What to Wear While Gardening: A Head-to-Toe Guide | Wirecutter

2022-04-21 09:39:01 By : Ms. Catherine Li

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With spring’s arrival, it’s time to take stock of your gardening gear. Here’s what to wear out there, from the top of your head to the tips of your toes, while you’re revitalizing your garden after the winter months.

This hat with UPF 50+ fabric is airy and lightweight enough that you’ll actually leave it on—and it won’t blow off with the wind. It also provides full coverage, with a longer back that covers the back of your neck to keep it safe from the sun.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $42.

For more options, see our guide to the best sun hats.

Instead of squinting to see your tomato patch, wear a pair of UV-blocking, polarized sunglasses. The Sungait shades were the most comfortable of the affordable round sunglasses we tested.

For more options, see our guide to the best cheap sunglasses.

Don’t become a victim to sunburn—slather sunscreen on your body and face before you start pulling weeds. Supergoop sunscreen, a favorite among Wirecutter staffers, is designed for both the face and body.

For more options, see our guide to the best sunscreen.

If you want to listen to an audiobook or bop along to your favorite tunes while you’re out in the garden, wireless earbuds can help. The Jabra Elite 75t earbuds feel comfortable, sound great, and come equipped with intuitive touch controls. You can even take calls, hands-free, while you’re elbow-deep in potting soil.

May be out of stock

*At the time of publishing, the price was $110.

For more options, see our guide to the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds.

No gardener wants to spend their time outdoors slapping away mosquitos or worrying about ticks. This EPA-approved picaridin formula, which sprays on evenly, is effective against pests for up to 12 hours. It also dries nicely, leaving behind a slight tackiness that goes away within the hour.

For more options, see our guide to the best bug repellents.

Whether you want to protect your hands from splinters and thorns or you just don’t like scrubbing dirt from under your fingernails, a good pair of gloves will have you covered. The Atlas nitrile gloves are comfortable and thin, and they offer good protection without compromising dexterity. If none of the color options are your style, these gloves are also available in black for a few bucks more.

May be out of stock

*At the time of publishing, the price was $26.

For more options, see our guide to the best gardening gloves.

Kneepads are especially good to have around if you’ll be kneeling on concrete to reach your garden. These kneepads have a rigid flat front face backed by a cushy felt interior, which stabilizes your stance well. They’re worth splurging for if you have an injury or know you’ll be kneeling on hard surfaces.

Alternatively, you can skip the kneepads altogether and invest in a floor mat instead. Kneepads, though convenient, can get uncomfortable over time, especially where the strap digs in behind the knee. The ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat, the budget pick in our guide to standing desk mats, can give your knees the relief they need without the pinch—but keep in mind that a less-mobile mat might slow you down.

The Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals are comfortable, affordable, and, best of all, waterproof. At the end of a particularly taxing gardening effort, you can wash them off easily without worrying about ruining them—but if you plan to do a substantial amount of digging or power-tool work, you’ll need a pair of tough closed-toe boots to stay safe.

Read more about why we love Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals and check out our guide to the best hiking boots.

This article was edited by Treye Green.

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