Gardening jackets: the best stylish and practical outerwear

It's time to wrap up warm, stay safe, comfortable and dry and enjoy gardening even if the elements have other ideas. And to do that you're going to need some trusty workwear.

Of course you could make do with an old jumper or that cast-off jacket (with holes at the elbows) but once you’ve tried bespoke, purpose-built gear you’ll never go back.

Modern workwear combines natural materials such as wool and leather with hi-tech composites such as neoprene in combinations tailor made to keep you warm, dry, and mobile.

Gardening jackets for men

Fjällräven Övik Wool Padded Jacket

Fjallraven are the up and coming, on-trend, eco outdoor wear company that thanks to their sustainable credentials are so hot right now.

You’ve probably seen their logo on their eco-friendly backpacks but all of their clothing is made with sustainability in mind, and that doesn’t just mean responsibly sourced materials, Fjallraven are big on allowing you to care for and repair your clothing, selling kits, buttons and spares for you to patch it up and keep it being loved.

Our pick of their workwear is their Ovik wool padded jacket. Sharing a similar smart/functional styling to the Barbour and Ovis jackets above its in dark navy, black and (Barbour-style) olive with plenty of collar and cuff fastenings for wrapping up warm or going loose and informal.

There’s plenty of storage on board with large bellows pockets that open two ways – top for storage, side for hands, and a large chest pocket. There’s also a large lining pocket with a secure zip.

If you want the look and the durability of a classic with all the eco of the Fjallraven brand then this is the one for you.

Dickies Duck Canvas Chore Coat

Dickies workwear is legendary. Hard wearing but keenly priced, their Chore Coat is a smart and yet durable gardener's jacket. It’s made from hard wearing but lightweight duck cotton and comes with a corduroy collar and a cosy inner lining. But if you're after something a little more lightweight for gardening on warmer days, you can buy Dickies' Unlined Chore Coat.

It’s more to keep the dirt out – being fully washable – rather than a weather-protector but with room to wear woolens beneath you’re in no danger of catching cold.

Roomy pockets mean you can leave the house fully equipped for all-day activity with tools, gloves and perhaps the odd flask and sandwich.

Seasalt Tollgate Jacket

Buy in a range of colours from Seasalt (£99.95)

Made famous by gardening presenters like Monty Don, and seen on the likes of head gardeners Troy Scott Smith and Fergus Garrett, the blue chore jacket is a real favourite. In fact, it's so beloved we've got a whole article dedicated to the very best options you can buy across a range of price points: Monty Don's blue workwear jacket is a classic. Here are the best look-alikes we've found.

But Seasalt is always a go-to for us when it comes to gardening apparel, and the brand's Tollgate jacket is one of our favourite options on the market.

The North Face M66 Utility Rain Jacket

Buy from End Clothing (£199.00), The North Face (£200.00)

North Face started out equipping climbers but their tough and warm reputation – and ever-expanding range of performance products – mean their clothing is ideal for anyone who’s active outdoors, be it conquering the Eiger or pruning the roses.

The M66 Utility Rain Jacket is made from recycled nylon and polyester and is designed to be completely waterproof and windproof. The two large hand pockets are perfect for storing bits and bobs as you move around the garden, and the upper chest pocket even comes with a D-ring to clip on accessories you need close at hand.

Barbour Prestbury

Buy from House of Bruar (£219.00), Outdoor and Country (£219.95)

It’s the modern, outdoors-y take on the classic Barbour wax jacket. Less detail, less sculpting and fitting, and more room to move and get the job done.

A Barbour’s water-shedding abilities are legendary and this is no exception, with a 6oz Sylkoil waxed cotton outer guaranteeing that you’re waterproof no matter whatever the wind pressure. And that warm box-quilted lining inside that stay-dry cocoon will keep you cosy without wrapping you up in bulk.

Plus Barbour’s famous wipe-clean surface will have you smart enough for entertaining mere minutes after muck-spreading.

The looser fit give you below-waist warmth and waterproofing without impeding bending or climbing and a fastenable high collar seals you in if you really need to keep the weather out.

It’s all finished off with subtle stitching detail and angled pockets which will not only keep your hands worm but fasten with Barbour’s classic stud-close flaps to prevent pocket tools from escaping.

Rab Men’s VR Summit Jacket

Top brand Rab make a huge range of jackets – anything from lightweights such as this through to full polar-proof winter attire but this one hits the spot for us.

