What to Wear When Gardening? Best Garden Clothes (2024)

To the serious gardener, what to wear when gardening may not be a matter of fashion. Most make do with old jeans so they can drop knees-to-soil and wipe muddy hands without care. But if you plan to spend your time at home in the garden, you can do better than that.

That might mean considering the latest fashion trends in garden wear or weaving practical considerations into your outfit. Wearing a cute gardening outfit that is loose, airy, and durable can extend your comfortable garden time, and looks stylish too.

Read on to learn how to pick the best gardening outfit that is functional, and also looks and feels awesome. The right clothing can make all the difference.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an affiliate, I earn a small commission every time you make a qualifying purchase through one of my affiliate links (if applicable) at no additional cost to you.

CONTENTS: In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about what to wear when gardening, including:

How to Choose the Right Clothes for the Garden

You can throw on an old pear of jeans, a T-shirt, and some grubby sneakers when you head out to the garden and be confident that you’ve made a good choice. And you have.

But serious gardeners know the value of a well-planned garden outfit with practical considerations. As you get ready for the gardening season, keep the following in mind when you assemble your wardrobe.

1. Wear Comfortable Clothes for Gardening

Work that requires whole-body movement, like digging, hoeing, roto-tilling, and raking, calls for clothes that don’t bind. That means loose-fitting pants or shorts with a roomie shirt or the waistless comfort of these classic gardening overalls.

Long, breezy garden dresses or this vintage pinafore dress need not be limited to garden strolls. You can enjoy their easy comfort while doing daily garden maintenance, including dead-heading flowers, weeding, and bud picking.

Choose broad weaves and natural fabrics such as cotton over synthetic alternatives. Natural, lightweight gardening clothes “breathe” and will wick moisture away from your skin, providing you with the coolest option.

Denim, like this cute short-sleeve button-down babydoll dress, and other heavy fabrics also help keep external dampness and dirt away from your skin.

While lycra adds flexibility to fabrics, as in these loose capri yoga pants, more than a touch of it is at the expense of air circulation. If you tend to sweat a lot, it’s not always a great option. (A better choice might be cooler cotton haram pants — floral, of course.)

Finally, a long-sleeved cotton overshirt makes a smart addition to your garden wardrobe, even on the hottest days when you’re working among the brambles. The added arm coverage will protect your skin from thorns, poison ivy, sunburn, and—to a degree—bug bites.

With these items as your foundation, you can start adding extras that will enhance your garden outfit.

2. Get Arm Protectors for Gardeners

Have you ever been up to your elbows in thorny roses or brambles and knew you wouldn’t emerge unscathed?

Well, here’s the thing.

You can solve the problem by getting some arm protection for gardeners. One such product are these pretty Farmer’s Defense arm sleeves. Form-fitting to your arm, they will keep your arms safe from thorny scrapes, poison ivy, skin irritants, and UV rays. They are also machine washable, so you can toss them in the washing machine at day’s end.

Or, consider wearing looser, more comfortable arm coverings, like these gloved fashionable florals that will protect you from your fingertips to your elbows without constriction. They’re made of Nitrile, nylon, and cotton so they’re tough but breathable.

3. Wear the Best Shoes for Gardening

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These cute Sunflower waterproof gardening clogs are very high on the list of favorite garden footwear. You’ll find plastic versions of Dutch clogs in bright patterned or gender-neutral colors. They are one of the best types of shoes to wear when gardening because garden clogs are comfortable, convenient, and waterproof.

Because the clogs are so popular, you should have no trouble finding variations on the theme, from vibrant pink open-back Birkenstock garden clogs to thicker-soled mud clogs.

The best-known variety of plastic clogs is Crocs. You’ll find these clogs are great for gardening—and fashion statements, too. For instance, like the tasteful Vera Bradley Crocs designs or these cool unisex tie-dye Crocs.

Add fun garden embellishments and Croc charms to playfully show off your gardening interests on your feet!

Crocs are so cute and comfortable, you might even want several pairs – some for gardening and others for casual wear.

