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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 the best gardening gloves and our review of the best wellington boots. For other essential gardening kit ideas take a look at out essential gardening tools for new gardeners.
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Get arch support, enhanced traction soles and neoprene lining with the Merry People boots
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your feet have to be. If you want to garden in both style and comfort, then look no further than the selection of boots available at Merry People. The timeless designs are 100% waterproof with toasty warm neoprene lining and inbuilt arch support for comfortable all-day wear, no matter the weather.
Merry People boots come in a wide range of merry colours, perfect for any time of the year.
The best clothes for gardeners
Three-season gardening trousers
Designed with gardeners in mind, Genus, the makers of these protective gardening trousers have thought of everything. With a waterproof seat and padded knees, reinforced pockets for secateurs and knives and adjustable ankles to accommodate boots, they're showerproof with a raised waistband to help keep the back warm when bending over.
Endorsed by the RHS they are designed for both men and women and come in a range of sizes, lengths and colours
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Price: £139
Buy the three 3- season gardening trousers from Genus
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 comfortable and flexible and available for both men and women and come in a range of colours from black to pink.
Price: £135
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 award they're comfortable and tough and available in two sizes, Ladies and Gents.
Price: £22.99
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. A BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy award winner they're comfy and well fitting and made from neoprene and memory foam to keep knees protected and dry.
Price: £17.49
Buy Kneelo Memory Foam Knee Pads from 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 ribbon add a touch of elegance, making it a perfect choice to complete your summer gardening look. Available in a range of ribbon colours.
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: £60
Buy the Birkenstock Gardening Clogs at Birkenstock
Heat Holders Outdoors Long Leg Gardening Socks
These long length thermal socks offer great warmth and comfort, making them perfect for gardening in the cold winter months. They're designed with reinforced heels and toes, so they're well-suited for outdoor activities and wearing with boots. Crafted from a special heavy bulk yarn, they also provide excellent thermal insulation.
Price: £13.99
Buy the Heat Holders Outdoor Socks at Heat Holders
Garden Trading Garden Apron
This garden apron is a must-have accessory for any well-organised gardener. Constructed from waterproof canvas, it features faux suede straps and a handy central pocket. 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.
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This article was last updated in February 2024. We apologise if any of the products or prices have since changed.
