materials and a presentation that meets the Lodge's expectations. That is why it is worth taking the time to compare models and select a piece truly suited to your needs.
Masonic aprons for the main rites
The first criterion when choosing a Masonic apron is the rite in which it will be worn. Depending on the tradition, codes can differ considerably in colours, ornaments, embroidery and the overall structure of the apron. It is therefore essential to choose a model that matches the practice of your Lodge and the expected use.
Brothers and Sisters working in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite naturally look for AASR aprons that follow the customs of this rite, with a clean presentation and balanced finishes. Those who practise the Rectified Scottish Rite turn to models suited to the RSR, where overall harmony, sobriety and accurate details are particularly important. Other Masons will look for a French Rite apron, or a model for Emulation, Memphis-Misraim or another tradition.
This diversity matters because it reflects the reality of needs in Lodge. Not all Masonic aprons are alike, and a model perfectly suited to one rite will not necessarily suit another. When buying an apron, you are therefore not just choosing a look, but a piece that fits a precise framework.
A Masonic apron for every degree
The degree is the second essential reference point. An Entered Apprentice Masonic apron, a Fellowcraft apron and a Master Mason apron do not have the same presentation or the same meaning in regalia. The degree can also be read in the regalia, and the apron is fully part of it.
Entered Apprentice Masonic apron
The Entered Apprentice Masonic apron is often the first serious Masonic purchase. Above all it should reflect the simplicity and bearing expected at this degree, while offering impeccable quality. For a Brother or Sister equipping themselves for the first time, it is important to be able to rely on a well-made apron, pleasant to wear and carefully finished enough to last through many meetings.
Fellowcraft Masonic apron
The Fellowcraft Masonic apron corresponds to another stage of the journey. It follows on from the first, but with distinctive marks of its own depending on the rite practised. At this stage, many look for a model that keeps a fine sobriety while asserting its identity more clearly.
Master Mason Masonic apron
The Master Mason Masonic apron is often the subject of particular attention. It carries additional ornaments — Taus, tassels, embroidery on leather or silk — that clearly signal the office. Those looking for one are generally more sensitive to the visual presence of the piece, the fineness of the embroidery and the overall quality of the work. The apron then becomes a strong element of regalia, which must live up to its use and fit accurately with all the regalia worn in Lodge.
The importance of finishes and quality of workmanship
Beyond rite and degree, quality of manufacture plays an essential role in choosing a Freemason's apron. A fine apron can first be recognised by the balance of its proportions, the neatness of its seams, the regularity of its finishes and the overall hold of the design. These are the details that give the product its elegance and durability.
When an apron is worn regularly, the strength of the materials and the care taken in making it become particularly important. A fine piece should keep its appearance over time, remain pleasant to handle and show a consistent finish. Materials, fastenings, borders and decorative elements must therefore be chosen with care, so that the apron remains both functional and harmonious.
The materials used for our Masonic aprons range from faux leather (sturdy, easy to care for, ideal for a first apron) to genuine leather and silk (for luxury or ceremonial models). Depending on the model, embroidery is either machine-made (clean and regular) or hand-embroidered (more relief, more character, finishes visible on the reverse). Standard dimensions are 39 × 33 cm for the great majority of Master Mason and Worshipful Master aprons, and 36 × 31 cm for some Fellowcraft/Entered Apprentice models.
For higher degree aprons, iconographic accuracy is paramount: the symbols of each degree (Tau, Delta, Pelican, Blazing Star, Love Knots, Rose Croix, etc.) are faithfully reproduced according to the corresponding ritual customs.
If you have a specific personalisation need, you can contact us via our page dedicated to personalised regalia.
Consistent regalia come from the right choice
The apron is never on its own. It is part of a wider set made up, as needed, of gloves, collars, jewels or other complementary Masonic regalia. That is why it is often useful to think about your regalia as a whole when choosing your apron. Good visual consistency enhances overall elegance and makes for a more harmonious presentation.
To put together a consistent set, Nos Colonnes offers:
- Apron + collar/sash sets for Blue Lodges, so you can get the two central pieces of your regalia in a single order
- Masonic gloves — white, leather or coloured — often worn with the apron in the lodges that use them
- Lodge jewels to complete the officers' regalia
- Replicas of antique Masonic aprons for Brothers interested in the material history of Freemasonry
Why choose Nos Colonnes for your Masonic apron
Nos Colonnes is a specialist shop, not a generalist. The collection of Masonic aprons you are browsing here is the result of long and demanding work, with a single aim: to offer models that match the actual customs of lodges, across a wide variety of rites and degrees.
Each model is selected with attention to ritual codes — we do not offer a "generic Masonic apron". The breadth of the collection (more than 10 rites covered, from Blue Lodges to the higher degrees, from Entered Apprentice to the 33rd degree) is precisely what sets us apart from non-specialist shops.
To go further into the symbolic and historical dimension of the apron, we invite you to read our article: The origin of the Masonic apron.
