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Someone is kneeling in a garden, wearing gardening gloves, and working at the soil with a gardening fork. Credit: Getty Images / shapecharge

The Best Gardening Gloves of 2023

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Someone is kneeling in a garden, wearing gardening gloves, and working at the soil with a gardening fork. Credit: Getty Images / shapecharge

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Editor's Choice Product image of Showa Atlas 370
Best Overall

Showa Atlas 370

Excellent dexterity, superior construction, and good protection make these great gloves for getting work done. Read More

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Protection from water, mud, everyday wear and tear
  • Breathable nylon knit keeps skin cool

Cons

  • Don't protect well against rocks and thorns
Editor's Choice Product image of StoneBreaker Gloves Gardener
Most Durable

StoneBreaker Gloves Gardener

Excellent all-around gloves for most light to medium-duty gardening and yard work. You can keep wearing them as you move from task to task all day long. Read More

Pros

  • Long-lasting through light and medium-duty work
  • Water-resistant palms
  • Breathable goatskin/fabric material

Cons

  • Require hand-washing
  • Not water resistant
  • Loose elastic cuff
Product image of West County Gloves Classic Gloves

West County Gloves Classic Gloves

Great for all-around medium-to-heavy duty gardening, especially with thorny brush. Read More

Pros

  • Padding protects against thorns
  • Nylon/polyurethane palm is sturdy and flexible
  • Fabric backing is light and breathable

Cons

  • Padding reduces sensitivity for fine work
  • Velcro wrist adjustment allows dirt in
  • Does not dry quickly
Product image of Wells Lamont HydraHyde Desert Tan Grain Cowhide 3204

Wells Lamont HydraHyde Desert Tan Grain Cowhide 3204

These gloves are best for medium-to-heavy work that doesn’t involve much digging or handling dirt. Read More

Pros

  • Protects against thorns and sharp edges

Cons

  • Stiff velcro wrist allows dirt and water inside
  • Stiff seams reduce fingertip sensitivity
  • Difficult to remove from packaging in tact
Product image of Garden Genie Gloves

Garden Genie Gloves

If you always wanted claws, these are for you. If you actually want to dig in the garden, buy a trowel. If you want gloves that protect your hands while you work, pick a different pair. Read More

Pros

  • Rubber coating protects from scratches and thorns
  • Water-resistant
  • Claws can help uproot small weeds

Cons

  • Claws hinder dexterity
  • Rubber coating gets hot in the sun
  • Claws can't be removed

You can tear into your garden earth with your bare hands, but most people find that yard work is a lot more pleasant with a pair of gardening gloves. At a minimum, gardening gloves keep your hands from getting completely caked in dirt as you dig and weed, making post-gardening clean-up faster. Better gardening gloves protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds from thorns, and help prevent blisters from using equipment like trowels, pruners, or hedge-trimming shears. The best gardening gloves protect your hands, but also have enough sensitivity to let you feel and grasp thin, slippery weeds—and can be cleaned with a quick toss in the washing machine.

We explored various gardening gloves to see which gardening gloves combine protection and finesse. For gardeners looking to invest in a durable pair of gloves, the Showa Atlas 370 (available at Amazon) was the Best Overall, with tough-yet-sensitive goatskin palms and cool synthetic backing. Our pick for the Most Durable glove was the StoneBreaker Gardener (available at Amazon) because of its combination of protective nitrile coating, sizing to fit a range of average men’s and women’s hands and wrists, durable fabric, and price.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
A gardening-gloved hand splays out over some underbrush, going in to grab a large handful.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Best Overall
Showa Atlas 370

When to use these gloves: Showa Atlas 370 Gloves are best for all-around gardening in dry-to-damp conditions: digging, weeding, carrying garden waste and bags of mulch, handling hoses and watering cans, and pruning shrubs and small trees. Excellent dexterity, superior construction, and good protection make the Showa Atlas 370 a great glove for getting work done.

Sizing: Showa Atlas 370 gloves come in sizes small through extra large, roughly corresponding to glove sizes 6-10. Check your size with the Showa Atlas glove size chart.

