Are you trying to figure out which sun protection clothing when you are knee-deep in flowers? Let’s get you covered…literally!
Have you ever wondered why you see fully dressed people in the dog days of summer tending to their gardens? Not only is this not some type of secret society, it is a reason for this questionable behavior.
This post is all about wearing the right sun protection clothing while gardening.
What’s really going on?
I remember watching my grandmother garden in rubber boots, a t-shirt, a long skirt, legging-ish pants, gloves, wide-brimmed hat, and a long-sleeved button-down shirt. Mind you it was 95+ degrees and there was no shade.
In later years, I would help my mother pick bush beans right before sunrise in boots, leggings, and a t-shirt. She had the same fashionable swath of gear that my grandmother wore. After 30 minutes of sunrise, I was profusely sweating and exhausted. And I was still wondering why in the world does she have on all these clothes.
As I helped my mom that summer, I realized I would see an unimaginable amount of bugs and flying insects that I did not want to touch. Duly noted; wear gloves! When I paid attention to my mom’s wardrobe, I noticed she wasn’t sweating as much and miraculously looked…cooler. How?
Eventually, I adapted the same gear style and realized that I felt a tad bit cooler. I also realized that I definitely felt more protected from insects, chemicals, and the sun as I worked outside. I assimilated some (a lot), but I understand now that it is best to be protected at all times.
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What should I wear outside while gardening?
I cannot tell you exactly what you should be wearing in your garden. But, I can provide you with the following basic items to wear.
- Gloves – Gardening gloves are a true necessity! Gloves will protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and some insect bites as well as the sun
- Sunscreen – This is a necessary step regardless. However, if you plan on being outside it is a definite must! Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to exposed skin before heading out to the garden. Apply every 2 hours as needed.
- Wide-Brimmed Hat – A wide-brimmed hat is not only fashionable but it will protect your face, neck, and ears from the scorching sun. Look for a hat with a 50+ UPF rating for maximum protection.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt – Wear a light-colored, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt. The light color will keep you cool as well as a breathable fabric.
- Long pants – Long pants will protect your legs from the sun (and some insects). Wear light-colored, loose-fitting pants made of breathable fabric.
Although you may be dressed for success in the garden, it is also important to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks on those sweltering days. It’s recommended to avoid being in the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. when UV rays are the strongest. This is a great time to be an early bird and get outside as soon as possible if you are gardening! It is also worth noting that light-colored clothing reflects the sun’s rays and provides better sun protection than dark clothing which absorbs the sun’s rays.
Now that you know what to wear, you are ready to dig in (some dirt)! Repurpose some of your old clothing or buy some new garden clothing. The possibilities are endless!
This post was about types of sun protection clothing and staying safe outside in the garden.
