Best Gardening Clothes for Sun & Tick Protection

I have some big gardening plans for this summer! After various critters raided and ate most of my harvest in previous years, I mostly stuck to growing flowers like zinnias and sunflowers. However, I’ve had some success growing small crops of cherry tomatoes and peas on my enclosed backyard patio, which is protected by a dog fence. I hope to do more gardening this summer—I plan to enclose my garden with an inexpensive no-dig gardening fence this time—so it’s important to get protective gardening clothes and gear to protect myself from ticks and the sun.

I have BIG gardening goals this year! I plan to enclose the three raised beds in my backyard to create a protected haven where I can cultivate even more flowers, along with tomatoes, herbs (including rosemary and basil, my favorites) and cucumbers. That will be a lot of work, so I need protective gardening clothes and items to protect myself from cuts and scratches and from getting a sunburn or tick bite! Ticks are quite prevalent in New Jersey.

I worry about the risk of ticks because of Lyme disease and other tick-born illnesses. My poor pup picked up Lyme Disease a few months ago—and he spends most of his time in the backyard or on sidewalk walks through our town. I also want to avoid too much sun exposure since I have very fair skin and burn easily. (I literally can get a sunburn in 15 minutes without protection.)

So, I’ve been researching clothing and gardening routines that can help me avoid tick bites and sunburns. Check out some of the amazing protective gardening clothing options I’ve found! I have included the links to the products so you can protect yourself too!

Protective Gardening Clothes on Amazon

Light-Colored, Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat

A light-colored, wide-brimmed hat is an important gardening clothing option to stay comfortable and protected while gardening. The wide brim of a gardening hat will help shade my face, ears and neck from the sun’s harsh rays, reducing sun exposure and helping me stay cooler on hot days.

Choosing a light-colored hat, such as white or khaki one, will make me more comfortable while gardening because lighter colors absorb less heat than darker ones do. A hat is a great gardening clothing option because it can also help prevent ticks from getting into my hair while working in tall vegetation, while picking one in a light color will make it easier to notice and remove them before they reach my skin.

Light-colored UPF 50+ Long-Sleeved Sun Shirt or Jacket

Another great gardening clothing option is a light-colored, UPF 50+ long-sleeved sun shirt or lightweight jacket—it can provide sun protection and ticks should show up well against the light-colored fabric. I am hoping to also get some inexpensive long-sleeved white T-shirts to use as gardening clothing and perhaps a lightweight sun jacket for extra protection.

Breathable, Lightweight Cargo Pants

I’d also like to get a pair of breathable, lightweight cargo pants while gardening. They will provide a layer of protection against ticks and other insects without making me feel to hot. Cargo pants’ ample pockets will provide a place for me to stash items like seed packets, gardening scissors or my phone. Choosing a light-colored pair will make it easier to spot any ticks too.

Long gardening gloves

I try to always wear my long gardening gloves when gardening because I don’t enjoy having to dig dirt out from underneath my fingernails! Plus, a good, long pair provides great sun protection for my hands and arms while keeping my skin safe from bugs and scratches.

Breathable crew socks

I like to wear breathable crew socks when gardening because their length creates an extra protective barrier around my ankles, keeping my feet clean from stray dirt while blocking any entry point for ticks to crawl up from the grass. Plus, choosing an athletic knit keeps my feet feeling cool and sweat-free even on hot days.

Breathable, waterproof shoes

Waterproof hiking shoes or gardening boots like the ones above are helpful in the garden because they can keep your feet clean and dry—I always seem to splash myself with the hose! They also provide good traction and are lightweight. I’d like to get A pair of waterproof garden shoes—like these super cute floral gardening shoes! Another great options is this pair of waterproof hiking shoes—I like that they come in extra wide too.

I would love to get all of these items to wear in my garden this summer, but I think I’ll take it slow and make do with at least some of the pieces I already have so I don’t overspend!

After-Gardening Care

That being said, I know these clothing options will look great and add a ton of comfort to my gardening routine.

But whether I’m wearing brand-new gear or making do with old standards, my gardening routine this summer shouldn’t end when I put the shovel down. For the best results, I hope to follow up with a few essential after-care steps.

Because ticks are very prevalent where I live in New Jersey, after gardening, I should make it a point to:

1. Remove my shoes (and possibly, leave them outside) and wash my clothing immediately. Waterproof shoes can be rinsed off outside and be left there to dry.

Whenever possible, I should immediately wash my gardening clothes to prevent spreading loose dirt, pollen, or hidden ticks into my home. After throwing my clothing into the washing machine, I should tumble dry them in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that might be on the fabric.

2. Take a Shower Within Two Hours.

Showering soon after coming inside is one of the best defenses against tick-borne illnesses because it can:

• Wash Away Unattached Ticks: A good rinse helps wash off any loose ticks.
• Clean Off Any Irritants: A shower can remove outdoor hazards like the oil from poison ivy or anything else that could cause skin irritation.

3. Do a Full-Body Tick Check

While in the shower, it’s a good idea to also do a tick check, such as in warm spots like under the arms and behind the knees, around the ears and hairline.

Happy and Safe Gardening!

A little preparation goes a long way! While no routine can offer a 100% guarantee, investing in the right gear and sticking to solid self care can drastically lower any outdoor risks.

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.