4. Get Some Good Boots for Gardening

Barefoot gardening makes you feel closer to the earth, for sure–and in fact, you are! Many gardeners prefer to garden in bare feet unless digging is required. And for casual maintenance tasks in the garden, clogs are a great choice.

For digging, though, a good pair of sturdy women’s work boots can’t be beaten. 

Work boots are one of the best types of footwear for gardening because they provide a solid sole for maximum shovel thrust. Some, like these waterproof boots with a steel toe, will also protect your feet from potential hazards like rototiller tines.

Other gardeners prefer to wear more of a classic hiking boot for gardening, that allows for shoveling while providing foot support for marathon gardening days.

In the wet spring weather, rely on these cheerful knee-high Wellington boots, or “Wellies,” to keep your feet dry. They are the best rubber boots for gardening, and they’ll keep your feet warm and free from water.

Some rubber boots have a steel shank in the sole, like these heavy-duty, lined waterproof boots for women making them more supportive and durable.

You’ll even discover some Wellies have a special dig pad for extra protection when you’re digging. You can get them short or knee-high and in all sorts of colorful designs.

Another type of wet weather boots for gardening is those that easily slip on and off over your footwear. Then, you can leave the mud at the back door.

London Fog Piccadilly Rain Boots are a great stylish and functional choice, too!

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5. Protect Your Knees (Fashionably)

A typical knee-breaking day in the garden begins this way: The Gardener pulls one innocuous-looking weed to find it’s part of an endless network of runners invading the vegetable garden.

Hours later, the Gardener emerges from the work with aching knees ready to retire for the day.

But not all gardener’s knees ache.

The secret?

Carpenters knee pads.

Admittedly, they can be sweaty. But they will protect your knees on any surface, including cement walkways.

True, they may not be the most stylish. But at least you won’t have a pained expression after a long day in the garden! That counts for something.

Knee pads, conventional or otherwise, are a must-have for gardeners. Available in a variety of light, protective materials, they allow you to get the most mileage from your knees in a day.

For a cooler, more comfortable alternative, try wearing a Japanese overalls in cool linen. You might also look for versions with the standard knee pockets and padded inserts. They’re hard to come by but so utilitarian.

Or, get a garden kneeler. You can get one that coordinates with your gloves, like a Cath Kidston Garden Kneeler, or this pretty but affordable knock-off.

6. Slip into the Best Gardening Gloves

Bare hands are ideal when you want to pat down the soil around seedlings, grip a tough weed, or simply feel the furry leaves of the native perennial, Lamb’s ears (stachys byzantina).

Your hands do take a beating, though, as any beginner gardener learns quickly.

Calloused palms, blisters, scraped knuckles, and dirty fingernails may be a sign of a day well spent. They also indicate that a little protection is an order for your most precious garden tool – your hands. 

So, gardening gloves are a must-have item for your garden attire.

In fact, it’s a good idea to have two or three pairs of cotton gardening gloves around for everyday gardening work. They are versatile and cheap and can be thrown in the wash for easy cleanup.

Fine garden work, like planting seedlings or seed collecting, requires a more delicate touch.

The best rose gardening gloves might be these elegant “these elegant “Foxgloves“, a gauntlet-like thin nylon blend glove combines protection with dexterity. They rise to mid-forearm, also keeping dirt and debris from your lower arms.

Some beautiful and functional favorites are Cath Kidston gardening gloves, in beautiful vintage floral themes. They are among the best women’s gardening gloves in terms of form and function.

For wetter work, gardeners can try “mud gloves,” cotton gloves dipped in colorful waterproof latex. They are rugged, comfortable, and keep your hands dry.

Another similar brand is Atlas gardening gloves, which are mesh with the palms covered in nitrile. They come in bright, beautiful colors and “fit like second skin.”

For spraying chemicals (if you must), look to ordinary rubber gloves to provide all-over-hand protection.  These gloves are chemical resistant.

Thorny situations call for good leather garden gloves. This pair by Legacy Gardens is attractive, affordable, and unisex.

7. Pretty Sun Hats

Unlike sun-loving plants, gardeners must protect their face and neck from the harmful rays of the sun while doing garden chores.

