Clothing for the garden and what takes it
Short answer: Gardening is physical and messy. Use clothes that are on their way out anyway as the outer layer, and let a good base layer be the only thing that has to actually work while you dig, prune and weed for hours.
The outer layer gets ruined
Soil, resin and branches ruin the outer layer regardless of quality, and even the most expensive fabric gets stained and worn after an afternoon in the flower bed. Use what you are already retiring rather than wearing out something new. See washing and care for how to rescue stains while it is still possible.
The base layer still has to work
It is physical work, and you sweat even when it is cold outside and you only work briefly. A good base layer keeps you from getting cold during breaks, because moisture is carried away from the skin instead of lingering and cooling you down when you stand still.
Underwear for men
See bamboo underwear for men, which handles both sweat and movement without binding or cutting in as you bend over the bed again and again. The fabric also dries faster than cotton, meaning less cold if you sit down for a break in the middle of the work.
Long legs
Lots of bending and walking causes chafing, especially if trousers are short or tight at the knee. Long legs remove that problem entirely. See bamboo underpants for men, loose enough to follow the movement without binding when you crouch by a bed for a long time.
Socks that stay up
In wellies, the sock needs to be longer than the shaft, or the edge chafes all day. See all bamboo socks for men, which stay put without rolling down, even after hours in boots full of soil and moisture from grass and flower beds.
Underwear for women
See bamboo underwear for women, which follows the same principle: a soft, seamless base layer stays comfortable even when the outer layer is dirty and wet from rain or sweat after a long day in the garden with heavy tools.
Wash straight away
Soil stains should be treated before washing and never warmed up before they are gone, because heat sets many types of stains instead of removing them. Rinse the worst of it out under cold water before the clothes end up in the laundry basket, if you have the chance.
Gloves do not keep everything out
Even with good gloves, soil gets in at the cuff when you dig deep or move heavy stones. A loose sleeve that can be pushed up makes it easier to keep soil out and stops dirt from being pressed further toward the skin while you keep working in the bed.
Plan around the weather
Check the weather before a long day in the garden and dress in layers you can remove as you go. The cool morning air often turns into sweaty afternoon work, and it is easier to have one layer too many than to be cold because you did not account for it.
Frequently asked questions
Which clothes should you use for gardening?
The outer layer that is on its way out anyway, because soil and branches ruin it regardless of quality. The base layer should still be good, since it keeps you dry.
Why does the base layer matter?
Because it is physical work and you sweat even in cold weather. A damp base layer cools you during breaks, while one that carries moisture away keeps you warm.
How do I remove soil stains?
Treat them before washing and avoid heat until the stain is gone. Heat can set the stain permanently, so it is better to rinse straight away with cold water.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
