This startlingly simple apron made of synthetic material and rubbery tubing by Maison Martin Margiela suddenly made us SEE aprons for what they really are: a piece of cloth with ties to hold it snugly against the torso. Margiela simply punched holes in the material, sometimes adding metal grommets to thread the ties.

…These aprony leather tops from Denim Jeans Observer give the gist very clearly. (This video shows how to punch holes and set grommets in thick materials.)

Classic leather welder’s aprons are made this way…

Even simpler, is Ambatalia’s 31″ x 31″ all purpose furoshiki towels that can be used for many purposes, including as an apron, secured by 68″ of twill tape.

Of course, you could tailor the size of the cloth you use to suit yourself, wrapping the tape around your waist like a belt or tying the ends to two corners of the fabric to secure. And there’s no rule that the fabric edges need to be finished. Here’s how (Video link here.)
The Crossback Apron from Butcher & Baker made us wonder about using men’s trouser suspenders to fashion a piece of fabric into an apron…

…acting as adjustable straps…Why NOT? (There’s a nice selection here we might play around with)
At Kleidersachen, we found this rather artful tool apron, made by overlapping two cloths and sewing the outline of various tools, leaving the threads pulled and hanging.

*Article Photo for Denim Jeans Observerhttp://www.denimjeansobserver.com