When you’re working outside, whether pruning, weeding, digging, or planting, it’s important you’re dressed for the job. Wearing the correct clothing helps to protect you and also allows you to comfortably stay in the garden no matter the weather.
There are plenty of items of garden clothing that you choose to achieve protection and comfort, each having its own unique benefit. Where conventional gardening clothing like gloves are essential for keeping your hands dry and safe, other accessories such as a hat will help you stay warm through the winter and keep the sun off your head in summer.
To help keep you choose the right clothes to wear in the garden we’ve come up with a list of the best clothing that every gardener needs to get the job done. From aprons to garden kneelers and hats to boots, we’ve covered all bases to keep you safe and cushy in your outdoor space.
For more gardening clothes ideas see our round-up of 10 of the best gardening gloves and individual glove reviews. For inspiration on the best boots for gardening see our guide to the best wellington boots. For other essential gardening kit ideas take a look at out essential gardening tools for new gardeners.
The best clothes for gardeners
From boots, shoes and socks to gloves, aprons and coats, browse our pick of the best clothes for gardeners, below.
Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots
These classic boots are strong and sturdy, with helpful foot support and an adjustable calf for a good fit. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in our Wellington boot review they’re available for both men and women and come in a range of colours from black to pink.
Price: £88.64
Buy Hunter Original Tall Wellington boots on Amazon
Gold Leaf Dry Touch Gloves
Made from soft, water-repellent leather with a cosy lining these comfortable gloves are also tough to help keep hands warm and dry, whatever the job. Winners of a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in our review they’re available in two sizes, Ladies and Gents.
Price: £24.98
Buy Gold Leaf The Dry Touch gloves from Amazon
Kneelo Memory Foam Kneeling Pads
These wearable knee pads strap on easily and comfortably with velcro so there’s no need to scrabble for a kneeler every time you bend down. Made from neoprene and memory foam they’ll keep knees protected and dry.
Price: £17.49
Buy Kneelo Memory Foam Knee Pads on Amazon
ASPIGA Panama Hat
This woven straw gardening hat is a timeless classic that combines style and practicality. Crafted from lightweight and breathable paper raffia, it ensures comfort during sunny days in the garden. The flat brim and tan ribbon add a touch of elegance, making it a perfect choice to complete your summer gardening look.
Price: £45
Buy the ASPIGA Panama Hat at ASPIGA
Birkenstock Super-Birki Gardening Clogs
The Super Birki is a great shoe for any level of gardener and comes in ten colourways to suit every style. Made from durable and easy-to-clean polyurethane, it’s resistant to water, dirt, oil, and grease. Its anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed has a moisture-wicking lining that ensures comfort and can easily be removed and cleaned.
Price: £65
Buy the Birkenstock Gardening Clogs at Birkenstock
Heat Holders Outdoors Long Leg Gardening Socks
These Heat Holders Long Length Thermal Socks offer exceptional warmth and comfort, making them perfect for gardening in cold winter months. They are designed with reinforced heels and toes, making them well-suited for outdoor activities and wearing with boots. Crafted from a special heavy bulk yarn, these socks provide excellent thermal insulation.
Price: £13.99
Buy the Heat Holders Outdoor Socks at Heat Holders
North Face Quest Hooded Jacket
This North Face jacket is great for gardeners and is crafted from lightweight two-layer fabric with taped seams and a durable water-repellent finish. It ensures gardeners stay dry and comfortable while allowing for breathability. It features a fitted, adjustable hood, cinch cord hem, and elasticated cuffs to keep bad weather at bay.
Price: £110
Buy the North Face Quest Jacket at North Face
Garden Trading Garden Apron
This garden apron is a must-have accessory for any well-organised gardener. Constructed from waterproof canvas in Khaki, it features faux suede straps and a central pocket. The apron’s extended waist straps allow for a secure and comfortable fit, whether you’re working on flowerbeds, harvesting vegetables, or tending to tasks in the shed or greenhouse. It not only keeps your clothes clean but also offers convenient storage with a front pocket divided into two sections for easy organisation of essential tools, seeds, and more.
Price: £28
Buy the Garden Apron at Garden Trading
What to wear for gardening?
When gardening, it’s essential to wear clothing that provides both comfort and protection. When thinking about protection there are a few things to consider, these are usually based on the weather and season.
If it’s sunny outside, then you should think about protecting yourself from UV rays. Think hats and long-sleeved breathable clothing. If it is wet, opt for a jacket which is waterproof and shoes which don’t soak up moisture. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught in tools or plants.
You should also think about protecting your body when gardening. Sturdy shoes are a great way to do this as are kneeling pads which can help take the pressure off of your joints. Staying protected should help keep you comfortable but to make sure you feel more at home in the garden choose lightweight clothing which is breathable to avoid overheating and allow for flexibility.
Here are our top picks of what to wear when gardening:
1. Comfortable clothing
Start with comfortable and breathable clothing, like a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and trousers. These will protect your arms and legs from scratches, insect bites, and the sun.
2. Gardening gloves
Always wear gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorns, blisters, and splinters. Choose gloves that fit well and are suitable for the tasks you’ll be doing. Check out our best gardening gloves guide for some inspiration.
3. A hat
A wide-brimmed hat is essential to shield your face and neck from the sun. It can also keep you dry if it starts raining unexpectedly.
5. Garden apron
A garden apron with pockets is incredibly handy. It keeps your clothes clean, and you can store small tools, seeds, and other essentials for easy access.
6. Sunscreen
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to exposed skin, even on overcast days. Look for one with broad-spectrum protection.
7. Knee pads
If you’ll be kneeling a lot, especially in activities like planting or weeding, knee pads can save your knees from strain and discomfort.
This article was last updated in September 2023. We apologise if any of the products or prices have since changed.
