Outdoor Protection: Proper Garden Attire
If you were to see my mother-in-law out in her garden, you would say she looks like a hobo. Shes decked out in the strangest garb you have ever seen, but it’s something she must do in order to protect herself.
She has spent most of her life outdoors and in her garden, but never protected herself from the sun until after a recent diagnosis of skin cancer which was, thankfully, treatable. There are many reasons to protect yourself in the garden, as well as wearing certain types of attire.
Giant Hat
OK, so it doesnt have to be giant, but it definitely has to have a brim wide enough to cover your face and neck. The face and neck will burn quickly without it and a ball cap just wont do the job. In my opinion, this is the most important part of garden attire. You may think you look ridiculous in a large straw hat, but not having to burn cancers off your face 20 years from now is worth wearing it.
Shirt
The shirt should be made of a light, breathable fabric (like cotton) and be one you dont mind getting dirty. Avoid floral prints or similar patterns, as this may attract bees and other insects that like flowers. Ideally, the shirt should be a solid color with long sleeves. The long sleeves serve two purposes: They protect you from the rays of the sun and from the bites and stings of insects.
Pants
I have always preferred blue jeans in the garden because of their durability. However, they do lack the maneuverability that some older people may need. The main purpose of wearing pants in the garden is to protect your legs from the sun and any rocks, branches or other debris that may stick out of the ground when you kneel or sit. Anything will really do the trick, as long as it covers your knees and legs.
Shoes
The shoes you wear in the garden really depend on the conditions outside. If it is a pleasant, sunny day, then any tennis shoes will do. They are comfortable and will protect your feet from the sharp rocks and sticks in the ground. If it has rained recently, then you might want to trade in the tennis shoes for some sturdy boots. The boots will give you more traction if you have to walk through mud.
Gloves
If the hat is the most important piece of gardening attire, then gloves are definitely the second most important. You need a pair of heavy-duty cloth gloves when dealing with plants and vegetables. You may think small gloves are good because you can handle things better, but those wont stop a rose bush thorn. They may be beautiful, but flowers have various natural defenses from sticky sap to prickly thorns and it’s best to have gloves that are equal to the task.
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