The VR Summit Jacket features a breathable Pertex Quantum Air shell which is guaranteed to keep you warm and dry while its durable water repellent coating sheds water like a duck’s back. Complete with a hood – fully adjustable with a stiffened peak to keep it in place – it offers top-rated wind and rain protection from the waist up.

Inside there’s a warming, brushed wicking lining while outside it’s cut for agility and action. The VR excels at stretching and responding to movement while a drawstring waist prevent ride-up and air gaps as you climb or stoop.

And – of course there’s YKK Vislon zips both on the large hand-warming pockets and double-ended front zip for easy entry and exit around tools and layers.

Scruffs Trade Flex Softshell Work Jacket

Scruffs workwear is often seen keeping workers safe and warm building sites, but it’s just at home in the garden doing likewise.

This jacket really does do the lot. It’s designed to protect you from the elements being wind and water resistant with a high collar and dipped back hem. It features a fleece lining (and fleece lined collar) for warmth, with adjustable half-elasticated hem and cuffs for a warm, air-tight fit.

Plus it’s mesh-lined for all-day breathability meaning that as the day’s temperature changes you’ll stay cosy or cool inside, all day long.

There’s abrasion-resistant panels where it matters and best of all it’s ‘4-way flexible’ meaning that you’ve maximum range of movement once wrapped up inside as the jacket stretches and adapts with your body as you work, while its sleeves are ergonomically cut for bending and lifting.

And all that with sharp modern ‘means business’ looks and a keen price.

Berghaus Men's Ghlas 2.0 Softshell Jacket

Another excellent midweight option to wear 100% in autumn then add underneath a thicker more padded warmer outer layer when the cold bites.

There’s a durable water repellent finish, plenty of pockets, acres of stretch and a profile that won’t get in the way if you’re swinging garden tools or climbing trees.

It’s also made from Bluesign approved fabric, meaning that its construction involved lower environmental impact than other man-made fabrics.

Team it with their matching trousers for a 100% warm top to toe agility and protection.

Orvis RT7 Quilted Gilet

Buy from House of Bruar (£112.45), Orvis (£119.00)

Orvis have got the outdoor game aced and while their thicker, oiled outdoor weather-wear gives superb waterproofing, it’s the freedom and workability of their RT7 diamond-quilted gilet that caught our eye.

An insulated gilet perfectly keeps your core temperatures up while allowing you to get busy with the gardening tools unimpeded. The diamond quilting means plenty of insulation, all held in check (literally) to prevent unwelcome bulk. Wear on top of a thick cotton shirt to keep the cold out, or underneath a looser waterproof top coat to stop the rain in its tracks.

The mid-waist snaps can be adjusted to allow a looser fit, or fasten them up and go for a more tailored, stylish Orvis outdoor look. And a large internal pocket is the perfect place to keep a hat or gloves at the ready.

A range of classic country colours – we love this garnet red – complete what is a class act.

Scruffs Mens Water Resistant Worker Fleece

Buy from Tooled Up (£12.95), B&Q (£24.00) and Amazon (£26.99)

Getting the bulk versus agility balance right, this second Scruffs option aims to keep the wind and water off your back while still allowing plenty of movement. Though technically a fleece with a low profile outline, it is water-resistant and it’s quick drying fabric means that if you do get caught in the wet it’ll be ready to head out again after a break.

Wear on top of a T-shirt late summer to autumn then bolster with woolens below to make the perfect weather-proof top layer.

Elasticated cuffs and an adjustable hem mean that you can really ‘lock yourself in’ and keep drafts out and a healthy array of pockets – with top quality YKK zips – make it as practical as it’s good looking.

Finisterre Lapwing Insulated Shirt/Jacket

In the garden it’s all about the profile and the ability to move and while Finisterre classify this as a ‘shirt’ (or even a [cough] ‘shacket’…) it IS filled with their A-Form Engineered Insulation to give high loft and better-than-down performance. And the FC-free water resistant finish keeps you dry too.

Wear loose and enjoy ‘jacket-free’ levels of movement and airflow, or simply fasten up and pop the collar when the weather demands. Alternatively roll it up small and keep it in a bag ready for when the sun sets or wind chill arrives.

And – of course – Finisterre will happily provide you with all kinds of shirts and knitwear to wear beneath when you need to build the layers and last you right through to springtime.

Best gardening jackets for women

Joules Newdale Quilted Jacket

The stunning quilted Newdale jacket from Joules ticks all the boxes for wearing in the garden. Inspired by the countryside, the princess seams and pleather detailing add a layer of quilted protection. There are many hidden benefits to this stylish jacket such as, angled pockets, a zip and popper fastening and back belt that can be adjusted by poppers to fit and flatter your shape. Woven into this design are vent openings at the cuffs, which can be adjusted to your pleasing.