Pros: This glove’s multiple sizes and long elastic cuff (3 inches on medium/size 7 gloves) make for a great fit that keeps dirt out, and they’re lightweight enough to forget that you’re wearing them. The nitrile coating extends 1 inch down fingers, protecting your hands from wet hoses and muddy soil, while the fabric back dries quickly. The nitrile coating also protects fingertips and palms from everyday wear-and-tear without bulky, annoying fingertip seams. The breathable nylon knit back keeps the sun off while keeping your skin cool.

Cons: These gloves are fine for light yard work and pulling raspberry canes, but if you’re planning on spending a lot of time moving rocks, pruning roses, or working with power tools like chainsaws, you’ll want a more protective glove.

Washability: Machine washable.

Bonus Features: These gloves are available in dirt-hiding black and assorted can’t-lose-them-under-a-bush bright pastels. You can use a touchscreen with these gloves (as long as they’re not too dirty).

Pros

  • Lightweight

  • Protection from water, mud, everyday wear and tear

  • Breathable nylon knit keeps skin cool

Cons

  • Don't protect well against rocks and thorns

A gardening-gloved hand holds a pair of pruning shears, and is in the process of trimming some undergrowth.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Most Durable
StoneBreaker Gloves Gardener

When to use these gloves: StoneBreaker Gardener Gloves are excellent all-around gloves for most light to medium-duty gardening and yard work. You can keep wearing them as you move from task to task all day long.

Sizing: StoneBreaker Gardener Gloves are available in small, medium, and large, roughly corresponding to glove sizes 7-9.

Pros: At about $20 a pair, the StoneBreaker Gloves cost significantly more than the Showa Atlas nitrile gloves, but they’ll last much longer and let you do heavy yard work without worrying about wearing holes through the fingers—a common complaint for nitrile gloves. If you want to own just one pair of gloves, the StoneBreaker Gloves are the gloves to buy. These goatskin/fabric gloves are sensitive enough for fine weeding, but sturdy enough for grabbing thorny stems and rough-edged bricks, and they’ll keep blisters at bay during long pruning sessions. Their fingertip seams have a slim profile, and don’t interfere with fine-detail work. These gloves’ light color and breathable fabric backing keeps them cool on hot, sunny days, and the palms are water-resistant.

Cons: These gloves are pricier than nitrile/fabric gloves, and need hand washing. The backs are not water resistant; if you’re planning to spend the day with a hose, choose a glove that can go in the dryer. And although the cuff is long, the elastic isn’t particularly tight, and some dirt may fall in. It’s also worth noting that while Amazon lists these as “women’s” gloves, the design is unisex and their size range will fit most men.

Washability: Hand wash with cold water to maintain the goatskin leather’s flexibility. Do not wring them dry, or put them in the dryer: Let them air-dry flat on a rack or towel.

Bonus Features: This is the most-protective glove we tested that could still work a touchscreen (when clean).

Pros

  • Long-lasting through light and medium-duty work

  • Water-resistant palms

  • Breathable goatskin/fabric material

Cons

  • Require hand-washing

  • Not water resistant

  • Loose elastic cuff

Product image of West County Gloves Classic Gloves
West County Gloves Classic Gloves

When to use these gloves: West County Classic Slate Gloves are great for all-around medium-to-heavy duty gardening, especially with thorny brush.

Sizing: West County gloves come in sizes extra small to large. A West County medium is approximately a size 7 glove.

Pros: These sturdy gloves have enough padding on palm and fingertips to thwart the thorniest rose. The combination of nylon/polyurethane palm is sturdy and flexible, and the fabric back of the glove is light and breathable.

Cons: The thick padding on fingers reduces sensitivity for fine garden work. Although the wrist has a velcro adjustment, the fabric folds under the velcro create gaps and allow dirt to fall into the fingers. Underside of fingers feels stiff and awkward when you’re closing your fist. The palm side of the glove does not dry quickly in wet conditions. Once the palm or underside of the fingers get wet, they stay wet, and the glove feels like a heavy sponge until it’s had a chance to dry out.

