Protect Yourself from the Sun and Heat in the Garden
For this guide, we turned to expert gardeners, horticulturists, and landscape designers who put their gear to work every season. Drawing on hands-on experience in real gardens and professional landscapes, they’ve identified the protective gear and accessories that deliver performance, durability, and comfort.
Read More: 8 Expert Picks to Create a Serene Patio
Transform any outdoor space quickly and affordably with stylish shade sails
Tested by Kim Toscano
Many of us overlook sun protection when sipping coffee on the patio or unwinding on the porch in the afternoon. Shade sails provide a low-cost option for covering outdoor living areas, reducing 90 to 95 percent of the sun’s UV rays. I installed four triangular ones from the California-based company Windscreen4less at home.
Though inexpensive, these sails, measuring 12 ft. × 12 ft. × 17 ft., have held up remarkably well for over five years. The hardware kit to install them is sold separately. I recommend against using rope to hang shade sails, as it will quickly stretch. For easy and lasting results, use heavy-duty cable wire and adjustable turnbuckles. In areas with snowy winters, take the sails down in fall so the weight of the snow doesn’t stretch the wires.
WindScreen4Less Shade Sail
WindScreen4Less Hardware installation kit
This versatile bandana is a no-brainer for hot days
Tested by Amy Galloway
I always wear a bandana when outside during summer. It helps me stay sane by absorbing sweat and protecting my neck, which gets a lot of sun exposure. On the most oppressive days, I soak and freeze it or bundle ice into it. Chilling this area helps to cool down the entire body and prevent heat stress. There are also towels that are treated to provide cooling effects, but I find a bandana more versatile. My Organic Bandana from United by Blue has softened with age and comes in many designs and colors. Made out of 100 percent cotton, it’s more sustainable than other options you’ll find online.
United by Blue Organic Bandana
Bundle up to cool down with this moisture-wicking shade hoodie to protect yourself from sun and heat
Tested by Amy Galloway
It may seem counterintuitive to grab a long-sleeved hoodie when it’s hot as hell out, but an airy, lightweight piece of clothing like the Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie II really does cool you down. After years of gardening in hot climates where shade is sparse, I’ve learned ways to bring protection with me. While a big sun hat can help, it is also critical to block your arms and neck. I sometimes wear the hood under a wide-brimmed hat for full coverage. When it’s very hot and sticky, the last thing you want is fabric clinging to your sweaty skin, so a loose fit from a light material such as bamboo is key. I recommend referencing the size chart and sizing up for airflow.
Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Shade Hoodie II
Men’s Bamboo Shade Hoodie
A hat is a simple but effective way of blocking out sun—make sure you pick the right one
Tested by Bryan Fischer
When it comes to plants, I don’t pick favorites. But with garden tools and clothing, I absolutely do. I’ve gone through a number of ball caps and full-brim hats over the years looking for the right one. Most have been non-breathable, offered inadequate sun protection, or failed to survive being packed up for trips. The sharp-looking Papyrus Brim Sun Hat from Outdoor Research is by far the winner. It is lightweight, breathes well, and is surprisingly durable for the price. It’s also the only hat I repurchase each time it wears out (which is roughly every year or so given daily use).
Over the last four years, I’ve smashed this hat into backpacks and suitcases, used it in the mountains as well as the backyard, and soaked it in rainstorms and irrigation disasters. It dries quickly and can easily be molded back into shape. The full brim provides much better sun protection than a baseball hat in my high-elevation (5,000 feet) garden.
Papyrus Brim Sun Hat
Choose pants that are light and breathable yet still heavy-duty
Tested by Amy Galloway
My favorite pants to wear outside in the heat of summer are from Topo Designs. They make a number of models well suited for working in the heat, including their Field Pants (pictured). They are designed to be tough for the garden yet stylish for an outing, and they also feel lightweight in warmer temperatures.
These pants are flattering without feeling constricting and still allow for ventilation. I’ve put my Topo Designs pants through the wringer while gardening—they’ve lasted for years and still look great!
Women’s Topo Designs Field Pants
Men’s Topo Designs Field Pants
Even when loaded down with tools, these overalls are lightweight
Tested by Amy Galloway
When temperatures rise to the point that I can’t stand anything touching my skin, I pull out my Heirloom Gardening Bib Overalls from Duluth Trading Co. The spacious fit allows for a wide range of motion while gardening without bunchy fabric feeling oppressive against my body. Multiple colors and patterns are available, and the pant legs can be rolled up and secured to turn them into shorts.
The elastic straps are comfortable and allow for sizing adjustments. Ten pockets of various sizes are great for storage. Tuck your tools into one of the zippered pouches or hang them from a loop on the side of the pant leg. These overalls meet the challenge of finding summer workwear that is breathable and thin, yet durable enough for heavy outdoor tasks.
