The best gardening overalls for outdoor and leisurewear

Here is the best outerwear for gardening that looks and feels good.

gardening overalls

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

If you spend hours in your garden, bending down and getting mucky, a pair of gardening overalls will be a useful piece of gardening clothing. Just slip them over any outfit with a pair of wellies and gardening gloves, and you're good to get stuck in. Not only do overalls have useful pockets to store tools, seeds, and electronics, but they will keep you warm, dry and comfortable. To help you find the best pair for you, we have rounded up the most practical yet stylish gardening overalls to potter around the garden in that look and feel good, so you can comfortably spend the day on your favourite pastime.

When purchasing a pair of gardening overalls, it is necessary to invest in a pair that fits you well, does not drag on the ground, and is durable and flexible. A good quality overall which fits you properly will protect you from dirt and damp weather without limiting your movement.

Best gardening overalls at a glance:

Best bib-style gardening overalls for men: Dickies Men's Techduck Bib - View on Dickies
Best bib style gardening overalls for women: Dickies Women's Protective Bib - View on Dickies
Best value unisex gardening overalls: RS PRO Navy Unisex's UV Protection Bib and Brace - View on RS Pro

Whether you are looking for a pair of overalls with lots of pockets, padded knees or a fitted design - we have pulled together a range of different pairs to suit every budget and need. While gardening trousers are good for walking around and doing general housekeeping, overalls offer extra coverage and convenience. Not to mention they are more likely to have deeper pockets, so you can keep a hold of your packs of seedstrusty secateurs, and other bits you need on hand.

Best gardening overalls

Best bib-style gardening overalls for men

Dickies clothing is infamous for being hardwearing and long-lasting, and this bib style overalls are no different. Created from a stretchy FLEX fabrication which keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter due to the thermo-regulating Temp-iQ 365 technology, these are perfect for gardening tasks all year round.

They come with a number of spacious pockets and an extended belt loop on the front for hanging tools - and if you are doing long hours in the garden, then you will be happy to know that these durable overalls are also compatible with Dickies knee pads. The knee pads do not come with the bib overalls but are available to purchase separately and help make bending over less strenuous.

Pros

  • Excellent quality and specifications
  • Knee pad pockets

Cons

  • Premium price compared to other products on this list

Best bib-style gardening overalls for women

The women's protective bib from Dickies is an everyday workwear essential that will see you through a wide range of tasks. Equipped with elasticated straps, several spacious pockets and knee pad pockets which can be fitted with Dickies knee pads for ultimate protection. The dungarees also come with reflective trims for low-light visibility, pockets with tool dividers and roll-up hems with snap closures for a perfect fit.

Pros

  • High-quality overalls
  • Flattering fit
  • Practical features

Cons

  • Only available in three colours

Best value unisex gardening overalls

This bib and brace style unisex overall is made from hard-wearing, durable material and has straps, an elasticated back and adjustable buckles for easy opening so you can slip it on and off your clothing with ease. It has many spacious pockets, a rear patch pocket, and a zip chest pocket to keep all your necessary items close to hand. These would be an excellent choice if you want an affordable sleeveless pair of gardening overalls for your outdoor tasks.

Pros

  • Spacious pockets
  • Easy to put on

Cons

  • Could be long for shorter individuals

Best full gardening overalls for men

These full-body utility overalls make excellent outerwear and come fitted with multiple pockets to keep your tools organised and have space for inserting knee pads for extra protection. It has two zippered chest pockets and two side pockets for storing the essentials and is smart as well as functional.

Pros

  • Smart design
  • Knee protection pockets

Cons

  • Some found the fabric to be rough on bare skin

Best full gardening overalls for women

Whether you are looking for a pair of overalls to do housework or gardening tasks or to simply protect your clothes from getting dirty, these overalls are a fantastic choice. Featuring two chest pockets and hip pockets for carrying the essentials as well as cargo pockets, these will be a handy piece of attire for all your gardening needs. They come in green and indigo blue and are designed to slide on and off easily with an elasticated waist, stud adjustable cuffs and back pleats, so you will feel free to move and complete the job in hand.

Pros

  • High-quality overalls
  • Flattering fit
  • Practical features

Cons

  • Only available in two colours

Best budget long-sleeve gardening overalls for men

Portwest Euro Work Coverall
Price: $28.04

This durable and breathable pair of men's overalls comes in various sizes and have two lengths - medium and tall for the perfect fit. It has ample storage, a back patch pocket, and an elasticated back for a comfortable fit. The overalls are available in black, green, blue and red and are a great affordable option.

Customer review: "Great quality, robust but comfortable. These are excellent lightweight overalls, comfortable and with reasonably roomy pockets. They look much more business-like than old jeans and provide good coverage for any clothing underneath."

Pros

  • Most affordable option on the list
  • A good range of sizes

Cons

  • No knee reinforcements

Best gardening overalls for tall people

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.

They also have an elastic back and knee reinforcements and knee pockets made of abrasion-resistant CORDURA to protect you when kneeling. These overalls are excellent value and have a variety of pockets and ample storage space. 

Customer review: "These are very well made, good quality, excellent item arrived quick better than I expected strong material definitely fit for purpose five stars will be buying more."

Pros

  • Tall fit
  • Knee reinforcements

Cons

  • Not suitable for people under 5'6

Best gardening overalls for work and leisure

The iconic overall company Lucy and Yak makes sustainably sourced dungarees made from lightweight woven organic cotton that can be used for just about every task in the house and garden as well as worn casually. The overalls are unisex and oversized, with extra-big pockets, tapered ankles and adjustable tie straps for a laidback comfy look. They come in various colours and styles and are fashionable yet functional.

Customer review: "Absolutely amazing quality, cannot fault them!"

Pros

  • Can be used as casualwear and workwear
  • Organically and ethically made

Cons

  • Not strictly gardening overalls

Best short gardening overalls for women

Perhaps you are looking for something a little loose and light for the summer months? If you prefer short-style dungarees, this high-quality pair from Patagonia is perfect for both casualwear and gardening tasks. Made from sustainable 100 per cent fair trade verified organic cotton and fitted with two front pockets, one chest pocket and two back pockets, these dungarees are functional as well as stylish.

Customer review: "Good cut and good details."

Pros

  • Organic material
  • Ethically sourced

Cons

  • Obviously lacks the protection on arms and legs

What are overalls?

Overalls are a type of garment which can be worn as outerwear or casual wear and can be referred to as bib overalls, dungarees or boilersuits, depending on where you come from and what type of work context it is used in. They are a one-piece item of clothing that does not require a belt.

Why do gardeners wear overalls?

When it comes to landscaping and gardening, overalls keep you covered, protecting clothing from dirt and keeping you at a comfortable temperature. Plus, they are easy to slip on and off, and there is no need for a belt. Perhaps the most helpful feature is that they have plenty of pockets to store your smaller garden tools, phone and other essentials.

What is the difference between overalls and bib overalls?

Bib overalls consist of two main components: the trousers, which can be loose-fitting or fitted, and the bib, which is a torso-covering garment attached to the trouser and does not have sleeves. They can also be referred to as dungarees.

Overalls, coveralls or boiler suits cover more of your body than a pair of bib overalls and are suitable for colder weather and protecting your entire outfit.

Now that you know what to look for let's take a look at the best gardening overalls for work and play. We have rounded up the best overalls for men and women that will help you stay on top of your outdoor space and keep you comfortable, dry and clean.

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Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, and has been contributing to publications across Bauer Media since 2020. Specialising in sustainable living and health, she lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking, and outdoors.

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