Most of us love to throw on a pair of our favorite sweatpants, and gardening can be comfortable in them. When gardening, however, you should more carefully consider what you’re wearing. Certain garments can make a big difference in your gardening process.
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Gardening Gloves
Gardening gloves come in a lot of different styles, from leather to fabric. Invest in a good pair that will protect your hands from stains, thorns, harsh elements, and more.
It’s advisable to have two pairs of gloves. Wear a thick canvas pair when pruning, working with thorny plants, and staining plants. The second pair should be elastic, tight-fitting, and sturdy to use while weeding or mixing soil.
When looking for gardening gloves, look for gloves that:
- Are waterproof
- Cover your wrists
- Have good grip
- Fit well (not too tight or loose)
Hat
You’ll want a hat with a wide brim that will protect you from the sun all the way around. Additionally, you’ll want one that is breathable, so that the air flows through it and cools your head and neck.
Try a big straw hat or canvas hat that has vents. Try to pick a hat with a lighter color, as mosquitos and other flying insects are attracted to darker colors. You’ll want something that resists stains and can be cleaned easily.
Shirt
You’ll want to find a shirt that isn’t only comfortable but will also wick sweat and help you avoid overheating. Depending on your location, it might be best to garden in a long-sleeved cotton shirt to protect you from mosquitoes and debris that might fly around.
A great alternative to a shirt/pants combination is a nice pair of coveralls. These should be functional, durable, and comfortable. You can wear coveralls over other clothing or by themselves.
Pants
Jeans are a great choice for gardening, and cargo pants can also work well. If you’re feeling retro, try some overalls. Don’t wear something too thin, as you might get cut if you’re working with thorns. You want something long enough to protect your legs from the plants, sun, and insects.
Whether you go with a shirt/pants combination, overalls, or coveralls, remember that you’ll need something with pockets, zippers, and loops to help keep your tools handy.
Appropriate Footwear
You’ll want to pick footwear that matches the conditions you will be working in. Additionally, you might need a couple of pairs for different environments. Rubber boots might be better for wet or slushy conditions, and work boots are good for muddy or rocky terrains. Muck garden shoes or sloggers are also a good choice.
You need to ensure that your feet stay comfortable and dry, as well as provide protection against changes in weather, falling tools and debris, and stubbing your toe. Be sure to get a really great pair of work boots. Boots and gloves are the two areas that you definitely can’t skimp on. If you love to plant, water, move, build, transplant, and prune, wearing the right outfit will be like icing on the cake.