Hats with the highest sun protection factor SPF can be found at specialty shops, but any hat is a step in the right direction for hatless gardeners.

A loose-fitting, soft straw hat with a generous brim, or a baseball cap combined with maximum sunscreen on your face and neck will help both the stylish and the stubborn gardener prevent long-term damage.

If your hair is up in a ponytail or hair clip, don’t forget to cover your neck. This cute, wide-brimmed sun hat should do the trick. It’s breathable, too!

Ultimately, the best sunhat for gardening is one that keeps you protected and compliments your stylish gardening clothes.

You might even opt for a fedora hat for a stylish stroll through the garden. Hey, who said you can’t look good while you’re gardening?

8. Garden Belts and Accessories

With any wardrobe, the last things you add are accessories. The same is true for your gardening wardrobe.

For instance, when you invest in a high-quality manual hand pruner, one of the worst things you can do is leave it on the ground.

Instead, complete your outfit with a gardening apron or gardening tool belt to keep tools close at hand but well-protected. The best gardening aprons have several pockets. It’s probably one of the most useful and overlooked wardrobe items when it comes to what to wear while gardening.

Keep your phone close at hand by wearing a garden belt with a phone pocket. Or, better yet, try turning off the phone for a day spent comfortably in the garden without interruption. Can you even imagine?

What’s Trending in 2024 Gardenwear?

While the best gardening outfit can be your clothing cast-aways, you can also be intentional about what you wear in the garden. Garden clothing trends for 2024 focus on sustainability, functionality, and style–a winning combination.

Gardenwear Trend #1: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

The trend towards using sustainable materials in gardening attire is stronger than ever. Expect to see an increase in garden hats and protective clothing made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo fibers. This shift not only supports the environment but also caters to the avid gardener looking for eco-friendly options.

Gardenwear Trend #2: Multi-Functional Gardening Garments

Clothing that serves multiple purposes has always been a staple for gardeners, but it’s showcased in new ways this year. Look for cargo pants and vest tops with plenty of pockets for holding garden tools. These items are not just practical but are designed with the serious gardener in mind, blending protective clothing with comfortable shoes for long hours in the big garden.

Gardenwear Trend #3: Technologically Enhanced Fabrics

Fabrics that offer further sun protection and moisture-wicking capabilities are on the rise. Garden season 2024 will likely see an expansion in garments featuring UV protection and breathable fabric, perfect for outdoor activities during the garden season, providing comfort for long periods of time.

Gardenwear Trend #4: Stylish Yet Functional Footwear

The original muck boot company and similar brands are innovating with garden shoes and hunter boots that are both stylish and functional. These options are excellent for yard work, offering protective clothing for your feet, with free shipping often available as an added incentive for online shoppers.

Gardenwear Trend #5: Adaptive Clothing for Changing Weather

With colder weather and colder days in mind, garden wear is adapting with layers that can easily be adjusted. Light layers and flexible designs in jackets and storage tool belts offer practical solutions, ensuring gardeners are prepared for any manner of conditions.

Gardenwear Trend #6: Personalized and Fashion-Forward Garden Wear

Moving away from one-size-fits-all, the trend is leaning towards cute gardening outfits and cute gardening gloves that allow personal expression. Whether it’s a floppy hat or an infinity scarf for a bit of flair, the gardening world is embracing trends that make a gardener’s green thumb look good and feel great.

Top Gardenwear Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when it comes to putting together your garden outfit.

1. Embrace the Seasons in Your Garden Attire

As the seasons change, so should your gardening attire. In the summer heat, you’ll want to wear light, breathable layers to allow free movement under the sun. When chillier months approach, layering is key. Start with a snug base layer and add more as the temperature drops. This way, you stay comfortable while tending to your plants, no matter the weather.

2. Gear Up with the Latest in Gardening Innovation

Discover how the right gear can elevate your gardening game. UV-protective clothing is a must-have, offering a shield against harmful rays while you work in your garden. Similarly, moisture-wicking fabrics keep you cool and dry during those long hours outdoors. Embrace these innovations for a safer, more enjoyable gardening experience.

