The Best Garden Gloves for the Whole Family
Nitrile vs. Latex Gloves: What's the Difference?
What Are Vegan Leather Work Gloves?
7 Best Work Gloves for Women
The 9 Best Winter Work Gloves, Tested by Editors and Tradespeople
7 Best-Reviewed Garden Hand Tools You Can Get on Amazon
12 Best Gardening Tools
Top-Rated Hand Pruners for Your Gardening Projects
10 Best Garden Trowels
The Best Garden Cultivators
Get the Ultimate Heat Protection with the 10 Best Grilling Gloves
10 Best Outdoor Plant Pots for Your Garden
Best Mold and Mildew Resistant Paints
Rubber Gloves Rubber Bands
10 Best Herb Garden Planters and Kits of 2024
Top Tools for Efficient Weeding and Handheld Options
4 Best Greenhouse Plastics
12 Best Reviewed Hand Tools to Buy on Amazon
9 Adaptive Tools To Make Gardening With Disabilities Easier
The Best Fall Flowers (That Aren't Mums): Expert Picks
Updated on Oct. 21, 2024
The best gardening gloves make the work more enjoyable, protecting you from cuts, scrapes, bites and whatever else is lurking in your garden.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Now Trending
ZBYNEK POSPISIL/GETTY IMAGES
I’ve bought and used dozens of different kinds of garden gloves. One thing I’ve learned is one type doesn’t do it all. I own several pairs for different types of gardening.
Best for General Use
WORKPRO Garden Gloves
Read More
Best for Pruning Roses
HLDD HANDLANDY Long Sleeve Leather Gardening Gloves
Read More
Best for Cut Resistance
Dowellife Working Gloves
Read More
Best for General Use Without Latex
MUD GLOVES
Read More
Best Summer Work Gloves
Ethel Gloves
Read More
Best for Light Gardening
Foxgloves
Read More
Best Disposable Gloves
PEIPU Nitrile Exam Gloves
Read More
via merchantvia merchant
I like gloves with a latex covering on the palms and fingertips and a breathable fabric on the other side. The latex provides a good grip when weeding or digging, and also keeps my hands dry. You can often buy these gloves in packs of several pairs so you’ll have extra on hand if they get wet and you need a dry pair.
via merchantvia merchant
When pruning roses, I wear leather gloves that come up almost to my elbows. The tough leather protects my hands and forearms from thorns so I can concentrate on what I’m doing. These gloves would work for pruning anything with thorns, including blackberries and raspberries.
via merchantvia merchant
When I’m doing something in the garden that requires a sharp knife, or working with any kind of metal with sharp edges, I like to wear cut resistant gloves. I first discovered these when I was looking for cut resistant gloves to use in the kitchen. I was delighted to learn they have them for outdoor work, too.
via merchantvia merchant
Another favorite brand of mine is Mud. These are great if you can’t wear anything with latex. The nitrile covering keeps hands dry while weeding or planting, and they range in size from extra-small to large. They even have gloves for kids who might want to help out in the garden.
via merchantvia merchant
In summer, when I’m doing heavy work that calls for an all-leather glove but don’t want my hands to sweat, I reach for Ethel gloves. These are machine washable, and the fingertips allow you to use your smartphone without removing the glove.
I once lost a pair of Ethel gloves in the garden and found them a year later in my compost pile. With a quick wash, they were as good as new.
via merchantvia merchant
For light garden work, like cutting flowers for bouquets or harvesting vegetables, a lightweight glove like these Foxgloves will protect your hands. Because they’re longer than many other gardening gloves, they’ll protect your wrists as well. The inventor of Foxgloves tells a fun story about buying used ladies’ gloves from the 1950s for gardening, then making these in much the same way.
via merchantvia merchant
Sometimes the best gloves for gardening are disposable. I wear these latex-free gloves whenever I’m potting up plants, sowing seeds, and even weeding if I know I’m not going to run into thorns. They keep my hands clean. Although they aren’t puncture proof, I’m less likely to get cuts or scrapes.
What to Consider When Buying Gardening Gloves
When buying my gardening gloves, I consider:
- Purpose: Gloves that are great for trimming roses won’t work well for weeding. And gloves for weeding often aren’t the best choice for potting up seedlings.
- Size: I look for gloves that come in different sizes — small, medium, and large. “One size fits all” are usually too big for me.
- Cost: Like everyone, I’m looking for a good price but recognize the cheapest option is seldom the best.
- Material: I prefer heavier gloves for trimming to be made of a non-puncture material like leather. I like other gloves to be machine washable and not too hot to wear in summer.
Author
Carol J. Michel
Carol J. Michel is an award-winning author of five gardening humor books and two children's book. She has a degree in horticulture from Purdue University. Carol began writing about gardening on her eponymous website, which led to numerous magazine articles, her books and a podcast called The Gardenangelists. She started gardening as a toddler follo...
Read More