Clothing is one of the most overlooked pieces of kit for market gardeners but it can make or break your day. When you’re working outside in British weather, often for 8-12 hours at a time, the right clothing isn’t a luxury. It’s essential equipment.
Here’s a practical, grower-focused guide to choosing workwear that keeps you warm, dry, safe, and comfortable throughout the season.
Choosing the right base layers
Good workwear starts with the layer closest to your skin. Look for:
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Moisture-wicking fabric
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Quick-drying fibres
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Breathable but warm
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No cotton (it holds moisture and chills you) try wool, silk or bamboo instead
Hard-wearing work trousers
Your trousers take a beating whether it's from kneeling and squatting or crawling as well as harvesting and hauling crates.
Look for:
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Reinforced knees
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Stretch fabric for mobility
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Water-resistant coating
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Pockets for knives, markers, phone
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Tough seams that won’t blow out
Two pairs you rotate is better than one pair worn every day.
We have a great range of trousers, from leggings to field trousers to overalls, check them out here.
Waterproof layers that actually work
Cheap waterproofs often fail after one season. Market gardeners need reliable protection.
Choose:
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A jacket with sealed seams
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Breathable but waterproof membrane
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Adjustable cuffs
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Hood that moves with your head
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Long cut for bending and lifting
Good waterproof trousers are equally important, they keep you working comfortably even in driving rain.
Our collection of waterproofs has everything you might need for those wet weather days.
Insulated layers for winter
For cold months, focus on:
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A warm gilet (keeps core warm without restricting arms)
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Synthetic insulation (works even when damp)
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Lightweight but warm fibres
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Easy on/off for regulating temperature
Layering beats one bulky coat.
Footwear built for mud, wet grass, and long days
Market gardening is tough on feet. You need footwear that’s:
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Waterproof
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Durable
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Supportive
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Easy to clean
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Grippy in mud
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Comfortable for 10,000+ steps
Wellies work, but waterproof boots or field boots with good insoles are far better for long-term comfort.
We have a few sizes left of Blundstones in our sale - have a look and see if they would work for you!
Gloves for every season
No single glove does it all. Most growers keep:
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Thin dexterity gloves for planting
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Heavy duty gloves for fencing and hauling
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Waterproof thermal gloves for winter
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Cut-resistant gloves for harvest
Your hands are your most important tools so protect them well.
All of our gloves can be found here.
Hats, buffs & sun protection
British weather might not feel intense, but sun and wind exposure adds up.
Consider:
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Brimmed sun hats for summer
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Wool hat for winter
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Buffs for neck protection
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Lightweight SPF layer for long harvests
We have both summer and winter hats available - have a look
Aprons & harvest vests
Harvest aprons or utility vests save time during picking by:
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Holding knives and snips
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Keeping your clothes clean
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Storing elastics and tags
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Adding pockets for phone and notebook
They also reduce trips back to the pack shed. We have both a harvest apron available as well as the harvest smock that we love.
Good workwear is an investment in comfort, safety, and efficiency. When you’re dressed for the job and you're dry, warm, mobile, protected then everything is easier. Whether you’re preparing beds in March rain, pruning tomatoes in July heat, or harvesting in December frost, the right gear keeps you moving.
And like any great tool, good workwear pays for itself through durability, comfort, and fewer wasted hours.