The right gloves can make or break your gardening efforts, so I scoured the web to find the best gardening gloves with reasonable pricing. After reviewing a variety of gloves–including the overall best options, gardening gloves with claws, and kids gardening gloves–I’ve made a list of my favorites. Read on to see the list!
The Importance of a Great Pair of Gardening Gloves
Most gardening newbies will go with any cheap pair of gloves they can find at their local store. As with anything, you may spend more in the long run replacing cheap gloves than you would by purchasing a great pair at a reasonable price.
Choosing the Right Materials
The materials make all the difference when it comes to investing in the right pair of garden gloves. Here’s a list of glove materials and their strengths (clicking on the material will take you to a Wikipedia page with more information):
- Latex: A common glove material, latex offers an affordable and durable foundation to protect against cuts and scratches.
- Nitrile: Nitrile rubber, an allergy-safe and chemical-resistant material, gives gardeners a flexible and puncture-proof experience in the garden.
- Bamboo: An unusual material, bamboo absorbs perspiration and offers excellent breathability. Bamboo also offers insulation to keep your hands warm in colder months and cool in warmer months.
- Spandex: Typically, you’ll see spandex combined synthetic leather for maximum breathability while achieving excellent durability.
- Leather: Many gardeners consider leather gloves more durable than nitrile-coated or bamboo gloves. While this may be true, I believe that you’ll be able to find a better value with our materials, including synthetic leather.
- Synthetic Leather: For vegans and the sustainable-minded, synthetic leather offers a great balance between durability and environmental sustainability.
These are a lot of materials, and it may be difficult to choose the right ones for your needs. Don’t worry – I’ll help guide you along with my list of the best gardening gloves on the market. These gloves will incorporate one or more of these products and I’ll be sure to go over their strengths and weaknesses, so you can make the right decision.
How to Choose the Right Gardening Gloves for the Weather
You should also consider the weather when you’re purchasing a pair of gardening gloves. If you’re gardening in the winter months, you’ll want to choose a thicker glove with heavier insulation.
For summer work, a lighter pair with breathability will keep your hands from becoming too sweaty. However, your gloves should also offer good dexterity regardless of its materials so that you do the delicate work of gardening.
Male, Female, and Unisex Gloves
If you’re considering purchasing male or female gloves, you may want to reconsider. Unisex gloves look great on any hand, and if you have a friend or family member of the opposite sex who wants to borrow your gloves, you’ll be able to share them if they are unisex. Ultimately, though, the decision is up to you!
Are Gardening Gloves Worth the Money?
Ultimately, saving money and protecting your hands are the most important reasons to purchase a great pair of gardening gloves. Thorns, bugs, and other garden-borne threats can turn your gardening experience into an unpleasant day if not properly protected against. A great pair of gloves can save you a lot of cuts, rashes, and headaches in the long run.
Product Reviews
I really like the goat grain leather material on these gloves – it’s effective for protecting against punctures and scratches. I don’t know about you, but I hate getting sliced by rose thorns. These gloves are very effective for deadheading thanks to the split suede cuff.
Pros
- Enjoy maximum dexterity for planting seeds and other fine motor tasks in the garden.
- Lanolin creates a pleasant, soft texture that’s great for gardeners with sensitive skin.
- Many sizes and colors available, including Maroon, Brown, Yellow, and Natural.
- Some of the best gloves for pulling weeds.
Cons
- Some stitching could be better.
These cute gardening gloves use bamboo for maximum breathability. If you suffer from allergies, bamboo offers a great alternative to latex and other materials that would otherwise affect allergies. You’ll also enjoy the breathability of these gloves in the summer for keeping your hands cool and sweat-free.
Pros
- Latex coating decomposes naturally and protects the environment.
- Flexible, comfortable, and thick enough for tough work in the garden.
- Excellent for general yard work.
Cons
- May get hot on especially warm days in the summer.
- Strong smell present after opening (dissipates after a few uses).
I picked these kids gardening gloves for their affordable price and excellent durability, especially considering the kinds of trouble little ones can (and will) get into. I particularly liked the breathable cotton and knit wrist feature, and I think you’ll find them to be perfect for the little ones in your family.
Pros
- Affordable cotton materials provide protection for little ones in the garden.
- Keeps kids’ hands clean with knit wrist.
- Comfortable for extended use.
Cons
- Cotton materials tend to be less durable than leather or nitrile-coated gloves.
- May be too small for bigger kids.
If you need to dig through soil and don’t want to get your hands dirty, these gloves offer 8 claws. They’re made from ABS plastic, making them a durable choice for even the most seasoned gardeners. I particularly liked the breathable nylon and waterproof materials.
Pros
- Breathable nylon reduces sweating and protects your hands from the elements.
- Product includes 2 pairs of clawed gloves made with ABS plastic.
- Durable and waterproof. Also fits men and women.
Cons
- Claws may come loose with extended use.
I don’t recommend these gloves – even with their bottom-of-the-barrel price tag. Stay away from them even if you receive free shipping. They’re cheaply made, tear easily, and will end up costing you more money in the long run.
Pros
- Latex-free, cheap gardening gloves.
Cons
- Poor quality that tears easily.
- Materials are under a list of California chemical warnings.
- Colors may rub off on your hands after extended use. Requires extensive washing.
And The Winner Is…
I highly recommend purchasing the Exemplary Garden Rose Pruning Gloves for their excellent durability, arm protection, and natural materials. I even decided to purchase the Exemplary Garden pair for myself and my friends who are into gardening because of the gloves’ protection against rose spines.
After all, a great pair of gardening gloves should withstand the chemicals, abrasive materials, and dirt while allowing your hands to breathe. If you’re looking to deadhead your roses, you’re unlikely to find a better pair of gloves on the market that can serve this purpose.
Finally, these gloves are great for all seasons and weather, including hot summers and cold winters.