Gardening gloves may seem unimportant, but they make a big difference. For most gardening tasks, such as pulling weeds, pruning thorny bushes, or digging the soil, these gloves protect your hands and improve your grip.
However, not all of them are high-quality, and with so many types out there, it can be tricky to find the right one.
Let’s break down the process of choosing a pair of gardening gloves depending on different factors so that you know what to look for.
Do You Really Need Gardening Gloves?
Gardening gloves offer various benefits, including protecting your hands from thorns, cuts, chemicals, blisters, and more.
Wearing the right type of gardening gloves also means you get a more comfortable grip and can perform the task at hand more conveniently and effectively.
If you're a gardener, you need gloves unless you’re fine with dirt under your nails, cuts from blades, and surprise stings from bugs or thorns.
You may even get allergic reactions or rashes from certain plants if your hands are directly in contact with them.
How to Choose Gardening Gloves (Factors to Consider)
Now that you know the importance of wearing gardening gloves, no matter your experience or expertise, let’s discuss how to choose the right ones.
Fit and Comfort (Why It Matters)
This is non-negotiable. If your gloves are too loose, you’ll have a hard time handling tools. If they’re too tight, your hands will cramp.
Gloves that fit snugly on your hands offer comfort as well as good control over your tools. So, always check the sizing chart (Or try them on) before choosing one.
Breathability and Sweat Control
These are important considerations if you work in a hot or humid atmosphere. Look for a pair of gloves with mesh backs or breathable materials, such as cotton. The goal is to keep your hands dry.
Flexibility vs. Protection
Thick gardening gloves offer better protection, but can make it hard to grip tools. If you’re working with seeds or performing detailed tasks, go with thin gloves. If you’re up against rough materials, thicker variations will work better.
Cuff Length: Wrist vs. Elbow Protection
Short cuffs may work for light tasks, but if you’re up against thorny plants, get gardening gloves that protect your wrists and forearms.
Durability
Durability matters if you perform heavy-duty work like pruning and digging. Leather or reinforced palms work well. A lightweight pair will work fine for light watering or weeding.
Price vs. Performance
You don't need expensive gloves, but stay away from cheap products that may fall apart in a few days or months. Look for good materials and quality stitching.
You May Also Like: Hedge Shears Uses in Gardening
Types of Gardening Gloves (And What They're Best For?)
Not all types of gloves are suitable for your hands. Decide based on your short-term and long-term gardening needs.
Leather Gloves
If you garden in cold weather, you probably don't have to worry about sweaty hands. In fact, leather gloves can make the work more convenient by promoting better blood flow in extreme cold weather.
Nitrile Coated Gloves
These are water-resistant and have a good grip, which makes them great for wet conditions. Nitrile gloves can also protect your hands against chemicals. These are a safer option if you have a latex allergy.
Rubber Or Latex Gloves
These are great at keeping your hands dry. Best use cases of rubber/latex gloves include watering, transplanting, and mixing fertilizers. However, they're not breathable, so use them for short, wet tasks.
Cotton Gloves
These are super comfortable and breathable, but they're not as durable. Cotton gardening gloves are ideal for light gardening, pulling weeds, and indoor plants.
Gauntlet Gloves
These have long cuffs for arm protection. Gauntlet gloves are perfect for working with rose bushes and thorny plants.
How to Choose the Right Size Gardening Gloves
Start by measuring around the widest part of your hands (Excluding the thumb). Match that length with the brand’s sizing chart.
Remember that one brand’s medium might not be equal to another brand’s medium. Size charts vary.
If your hand is between two sizes, size up for flexibility. For a tight fit, side down. Try before buying, but if you’re buying online, check the brand’s return policy.
Questions You Might Have
How Long Should Gardening Gloves Last?
Gardening gloves should last a growing season, at least. The material, quality, frequency of use, and how you take care of them also decide the lifespan.
When to Replace Gardening Gloves?
Replace them when they’re torn, have holes, and are losing grip. Plus, if they smell bad even after proper washing, it’s time to replace them.
Are Gardening Gloves Machine Washable?
Yes, some glove materials, such as cotton and synthetic, are machine washable. Others, like rubber and leather, should be hand-cleaned.
Which Gloves are Best for pulling Thorns?
For heavy-duty work, like pulling thorns, thick leather or gauntlet gloves, preferably with reinforced palms, work best.
Can You Use Regular Gloves for Gardening?
You can, but gardening gloves are designed to perform in the garden. They're flexible, moisture-resistant, and have a good grip.
Why Do My Gardening Gloves Rip So Quickly?
You're probably using the wrong type of gloves for the task. For instance, thin glove material like cotton can't handle heavy-duty work like pulling out thorns.
Conclusion
The number one factor to be mindful of while choosing a pair of gardening gloves is your intended use case or application.
Even if you buy the highest-quality cotton gloves, they won't stand heavy-duty work. And, if you choose ultra-thick gloves for seeding, they will make the task difficult.
Similarly, your hands will sweat in leather gloves if you garden in humid or warm conditions. So, understanding what you need is job one.
Once you know your needs, consider the grip, quality, breathability, cuff length, durability, and price.
The size matters too; too big means you won't get the required grip on the tools. If it's too tight, your hands will become uncomfortable.
Read More: Using Pruning Shears: Your Step-by-Step Guide