Not everything in the world of the films is tailoring. The Mt Fuji maekake apron is a navy cotton work apron from the Japanese maker Anything, and Q wears it at home in No Time To Die. It is a working garment first and a film reference second, and we prefer it that way. It asks only that you cook, garden or make something while wearing it.
In the film
Q, played by Ben Whishaw, wears the apron at home in No Time To Die (2021), the 2021 outing for Daniel Craig’s Bond. It is the Anything Mt.Fuji Maekake Apron, which is still on sale today. The scene is domestic and quiet, and a navy work apron suits it. More on the film is on its own page.
The details of the Mt Fuji maekake apron
A real tradition. The maekake is a Japanese workwear apron with a history of more than 200 years, worn by merchants and craftsmen to keep their clothes clean. It is tied at the waist rather than hanging from the neck, which leaves your shoulders and chest free. That is why it reads as a piece of workwear rather than a uniform.
Woven, not just sewn. Anything weaves its cotton on Toyota-made shuttle looms that are around 100 years old. The maker says it is the only brand still using looms of that age for maekake. It is a small, specific piece of manufacturing history, and it is the reason to buy this apron over a generic one.
100% cotton. The cloth is plain natural fibre in navy, with no synthetic blend, which is the sensible choice near a hob. The measurements below include the fringe, which is part of the apron’s character.
Mount Fuji, quietly. The design pairs Mount Fuji with Japanese lettering on navy cotton. Retailers describe it as bold, and on a dark ground it is the one thing about the apron that asks to be noticed. Everything else is plain.
Size. The apron measures 67cm by 47cm including the fringe. The belt runs to 260cm and the maker says it suits waists up to 95cm. That is a generous length, and it is worth knowing before you order if you are near the limit.
Wearing it now
We would wear this where a man actually uses an apron: over rolled shirtsleeves at the stove, at a barbecue, in the garden or at a workbench. Navy is forgiving and goes with almost anything underneath. A white or blue oxford shirt, sleeves turned back, is the right companion.
Care. The maker’s notes are specific. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, do not tumble dry, and do not wash in warm water. Wash it separately from whites, because the dye may transfer onto other fabrics. The cloth may shrink slightly after washing, so allow for that when you tie it.
Who it suits. It suits the man who cooks for friends and wants something better than the apron that came free with a barbecue set. It also makes a considered gift for someone who loves to cook. If your waist is over 95cm, check the belt length with the maker before ordering.
Prices. Several stockists carry it and prices vary between them, so compare before you buy.
Specifications
| Maker | Anything |
|---|---|
| Model | Mt.Fuji Maekake Apron |
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Colour and design | Navy, with a Mount Fuji design and Japanese lettering |
| Apron size | 67cm x 47cm, including fringe |
| Belt | 260cm, suitable for waists up to 95cm |
| Weave | Woven on 100-year-old Toyota shuttle looms |
| Care | No bleach or fabric softener; do not tumble dry; do not wash in warm water; wash separately from whites; may shrink slightly |
| Price | See the buy button; retailer prices vary |
Full details of the range are on Anything’s own site.
Questions
Is this the apron Q wears in No Time To Die?
Yes. Q wears Anything’s Mt.Fuji Maekake Apron at home in the film, and the maker’s model is still on sale. It is a navy cotton apron with a Mount Fuji design and Japanese lettering.
What is a maekake apron?
A maekake is a traditional Japanese work apron, tied at the waist rather than the neck. It was originally worn to keep clothes from getting soiled. It is now more commonly used as a restaurant apron, or as gardening wear in the West.
Will the Mt Fuji maekake apron shrink?
It may shrink slightly after washing, according to the maker’s care notes. Keep it away from bleach and fabric softener, do not wash it in warm water, and do not tumble dry it.
What size is it?
The apron is 67cm by 47cm including the fringe, with a 260cm belt. The maker says that suits waists up to 95cm.
