What should I wear when gardening?

If you’re new to gardening you may be wondering what you are supposed to wear while pruning, planting, harvesting and all the other jobs that come with this wonderful hobby. Good news – there’s no set uniform. The ‘perfect’ outfit will be one that keeps you cool, comfortable and protected. You’ll also want to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Gardening Australia magazine’s horticultural editor AB Bishop recommends having dedicated gardening clothes: “For intentional gardening time (not just random weeding or watering) I wear heavy-duty overalls or pants with a cotton shirt, a hat and either boots or old sneakers, depending on what I’m doing.”

Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing gardening clothes and accessories:

Sun protection
Gardening is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, get fresh air, and stay active. However, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. To stay safe, try to avoid gardening during the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. You can check the UV index on your weather app to plan accordingly. Make sure you are covered when heading outside. Wear a wide-brim hat, a long-sleeve shirt, and UV-protected sunglasses. And of course, don’t forget to apply sunscreen!

Durability
Choose clothing that is likely to last beyond just a few wears. Shop from quality brands and look for fabrics that can handle outdoor work and frequent washing. Cotton-linen blends are an excellent choice, offering both resilience and comfort.

Comfort
Gardening requires plenty of reaching, bending, and lifting, so it’s important to wear clothes that allow you to move easily. Consider pants with a touch of elastane for flexibility, and loose-fitting tops that won’t restrict your reach. It’s important to choose breathable fabrics that will help you stay cool and comfortable while you garden.

Versatility
Your clothes don’t have to be constrained to the parameters of your garden. Go for cute styles that you would show off at the grocery store or while perusing your local Sunday markets. There’s plenty of colourful gum boots and printed gloves on the market. Let your personality shine through!

The best gardening clothes and accessories for safety and comfort

Gardening gloves

Gloves are an essential item in any gardener’s wardrobe. They keep your hands and nails clean and dry, while protecting them from splinters, thorns, cuts, blisters, calluses and harmful chemicals. They also help avoid bites from backyard critters.

The best gloves for gardening will depend on the task at hand (literally). AB has a “million” pairs of gloves that are used for different things while out in the garden. This includes gloves for light, medium and heavy-duty tasks. Light gloves are perfect for low-intensity jobs that require dexterity, such as seed sowing and potting. Medium gloves are suitable for potting, pruning and working in borders, while heavy-duty gloves are designed for tougher jobs, where greater protection is needed. “I tend to favour the thicker gloves as I’m often moving logs or rocks or pulling up stinging nettles – and thin gloves don’t offer enough protection,” she says.

You can find gloves in a range of materials, from leather and rubber, to cotton, nylon and recycled materials. Bamboo fibre is one of the more environmentally-friendly options and is typically soft, close fitting and flexible. Rubber and leather are both tear-resistant and are often used to improve grip.

Consider features that may provide extra comfort and protection, such as padding on knuckles, fingertips, and palms. Elasticised cuffs ensure a snug fit to keep out soil and debris. AB looks for gloves with a good fit: “If they don’t fit well, they’re frustrating and can move around, causing blisters. I also like very colourful gloves as it’s easier to spot them in the random places I leave them,” she says.

Gardening shoes

The ideal gardening shoes vary based on the task and required level of protection. “If I’m using a fork, shovel or crowbar, or moving something heavy I’ll wear boots. If I’m planting, potting-up, weeding or pruning, I sometimes wear sneakers. Safety always comes first, and I’ve learned not to be complacent about footwear,” says AB. Let’s explore some popular options and the best times to wear them:

• Boots usually have good tread, helping to prevent slips, especially in wet conditions. If your garden has rocky terrain, opt for boots with sturdy soles for added protection. Choosing boots with proper arch support can help distribute pressure evenly across your feet, reducing the risk of issues like plantar fasciitis. For those in colder climates, insulated boots are a great option to keep your feet warm during winter gardening.

• Gumboots are made of rubber or PVC, making them waterproof and easy to clean, which is ideal for rainy and muddy conditions. Styles with an elasticised gusset are easier to slip on and off. A downside to gumboots is they don’t breathe well.
• Clogs are easy to slip on for quick trips into the yard, whether you’re watering plants or doing light weeding. Often made from natural rubber or EVA (a flexible plastic), they are lightweight, waterproof, and easy to clean. Many designs also feature breathable holes, arch support, and sturdy tread for added comfort and stability.
• Trainers are supportive, comfortable, and breathable, but they may not be ideal for all gardening tasks. They lack the sturdiness needed to protect your feet from wet or slippery conditions and tend to get dirty quickly.

Gardening clothes

Your gardening apparel should be comfortable, breathable, and protective. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30 or higher. Features such as colour and fabric can influence the rating. Darker shades offer more protection, and densely woven fabrics like denim or canvas provide better coverage. Look out for clothing items that come with UPF labels or visit the Skin Cancer Foundation website for recommended products. Here are some key items for your wardrobe:

• Heavy-duty overalls – A classic choice, gardening overalls stay in place, offer plenty of pockets for small tools, and are typically made from durable fabrics.
• Gardening pants or work pants – Look for options with large, reinforced pockets for convenience. While jeans are suitable, they can become heavy when wet.
• Long-sleeve shirt – A lightweight, breathable fabric will help keep you cool while providing sun protection.
• Jacket or vest – A waterproof jacket or raincoat is handy for rainy days in the garden, while a vest helps keep your core warm during cooler weather.

Gardening accessories

Gardening accessories provide comfort and protection while out in the yard. Here are a few accessories to consider:

• Hat – A wide-brimmed hat helps shield your face and neck from the sun. Look for styles with a neck flap and UPF-rated fabric for added protection.
• Sunglasses – Choose wraparound sunglasses with good UV protection to safeguard your eyes from glare and harmful rays.
• Safety goggles – Essential for tasks like pruning or mowing. Some goggles double as sunglasses for added versatility.
• Knee pads – Useful if you’ll be kneeling frequently for activities like planting or weeding. They help prevent strain and discomfort.
• Apron – A waterproof canvas apron with pockets keeps your clothing clean and provides convenient storage for small tools or seeds.
• Gardening tool belt – A practical way to keep essential gardening tools within easy reach.