The best gardening aprons for work and leisure

If you're a keen gardener who's always getting mucky, a gardening apron could be the ideal piece of protective clothing. Not as bulky as an overall, with an apron you have your full range of movement when you're bending or reaching for those hard-to-prune branches. Most aprons have several pockets, big enough to carry tools and your phone.

Alternatively, you could be looking for a gift idea for a green-fingered loved one - a gardening apron could be just the thicket. There are some wonderfully stylish, yet functional aprons included in our guide. And for an extra special pressie, a personalised gardening apron could be the ideal way to deliver your good seed for the day.

We'll take the trowel and error out of looking for a gardening apron as we guide you through the best for practicality, quality, durability, style and more.

Why should I wear a gardening apron?

Primarily to protect your clothes from getting dirty when you're working in the garden. In addition, an apron will keep you at a comfortable temperature, more so than overalls, gardening trousers and dungarees. Durability, flexibility and size is important; note the measurements and material of the apron before you buy. You need to be comfortable and protected when you are wearing it. You never know when you'll need your secateurs, it's ideal having them to hand in your pocket. The ease of carrying your tools in an apron allows your hands to be free. In addition, gardening gloves and a pair of wellies are a good idea too.

The best gardening aprons

Modern Gardens' Verdict: Which is the best gardening apron?

For a gardening apron that's fashionable yet functional, we choose the waterproof waxed canvas apron by MadeofGoldFoil on Etsy. We particularly liked the distribution of the pockets and the cross-back strap, so weight is distributed around the body. So many aprons seem to be designed where tools are frontloaded into a cluster of waist area pockets - not ideal if you're bending lots. Our favourite apron comes in four cool military-style colours and the novelty of the drink holder gets brownie points too. For an apron that's going to bear the wear and tear of heavy-duty gardening tasks, MadeofGoldFoil's waterproof waxed canvas apron is essential workwear for enjoying the outdoors.