It's time to get all dressed up and ready to grow. Even if you're doing light work in the garden, items like gloves and wellies are essential. And for those who are into heavy-duty gardening, items such as overalls, knee pads, and gardening aprons are good investments too. You may be searching for a gift for a loved one who's an allotment devotee, in which case we might just be able to provide some inspiration in this best gardening clothes guide.
What to consider in the best garden clothes
Whether it's summer or winter, you can look absolutely ravishing whether you're pottering, pruning or spreading mulch. There are some common features to look for when buying clothing for the garden. We'll be looking at the level of protection, durability, and flexibility of gardening apparel.
It's essential to measure yourself and note the measurements of the product so that it fits comfortably. You'll also want to consider what kind of work you are going to be doing in the garden - you may need tough and puncture-resistant clothes for heavy-duty projects.
Items that are waterproof and breathable will give you the practical benefit of being able to work in the garden or allotment in a range of weather conditions. Finally, consider whether you need clothing with pockets, as you may want to carry secateurs or your phone with you around the garden.
Gardening gloves
A good pair of gardening gloves will protect your hands and prevent nasty blisters and calluses. Whether you're sowing, weeding or pruning, choose gloves that give you a good grip. You may need a pair for general gardening to avoid dirt-clogged fingernails and keep your hands warm and dry. Or you may require a more specialised pair that gives you a layer of protection from gardening chemicals and shears.
A close-fitting glove will give you an excellent grip and if you are operating potentially hazardous equipment, get gloves that are a close fit around the wrist.
Best long gardening gloves
These Intra-FIT gloves will prevent your arms from getting scratched by thorn bushes. Although they look dainty, the long sleeves and reinforced synthetic leather is strong and durable. They're a close fit so you retain your grip and dexterity. These rose embroidery gloves are available in a range of sizes and lovely colours. They'd also make a lovely gift for Mother's Day or a birthday. Sizes S-XL.
Customer review: "I love them because they are strong and thick and I can pick up all the cuttings without being hurt, but I don't recommend them to manage or pruning thick, old brambles and roses. Only new shoots probably. I have lots of stinging nettles and I can remove them very easily."
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Choice of colours
- Comfortable
Cons
- Floral design might not be to everyone's taste
Best heavy-duty gardening gloves
If you're looking for a heavy-duty pair of gloves for more dangerous outdoor tasks, these could be ideal for protection against unwanted accidents. These Oregon gloves are made of smooth premium leather and have knitted cuffs for a close fit around the wrist. They can be worn for operating a chainsaw and other potentially hazardous machinery. Available from S-XL.
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Natural fit
- Good level of protection
Cons
- A bit pricey
Gardening aprons
Less bulky than an overall, gardening aprons are ideal if you need some protection whilst retaining your full range of movement. Primarily, an apron will protect your clothes from getting dirty when you're working in the garden. In comparison to overalls, gardening trousers and dungarees, a gardening apron will keep you at a comfortable temperature - especially in the summer. Picking an apron with a pocket will make it easy to carry your tools and your phone whilst allowing you to be hands-free.
Best value gardening apron
This is a one-size-fits-all apron with straps that are adjustable for your comfort. Made from hardwearing Oxford cloth this apron offers excellent protection and pockets to keep you organised. The Discoball garden apron is thoughtfully designed too - allowing access to your tools when you are kneeling.
Customer review: "Purchased as a gift for a garden enthusiast. The receiver was very pleased with it and looking forward to getting out in the spring to use it. Plenty of pockets for her needs."
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Lots of pockets and hardwearing
- Choice of colours/ designs
Cons
- Apron may be shorter than expected
Best for practical comfort
This amazing pick is a longer apron than most and has split legs to allow you to move freely while your legs stay protected. It has several pockets in the waist area for tools. At such a brilliant price point, it's definitely a bargain item of gardening attire. It also provides a solid layer of protection, like if you're kneeling or using gardening chemicals for example.
Customer review: "Really good product - pouches on the garment will be really handy and the kneeling sections will stop me getting wet knees! Recommended."
Pros
- Protects your legs
- Great value
Cons
- It has a smaller fit
Gardening overalls
A pair of gardening overalls will be invaluable if you spend hours in the garden, bending down and getting mucky. Just slip the overalls on over your clothes and they'll keep you warm, dry and comfortable. Overalls mustn't drag on the ground. They should be durable and flexible. They should protect you from dirt and damp weather without limiting your movement.
Key features to look for are the stretchiness of the material or an elasticated waist. This makes them easy to slip on and off with no need for a belt. Some overalls have knee reinforcements which are practical if you're kneeling. Look for overalls with plenty of pockets to store your tools, phone and other essentials. And most importantly, it's essential to invest in a pair that fits you well.