Women’s Heirloom Gardening Bib Overalls
Men’s Dirt Work Bib Overalls
A high-quality cotton shirt is comfortable all summer, even with long sleeves
Tested by Mike Kintgen
Long-sleeve cotton shirts are invaluable when it comes to keeping the sun off my arms and neck. Retro® Premium Long Sleeve Western Snap Plaid Shirts from Wrangler are lightweight and easily washable. I prefer them over shirts with UV protection, as they seem to breathe better. I have worn these shirts for over a decade, and they dry quickly if one gets hit by a sprinkler or caught in a summer storm. The plaid patterns are especially good at hiding dirt or other debris that would show up on a solid-colored shirt. They can be ironed or sent to the dry cleaners if you need a slightly more formal look.
Men’s Wrangler Retro® Premium Long Sleeve Western Snap Plaid Shirt
Women’s Wrangler Colorwash Iconic Snap Shirt
These polarized sunglasses will protect your vision without breaking the bank
Tested by Kim Toscano
Like our skin, our eyes also need protection against UV rays, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on quality sunglasses. I’ve lost or damaged more than a few pairs of expensive sunglasses while gardening, biking, canoeing, and simply living life. That all changed when I discovered Goodr sunglasses. Designed to stay in place even on sweaty skin, these lightweight frames and polarized lenses are durable, functional, affordable, and plenty of fun. In fact, fun is part of Goodr’s M.O. as their products feature bold colors with playful names like “Nine Dollar Pour Over” (pictured). Gardeners might enjoy the purple-framed “Gardening with a Kraken” glasses, though more traditional colors are also available.
Limit skin exposure with this comfy sun shirt
Tested by Kim Toscano
While sunscreen is great, I try limiting sun exposure by wearing protective clothing when I’m outside working or enjoying nature. I’ve tried a variety of sun shirts that just don’t breathe well, but my favorite by far is Mountain Hardwear’s Crater Lake™ Long Sleeve Hoody. It is my go-to shirt for watersports, hiking, and gardening because it is incredibly soft, lightweight, and breathable while still providing SPF 50+ protection. The hood fits over my sun hat and bike helmet, and I appreciate the zippered pocket, a feature far too often neglected on women’s clothing. The long sleeves cover my hands to provide added shielding and feature a comfortable thumb hole.
Women’s Crater Lake™ Long Sleeve Hoody
Men’s Crater Lake™ Long Sleeve Hoody
Add some electrolytes to your water to keep up energy during long days in the sun
Tested by Amy Galloway
Maintaining proper hydration is key to staying healthy in the heat or when sweating excessively. I often drink over a gallon of water when working on the hottest Texas days, and adding a Nuun Sport Hydration Tablet to the mix here and there helps keep my electrolytes in balance. It is possible to overdo it, so follow the package directions and drink plain water as well. The tablets come in tubes that can be thrown in your backpack, which is really convenient when you’re out and about. My favorite flavors are citrus fruit and lemon lime, but there are a number of others to choose from.
Throw this sunscreen in your bag when heading outdoors, but be sure to use it properly
Tested by Kim Toscano
Most people use far too little sunscreen when they do apply it, which we don’t do often enough. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Sunscreen also expires, but if used correctly, you’ll run out long before the expiration date. Whether I’m gardening, biking, or hiking, I love Blue Lizard SPF 50+ Sport Sunscreen. This mineral-based product contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is reef safe and in my experience doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
All photos from contributors unless otherwise noted.
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Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Fiskars 28″ Power-Lever Garden Bypass Lopper and Tree Trimmer
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IDEAL BRANCH TRIMMER: Fiskars Power-Level Garden Bypass Lopper glides through branches up to 1.75″ thick for easy cuts; works well for trimming tree branches to maintain your yard and garden and to encourage overall plant health and appearance. MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance; non-slip grip handle allows for more control of clippers. LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning shears and tools are built to last. QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: Designed to help you cultivate a better garden, Fiskars garden and yard tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space. INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars Power-Lever Bypass Lopper; Full lifetime warranty.
FELCO F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, F 2, Red
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Comfortable, lightweight, sturdy aluminium alloy handles. High quality hardened steel blades, forged aluminium alloy handles, wire cutting notch
Anvil blade with sap groove, rubber cushion shock aborbers. For a medium to large hand, right Handed; the handles have a non slip coating. Lifetime guarantee, all parts replaceable. Ideal pruner for light applications and easily adjustable. Features strong blades with a wire cutting notch. Lightweight metal handles. Blades are made of high-quality hardened steel. Limited lifetime warranty.