Washability: Rinse obvious dirt off the gloves, then throw them in the washer/dryer.

Bonus Features: These 100% synthetic gloves are vegan-friendly.

Pros

  • Padding protects against thorns

  • Nylon/polyurethane palm is sturdy and flexible

  • Fabric backing is light and breathable

Cons

  • Padding reduces sensitivity for fine work

  • Velcro wrist adjustment allows dirt in

  • Does not dry quickly

Product image of Wells Lamont HydraHyde Desert Tan Grain Cowhide 3204
Wells Lamont HydraHyde Desert Tan Grain Cowhide 3204

When to use these gloves: These gloves are best for medium-to-heavy work that doesn’t involve much digging or handling dirt.

Sizing: These gloves come in small, medium, and large. The medium is roughly equivalent to glove size 7.

Pros: The padded cowhide leather palm-side provides protection against thorns and sharp edges, but feels soft and supple.

Cons: The stiff velcro wrist closure has a natural gap that allows dirt and water to fall into the glove. The fingertip seams are more prominent than in other sewn gloves, and may bother some users. The stiff seams also reduce fingertip sensitivity. The gloves are stapled to their packaging, making it difficult to remove the packaging without tearing the glove.

Washability: Although some users report washing their Wells Lamont gloves in a machine, that approach isn’t recommended for leather. Hand wash the gloves in cold water, then let them air dry.

Bonus Features: The HydraHyde fabric is breathable and water-resistant (as long as water doesn’t come in through the wrist closure).

Pros

  • Protects against thorns and sharp edges

Cons

  • Stiff velcro wrist allows dirt and water inside

  • Stiff seams reduce fingertip sensitivity

  • Difficult to remove from packaging in tact

Product image of Garden Genie Gloves
Garden Genie Gloves

When to use these gloves: These gloves are great for scratching and digging in fine, loose soil. They’re awful for using any sort of tool or digging in soil that’s at all compacted or rocky, or doing any sort of work that involves fine movements.

Sizing: Garden Genie gloves only come in one size.

Pros: The “high-density rubber” coating protects hands from scratches and thorns. Scratching the dirt with these gloves’ claws is an effective way to uproot small weeds, spread mulch, and dig compost into the top layers of soil. These gloves are also fairly water-resistant due to their coating, which extends to the knuckles on the back of the hand.

Cons: It is awkward and frustrating to hold any object with thick plastic claws on your fingers—trowels, loppers, pruners, wheelbarrow handles, you name it. Thick rubber coating is hot in the sun and the claws don’t provide enough leverage to dig in many types of garden soil, but can’t be removed.

Washability: Rinse in cold water and air dry.

Bonus Features: Claws! If you always wanted claws, these are the gloves for you. If you actually want to dig in the garden, go buy a trowel. If you want garden gloves that will protect your hands while you work, get one of our top three picks.

Pros

  • Rubber coating protects from scratches and thorns

  • Water-resistant

  • Claws can help uproot small weeds

Cons

  • Claws hinder dexterity

  • Rubber coating gets hot in the sun

  • Claws can't be removed

Product image of Dig It Long Cuff High 5 Gloves
Dig It Long Cuff High 5 Gloves

When to use these gloves: The Dig it gloves are designed for medium to heavy-duty garden work.

Sizing: These gloves come in sizes small to extra large, but the sizes seem to be one size smaller than standard American sizes. The large is roughly glove size 7, or a medium in most other glove brands.

Pros: The long cuff and velcro wrist closure keep dirt out, and silicon dots increase grip. All-synthetic construction will appeal to vegans while the breathable polyester/spandex back fabric dries quickly.

Cons: Disproportionately short fingers made of inflexible leather and bulky fingertip seams will make these gloves uncomfortable for many users, and reduce dexterity and sensitivity.

Washability: Machine wash in cold water, air dry.

Bonus Features: Extra “pillow top” padding on tops of fingertips may help protect fingers from crushing.