Best for value
This durable and breathable overall comes in various sizes and is available in two lengths: medium and tall - offering whole-body protection. The coverall has ample storage, a back patch pocket and an elasticated back for a comfortable fit. The Portwest Euro Work Coverall is available in black, green, blue and red and is a great affordable option.
Customer review: "I've been messing around on rough gravel under a caravan doing the insulation and had no rips or tears. The chest pockets are really convenient, and there are normal and pass-through pockets in the trousers area."
Pros
- Under £20
- A good range of sizes and colours
Cons
- No knee reinforcements
Best for long legs
If you have long legs, these overalls will be an excellent fit. Designed for work and leisure time, they can also be worn simply as casual cargo pants in everyday life. The durable and breathable overalls have elastic straps, reflective piping on the lower leg and a bib pocket with a flap and Velcro for easy access. Also, the knees are made of abrasion-resistant CORDURA to protect you when kneeling. These overalls are excellent value and have lots of different-sized pockets and ample storage space.
Customer review: "This is a high-quality product. The material is thick, almost canvas-like, perhaps too thick for some situations. The fit is also good and true to size. Highly recommended."
Pros
- Tall fit
- Knee reinforcements
Cons
- Not suitable for people under 5'6"
Garden wellies
A Wellington boot that fits well should be tight enough to prevent your feet from slipping out, but loose enough to fit with thick socks. Made from rubber, synthetic rubber, rubberised material or plastic, garden wellies keep your legs and feet dry, especially if they're lined or contain neoprene. The type of material the boot is made of will contribute significantly to how comfortable and weatherproof they are. Neoprene doesn't degrade as quickly as other rubberised materials, it's UV resistant and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range. Crucially, it's waterproof but breathable and warming.
While some will be true to size, some wellies may be a smaller or larger fit. It pays to read the customer reviews, regarding comments about sizing. You need to ensure they fit correctly in length and width and are comfortable when wearing thick socks in winter. If they don't fit, make sure not to stretch your rubber boots as this could damage the rubber.
Editor's choice
www.debenhams.com
The boots are made of EVA polymer and a removable liner which are made with direct injection moulding technology making these unique boots one of the most durable and comfortable wellies on the market. It features a sole thickness ranging from 25mm at the heel to 20mm at the front, making it completely shock-absorbent. Each boot weighs 212g and can be worn with or without the liners. They can withstand very low temperatures of up to -20 degrees with no liner and - 30 degrees with the liner. If you are looking for an excellent lightweight all-rounder, this is a great choice.
Customer Review: "Great boots with a removable and machine-washable warm liner."
Pros
- Good size range
- Choice of colours
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
Best men's ankle wellies for gardening
www.hunterboots.com
Specially designed for gardening in mind, these dark green Men’s Gardener Short Boots from the renowned boot brand Hunter are 100 per cent waterproof and made from natural rubber with a dig pad on the sole to help with digging. It features a wider calf for comfort and ease of foot entry, a wide tread sole with a zig-zag structure which allows quick and easy mud release, while the thickened ankle patch provides extra protection when using spades. It is handcrafted from natural rubber, and if you are in-between sizes, Hunter recommends sizing down.
Customer review: "These boots are excellent; they have a wider top which makes it possible for people with big legs to get the boot on. Well made and comfortable."
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Good size range
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Expensive
Knee pads
Take the strain out of gardening with knee pads that keep you supported and protect your trousers from grass stains. Whether you're weeding the patio or planting bulbs, gardening knee pads are an affordable and effective way to keep your knees protected and your trousers from getting grubby. Additionally, if you're kneeling for a long time knee pads can prevent aches and pains in your joints.
Knee pads are designed to be worn directly on the kneecaps, flexible for movement and easy to attach. They need to be large enough in size to cover your knees. They should be filled with a cushioning layer of memory foam to evenly distribute body weight and ease the stress on your joints. This also gives you some shock-absorbing protection if you fall. For the outer fabric choose wipe-clean, water-repellent, and/or waterproof material as it's likely you'll be kneeling on wet grass or muddy soil from time to time.
Best shock-absorbing knee pads
Available in 10 colours, the Burgon & Ball Knee Pads are filled with a cushioning layer of memory foam and a deep layer of shock-absorbing EVA foam to keep your knees protected from impact. Each knee pad has little handles for storage and carrying. The surface is waterproof, durable neoprene that's quick-dry and wipe clean.
Customer review: "These knee-pads are excellent, goodbye to painful, wet, and muddy knees when gardening. I like them better than a cushion pad because they stay on my legs and move around with me, while I keep misplacing the pad."