Made from a combination of cotton and polyester, the flattering princess seams and brass trims add a premium touch to this short jacket. With its designer looks, it may come as a pleasant surprise that this jacket can be looked after at home, as it can be machine washed and tumble dried on a low heat. The floral lining is a hidden, pretty addition to this stunning piece from Joules. Pictured here is Grape Leaf, but there are other colour options such as Caramel and True Black.

Niwaki Kojima jacket

From top gardening brand Niwaki comes the Kojima work jacket. You can move about freely in the Kojima thanks to the 2% stretch incorporated into the design with indigo selvedge denim, sourced from Kurashiki. You can lop trees, climb ladders and prune with comfort and ease.

The deep lined pockets are ideal for storing tools and gloves in. The loose fitting nature of the design will also help keep you cool during warmer months. It’s stylish enough to dress up for a modern, off-duty look. The jacket can easily be stored away by simply rolling up, and an included denim tote bag comes with it for extra storage.

Women's Diablo Dynamic Jacket

The Diablo Dynamic jacket is a versatile option to suit all your daily needs when you’re busy outside battling rain or frost. It makes a great everyday jacket too, but is particularly ideal for gardening during colder weather thanks to the waterproof and windproof fabric it’s been designed with. DryVent™ fabric technology ensures that your body temperature is regulated and keeps you warm and comfortable whilst you work outside. Designed with the planet in mind, it’s made using recycled polyester.

Long Iona Coat

The Iona Long Coat comes in a ¾ length and is a popular staple design, cut in an A-line shape it provides a flattering fit to all sizes. But the stylish benefit do not compromise the practical ones. This long coat is made with soft jersey lining, fully tapered seams, and has the added bonuses of being waterproof, windproof and breathable – perfect for the wild weather outdoors. It is easy to clean as it can be popped in the washing machine.

There is plenty of storage thanks to two handy front pockets and a zipped internal pocket. So you can carry your gardening gloves and hori hori tool, and even your phone, safely with you whilst tackling gardening jobs. Available in a range of cheerful colour options, including Raspberry, Deep Green and Sunrise.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Don’t let the frost stop you from tending to those important winter gardening jobs. Wrap up warm in this women’s outdoor jacket. The microfleece-lined neck and centre-front zipper will keep you protected from harsh winds and chills. For extra protection, the adjustable hood comes with a laminated visor that rolls down and can be stowed away.

An adjustable drawcord hem and two zippered handwarmer pocketswill help keep you feeling secure and snug. Plus, it's Fair Trade Certified™ sewn and made from recycled fabric, making this a sustainable purchase that will prove to be invaluable for all your gardening jobs.

Berghaus Women's Nula Insulated Jacket

This lightweight, short jacket from Berghaus combines sustainability with practical benefits. Made from bluesign® approved fabrics and PFC Free Durable Water Repellent materials, you know you’re making an ethical purchase with this outdoor jacket. Despite being padded and super-comfy, this jacket is incredibly lightweight thanks to the light synthetic insulation which will keep you warm, but also enable breathability and ease for moving around in.

For extra-cold days in the garden, the inner stretch cuff around the wrists keeps chills away and the comfy collar stretches all the way up to your chin to keep you snug from any drafts. Two zipped pockets also enable you to securely carry and store small items.

Fjallraven Women's Vardag Anorak

Swedish brand, Vardag, have designed this women’s jacket to withstand harsh elements, but not compromise on protection and practicality. Made from a combination of 65% recycled polyester and 35% organic cotton, this durable, weather resistant jacket comes with an adjustable hood and long zipper to keep you protected and warm.

There is a super-handy kangaroo pocket at the front, and several hand and inner-mesh zipper pockets incorporated in this design, which are perfect for carrying small gardening tools and essentials with you whilst you work on your garden or allotment. Suitable for use all year round, you can even layer up with an additional fleece or under jacket thanks to the roomy design of this athletic jacket.

Seawater Women's Waterproof Jacket

Made from a combination of 100% cotton and polyester, this modern jacket is equipped with Trespass Technology, Tres-Tex Technology, for a breathable, waterproof and windproof jacket. Ideal for hectic weather conditions, this jacket is a mid-length meaning that you can work in the garden with ease but also have protection from rain and colder weather conditions.

