Practical Garden Wear for Comfort and Protection

Gardening is a relaxing and practical activity and what you wear is usually a combination of these things. If you do the thyme (pun intended), dress the part. Doctors wear white coats, barristers wear gowns, and wigs in England. Practical garden wear will add to your comfort in the garden.

Like the plants you work with it will depend on the zone,  time of year, and what is out there.  i.e. Are you planting or harvesting? Are the black flies out? Do you have any special needs while gardening?

What you want

Gardening is work, not as in a chore but as in creation. Like an artist you are preparing and engaging with nature to create something that will bring you and others pleasure, either aesthetically, or through eating the fruits of your labour.

The main things to look for when dressing for work in the garden:

Comfort
Coverage
Pockets

You know your own gardening style and needs.  And comfort will usually be your first priority.

What you need

Boots

Because I usually don’t get a chance to tip toe through the tulips, I wear very practical safety boots, left behind by my son ( I believe in reuse and recycle),  while working in my garden. No flips flops for me. The area where I live is known for snakes, and although I have yet to see one, you can’t take any chances.

I know snakes are deaf and won’t hear me coming, but they sure will see me running. Luckily, there are no dangerous ones in the area, unless you count dying of fright.

The boots give great support especially when pressing down on a shovel.  They also provide protection from tools and elements when landscape gardening. 

I used to wear waterproof Wellington (rubber boots), but they didn’t give the support  I need for gardening. These were a standard when working in British gardens, now they come in some very fashionable colours and styles, and a more comfortable length for kneeling.

Another reason for my personal choice of boots is that I am told that there are bears in these here parts, again I have yet to have the pleasure, however one should be prepared.  The plan is to take the steel toe boots off, throw them at the bear and hide behind a tree.  But seriously, the expert advice is to never run.  You can read how to conduct yourself here.  Good Luck.

Clogs

Garden clogs are cute, fashionable and easy to kick off.  Easy on shoes are important if there are any physical issues which prevent you from bending.  There are so many styles available so you will be sure to find a pair which meet your needs.

Pants

For outdoor work find the most comfortable pair of pants, preferably in a breathable material. I had a pair made from hemp, it was incredibly comfortable and has lasted for years.  Don’t forget pockets,  always useful when you need to be hands free in the garden.  I go more for the big and roomy rather than the fashionista, or close fit when gardening.

Confession, I do own dungarees/bib overalls.  They are perfect if you have to do a lot of bending over vegetables or weeding, and the only crack you want to see is in the paving stones.

Skirts and Dresses

Comfortable and flowing skirts and dresses are the iconic garden wear for the romantic classic garden look.  The diaphanous dress creating a translucent shadow in the sun is comfortable and light. Great for picture taking in the garden.  

Gloves

Definitely getting your hands dirty is part of gardening, right? But that does not mean you should not protect them.

Some people may have sensitivities to certain plants, skin conditions, not to mention thorns and saps which plants use like security guards to protect themselves.  Gloves enable everyone to get hands on without having to worry about scratches, or allergic reactions.

Garden Sleeves

These sleeves can cover and protect from the wrist to the upper arms, depending on the brand. These are very practical and extend the function of gloves. These are especially good for people with sensitive skin and prevents scratches and bites, and sunburn.

Hat

This is a classic.  The wide brimmed hat, protecting head, neck and eyes from the sun, the baseball cap favoured by farmers, the elegant straw, favoured by Mennonites, Amish, and my dad.

Apron

The apron is a great way to keep the small tools you need close to you.  Pockets are a must.  It is also nice to know that you can really get hands in the dirt and still be protected.

The truth is you should wear what you like, and what you feel comfortable in. More important than how you dress is your mindset. Show gratitude and give thanks to the Creator for the gifts you receive from your garden. Your garden is your pleasure, a time for renewal and interaction with the natural world, so dress for success.

Let me know in the comments what you wear in the garden.