Pros
- Affordable
- Choice of colours
- Memory foam protection
Cons
- Some found they were inclined to slip down
Best knee pads for an adjustable fit
Developed by Kew's Horticultural Team and Spear & Jackson, these knee pads wrap around your knees to provide comfort and support. Each pad has a Velcro strap for easy fitting and adjustment, a neoprene lining for water resistance, a quick-dry, easy-clean nylon cover, and a three-layer foam construction for extra comfort.
Customer review: "These knee pads are the third pair I've tried but they are by far the best. Very good cushioning on the pad itself and because the fitting straps are thin you don't get the pinching at the back of your knees. I wear them at work and have worn them for eight straight hours and have not had any problems. This is the first pair I can say that about. Recommended."
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Great quality
- Very comfortable even on hard ground
Cons
- Some found they slipped down at the knee
The best garden footwear
If you're wearing wellies when gardening, it's essential to have footwear with a good deep tread pattern to keep you upright on slippery ground. In addition, you'll want a flexible sole that can bend effortlessly with your foot, making it more comfortable over longer periods. Choose footwear with a thick platform that won't perforate, as this is better for keeping out sharp sticks and thorns. Boots with reinforcement beneath the arch help a lot when you are pushing down on spades and garden forks. And a steel-capped toe will protect your feet from falling heavy objects.
Garden clogs are a good alternative to sandals in the summer, as they still allow your feet to breathe whilst still protecting your toes.
Best protective footwear
These lightweight Black Hammer work boots have an advanced waterproof membrane so you can work in the roughest of conditions and stay comfortable. Also, they are anti-slip, even on oil. The mesh inner layer is breathable and the soft insole is shock-absorbing and gives support.
Customer review: "Heel is super comfortable as you walk and the waterproofing works. Using my chainsaw I like the protection of the steel toecap and the protected sole also provides peace of mind when walking over wood with random nails sticking out."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Heavy-duty protection
Cons
- Need wearing in
12.
Super-Birki
Best footwear for gardening in summer
www.birkenstock.com
Birkenstocks are renowned for having a specially designed footbed that is anatomically shaped with cork and latex. This reduces the pressure on stiff or painful joints. These garden clogs are dirt-repellent and can be washed in a washing machine. There's a range of vibrant colours to choose from, so you can look trendy whilst being protected and supported.
Pros
- Unique Birkenstock footbed
- Fun colour range
Cons
- A little expensive
Best hats for gardening
A hat should never be overlooked; it's essential for giving you shade in the summer and keeping your head warm in the winter. Additionally, if you are doing large-scale garden projects, it's important to wear appropriate protective headgear.
13.
Panama Hat
Best hat for summer
www.christys-hats.com
The epitome of gentlemanly leisure, sport and travel - a Panama hat is a traditional brimmed straw hat from Ecuador. It's an ideal, lightweight and breathable hat for summer - and a timeless classic.
Customer review: "It is lightweight and flexible, and offers a relaxed, yet sufficiently snug fit. I wore it to an outdoor lunch and it provided perfect sun shade and style. I highly recommend this hat."
Pros
- Various sizes
- Lightweight and breathable
- Decent sun shade
Cons
- Very expensive
Best hat for winter gardening
Designed to weather the British winter, this waterproof and windproof hat is made of faux leather. It can be worn two ways, with the ear flaps folded up or down. The peaked cap protects you from sun glare or falling snow. Sizes S-XL.
Customer review: "Great hat. Fur-lined throughout, Keeps my cheeks and ears cosy. Press-stud chin strap definitely better than buckle type, only (small) problem is metal studs cold on my chin."
Pros
- Versatile winter hat
- Provides warmth to the head and ears
Cons
- Measure your head and select the appropriate size before buying
FAQs
What are the best gardening clothes to wear in summer?
Take a tip from Monty Don and invest in a Panama hat to protect you from the strong sun. Comfortable linen clothing that's flexible and breathable will keep your body temperature down. Also, sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV light. For footwear, it may be tempting to wear sandals, but it would be much more sensible to keep your toes covered. Birkenstock has a Professional range of garden clogs that are perfect for the summer.
Who are the main brands for gardening clothes in the UK?
You can purchase high-quality gardening clothes, such as gilets, fleeces and everyday trousers widely from general clothing brands. However, for clothing that's been designed with gardening in mind, we recommend Dickies, Regatta and Genus (endorsed by the RHS).
What is the difference between ankle wellies and normal wellies?
Ankle wellies have the benefit of not making your legs feel as sweaty whilst still providing just as much foot protection. They're better for doing jobs in the garden that involves kneeling - such as hand weeding or planting bedding plants because wellies can rub on your calves and restrict blood circulation, leading to discomfort when kneeling.
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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.