There is plenty of storage with two pockets with flaps, large enough for garden tools, and an additional two zip pockets for safely tucking away small items. Plus, the grown-on hood has adjusters and there are two adjustable flaps on the sleeves making is easy for you to adjust the coat to fit you comfortably and keep you snug and warm.

Women's UA Forefront Rain Jacket

We’ve covered jackets ideal for colder weather, but how about the warmer months? Or perhaps you might be looking for a light undercoat to add to cosy fleece or gilet? This lightweight rain jacket from Under Armour is an economical option to add to your gardening outerwear collection. It’s both waterproof and breathable, thanks to UA Storm technology.

The full mesh lining adds extra breathability and is ideal when performing physically demanding gardening jobs. The added secure, zipped hand pockets provide extra storage for securely carrying small valuables such as your keys or phone. It’s available in Mauve Pink (as pictured) and Black.

Joules Shoreside Hooded Coat

A practical addition to hang on your coat stand, this athletic mid-length jacket combines contemporary cool with quality design. Designed for withstanding the elements outdoors, this long sleeve jacket is made from cotton for a comfortable wear. The soft structure enables fluid movement and flexibility – perfect for use when gardening. There is also a built-in hood with adjustable fasteners for an added layer of protection. It’s easy to maintain this jacket as it can be machine washed at 30°C. Available in a multitude of bright, pastel colours, this colourful coat is practical yet stylish.

Gardening jacket buyer's guide

There are five basic considerations that your perfect jacket needs to provide:

Stay warm

The first consideration, as autumn arrives and temperatures slide to become winter, is to stay warm. With daylight becoming an ever-rarer resource as the seasons roll over it’s important to make the most of your days and get those big gardening jobs done! Getting cold when working isn’t just uncomfortable, it increases your fatigue levels and makes you less able – both physically and mentally – to keep going. Combined with decreasing light from an early-setting sun and you could be *feeling* like you’ve put in a full day's work, but in reality you’ve only been active for a couple of hours.

Suddenly tasks like giving the lawn that final mow for winter starts to take all day when it took you an hour in summer… And big autumn jobs like erecting a fence run past that weekend you set aside and start to drag on for weeks…

The trick is to stay warm and active and don’t let your body fool you into cutting your day short.

Stay dry

It’s great weather for ducks… But gardeners not so much. Damp days in the wrong gear will cut your gardening activities short or – if you’ve not something truly waterproof to wear – prevent them from starting altogether. And getting wet isn’t just uncomfortable, do it too often for too long and you’ll get ill.

And getting wet makes you cold. Your body heat leaves your body and goes to work trying to evaporate the water you’ve soaked up, while non breathable fabrics will then trap this moisture and heat causing you to stew in your own steam. At best your muscles will tire and you’ll call it a day, or at worst you’ll catch a chill and potentially lose the whole week.

Modern waterproof, breathable workwear let’s you keep working in comfort, whatever the weather.

Stay flexible

Simply repurposing your old Sunday best as ‘gardening clothing’ is tempting but isn’t conducive to getting the best out of you in the garden. Not only are those holey, worn clothes obviously less warm and less waterproof than modern ‘pro gardening’ alternatives but make you less physically productive too.

Your old smarts simply aren’t designed for repetitive actions such as bending and stretching with sleeves and trouser legs designed to house and contain the body rather than allow it move within it. Movement within such clothing creates friction that will ultimately wear you out – no tools or gardening jobs required – meaning that at the end of the day less apples get picked and less lawn gets raked.

Modern workwear on the other hand is cut to allow kneeling and bending, stretching and lifting. It’s aim is to be as invisible and unobstructive as possible, stepping aside to get you closer to the job in hand.

Stay stylish

And – great news – you can do it all in style. Today’s waterproofs are nothing like the old oily workwear your grandparents might have worn. Now you can tend your allotment one minute, pick the kids up from school the next, and meet friends for coffee all without a change of garb (and all without looking like a scarecrow).

And if you’re looking for a little colour then the days of drab greens and browns are far behind us. And bright colours aren’t just on trend, if you're working solo out in the wilds you can stay safe and get seen should an accident happen by sporting your choice of warm oranges and reds to bright industrial-style fluoros.

And keep gardening fun

Feeling comfortable, getting the job done and truly achieving something isn’t just good for your garden, it’s good for your mind and soul too. Gardening isn’t about manual labour, feeling uncomfortable, feeling tired… It’s about feeling good through creating something beautiful. So do yourself a favour and wear the jacket that let's you do the job properly.

Looking for jackets to wear all year round? See our favourite showerproof jackets for traditional, padded and packable designs.