3. Special Conditions: Tailoring Your Outfit

Gardening isn’t just a fair-weather hobby, and your clothes should reflect that. On rainy days, opt for water-resistant attire that keeps you dry without hindering your movement. For extreme heat, ventilated clothing can be a lifesaver, helping regulate your body temperature while protecting you from the sun.

4. Personalizing Your Gardening Style

Your garden is a reflection of your personality, and your attire can be too. Mixing functionality with personal style means you can enjoy your gardening tasks in outfits that make you feel good. Whether it’s a favorite hat that keeps the sun at bay or gloves that protect yet still make a fashion statement, make sure your gardening wardrobe is as unique as your garden.

Final Thoughts on What to Wear When Gardening

Did you know there were so many options when it comes to what to wear for gardening? With this list of functional and fashionable garden attire, you’ll never have to wonder what to wear gardening again.

You’ll be ready to garden at a moment’s notice wearing a functional outfit that’s anything but sloppy.

Now, you can focus on important decisions at hand…How many heirloom tomatoes should you plant? Where will you put your extra Day Lilies? Do you have enough fresh herbs to dry for the winter? What plants will make the yard look pretty in fall?

Do you have a favorite thing to wear when you garden? Will you add any of these suggestions to your wardrobe? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!

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This article is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. For more information, please see the following Disclosure.

Photo credits: Hat – Pezibear, Gloves – Sandid, Woman planting in long sleeves – Rob Brown (Pixabay); Over shirt – Zen Chung, Anna Shvets (Pexels)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gardening Outfits

Here are some questions and answers you may have about what to wear in the garden.

What is the best thing to wear for gardening?

The best thing to wear for gardening is a combination of comfort, protection, and practicality. Opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton in light colors to keep cool. A wide-brimmed hat or a floppy hat is essential for sun protection, while durable pants, such as a pair of jeans or cargo pants, protect your legs. Don’t forget a pair of sturdy gardening gloves to protect your hands.

What should I wear to a gardening job?

For a gardening job, wear protective clothing that’s also practical. Start with a base layer of comfortable, breathable fabric, add cargo pants with plenty of pockets for tools, and choose sturdy garden shoes or hunter boots for foot protection. A good hat to shield from the sun and gardening gloves are must-haves. If you’re working long hours, consider wearing light colors to reflect the sun and keep your body temperature down.

Why do gardeners wear white?

Gardeners often wear white or light-colored clothing to reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them, which helps in keeping their body temperature lower. Light colors are less likely to attract bugs and can make it easier to spot ticks or other pests. Wearing white is also a practical choice for staying cool during long periods of time spent outdoors in the garden.

What do gardeners wear in summer?

In summer, gardeners wear lightweight and breathable clothing to stay cool. This includes short sleeves or three-quarter-length sleeves, wide-brimmed hats for sun protection, and comfortable shoes. Some may opt for tank tops or loose-fitting shirts and shorts, but always consider the need for protection from the sun and plants. A layer of sun protection on exposed skin is also advisable.

What not to wear in the garden?

Avoid wearing dark colors that absorb heat, heavy fabrics that don’t allow your skin to breathe, and anything too tight or restrictive that could hinder movement. Old clothes might be tempting, but ensure they still provide adequate protection. Skip sandals or open shoes that expose feet to injury, and avoid anything that could catch on tools or branches, like loose jewelry.

How do gardeners stay cool?

Gardeners stay cool by wearing light-colored and breathable fabrics, using wide-brimmed or floppy hats for shade, and choosing clothing that wicks moisture away from the skin. Drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade helps too. Some gardeners wear a damp bandana around their neck or wrist for additional cooling, and choosing the right time of day to garden—early morning or late afternoon—can also make a big difference.

How do I keep my hair clean while gardening?

To keep your hair clean while gardening, consider wearing it up in a bun or ponytail to minimize contact with dirt and debris. Wearing a hat not only protects your face from the sun but can also keep your hair clean. For those with long hair, a bandana or a garden hat with a large front pocket to tuck your hair into can be very effective. If you’re dealing with particularly messy tasks, consider using a light scarf or a dedicated gardening head cover that can be easily washed.