Let’s talk about something people don’t like to talk about: spills.
Shaky hands, a new medication, arthritis, a stroke, or simply a favorite white shirt and a bowl of spaghetti. Mealtime messes happen at every age. A good adult bib, also called a clothing protector, isn’t about being treated like a child. It’s about keeping your good clothes good and enjoying your meal without worrying.
Why people love a good bib
Our adult bibs are one of the most re-ordered items at the SALT Online Store. One customer told us he’s a pipe smoker who bought at least 25 different bibs from different companies to find the best one. Another wrote that our bib with the crumb catcher protects his nice shirts while he smokes his pipes, and since using it he hasn’t burned a single shirt.
That’s the point: the right bib simply lets you get on with your day.
What to look for
- Material.
- Flannel or cloth feels soft, looks more like clothing and absorbs drips.
- Stain-resistant or waterproof fabric wipes clean and dries fast.
- Length and coverage. Longer bibs protect laps as well as shirts.
- An adjustable neck. Snaps or Velcro make it easy to put on, even with stiff fingers.
- A crumb catcher. A pocket at the bottom catches food (and ashes) before they hit your lap.
- Easy washing. Machine-washable is a must for daily use.
- Style. Choose colors and patterns the person actually likes. It makes a big difference in whether they’ll wear it.
Tips for caregivers
- Use grown-up words. Call it a clothing protector or a napkin, not a bib, if that feels better.
- Offer, don’t insist. “Want to keep that nice sweater clean?” goes a long way.
- Keep a few on hand so one is always clean.
- Wear one yourself at the next spaghetti dinner. It makes it normal for everyone.
Shop our adult bibs
- Mealtime Bibs with Crumb Catcher (3-Pack): waterproof, adjustable, with a pocket that catches crumbs (and ashes). Three in a pack, so one is always clean.
They’re in my holiday gift guide and available from our SALT Online Store. A thoughtful, practical gift that gets used every single day.