Pros

  • Long cuff and velcro wrist keep dirt out

  • Silicon dots increase grip

  • Breathable polyester/spandex fabric dries quickly

Cons

  • Short fingers

  • Made of inflexible leather

  • Bulky fingertip seams are uncomfortable

Product image of West County Gloves Women's Work Gloves
West County Gloves Women's Work Gloves

When to use these gloves: These gloves are best for medium to heavy-duty brush clearing and other garden work that doesn’t involve contact with soil.

Sizing: These gloves come in women’s size extra small to large, and men’s size medium to extra, extra large. A women’s medium is roughly glove size 8—one size larger than most other brands.

Pros: These 100% synthetic gloves have a sturdy, protective palm that keeps hands safe from thorns. The thumb has stretchy fabric backing that makes the gloves more flexible and doubles as a brow wipe. The fingertip seams are relatively unobtrusive for a protective glove, and stretchy fabric on the sides of the fingers and back of the palm make this glove flexible and comfortable.

Cons: The short cuff closes with a velcro band with a gap. Gardeners who dig and move soil will end up with dirt inside their gloves.

Washability: Machine wash and dry.

Bonus Features: These gloves come in three different men’s colors and five women’s colors. Both men’s and women’s gloves come in bright red, making it easy to find the gloves you left out by the woodpile.

Pros

  • Sturdy, protective palm

  • Stretchy fabric makes glove flexible

Cons

  • Short cuff allows dirt inside

Product image of NoCry Professional Long Gardening Gloves for Women
NoCry Professional Long Gardening Gloves for Women

When to use these gloves: These gloves are made of thick goatskin leather, which keeps your hands safe from thorns and other sharp objects in nature. They're also ideal for hot and humid days outside since their leather material is breathable.

Sizing: These gloves come in women's sizes extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large.

Pros: These women's, thorn-friendly gloves include an adjustable cuff for a custom fit. They stay secure, which keeps out unwanted pests and debris, as well as protects your skin from cuts and scratches. They're also a durable set of gloves, meaning they'll last for several gardening seasons.

Cons: These gloves are designed for women, meaning their slim design may be too fitted for men, depending on the size and shape of your hands.

Washability: Gently brush these gloves with a suede brush. They cannot be washed because it will wash away the protective oils in them.

Bonus Features: Extra protective sleeves. These gloves expand to fit over your sleeves in order to keep your upper forearms safe from poison ivy, thorns, and other gardening hazards.

Pros

  • Offers protection from thorns

  • Durable

  • Breathable

Cons

  • May fit too tight

What You Should Know About Gardening Gloves

Why wear gardening gloves?

While every garden is different, most have at least some form of substrate, typically with loose rocks in the soil, and help grip slippery wet plants and pots. Good gardening gloves will help keep muck off your hands and can be easily hosed off or thrown in the washing machine. They'll also help prevent your skin from the abrasive surfaces of small rocks hiding in the soil (and the stingers of any insects that might call that soil their home). They also provide adequate friction to delicately grasp plants or lug around heavy pots that are slick with dew or rain.

The best gardening gloves will also be thin enough to not feel bulky, or dull sensation so much that it makes working in your garden harder than it needs to be.

What materials are gardening gloves made out of?

Gardening gloves are typically made of a combination fabric and some sort of protective material—either nitrile, latex, or leather.

Glove fabrics include cotton, nylon, and polyester. Cotton is breathable and cool, but if it gets wet, it dries out slowly, leaving your fingers pruney wrecks. Nylon and polyester dry faster in damp conditions, but low-quality fabrics can pill and break down in the wash.

Showa Atlas, Stonebreaker, and West County gardening gloves all lay across some freshly-dug soil in a garden.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

Gardening gloves come in a variety of materials and colors—the best ones keep your hands safe and dry as you work in the yard.

When it comes to protective materials, you're dealing with nitrile, latex or leather.

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber commonly used on work gloves used in cleaning, labs, and medical facilities. It doesn’t contain latex or latex proteins, so it’s generally safe for people with latex allergies—but manufacturers add other chemicals to nitrile to make it more flexible, so check with the manufacturer if you’re concerned about skin-contact allergies. Nitrile resists abrasion, punctures, and degradation by oils and acids, so it’s a great choice for yard work where your hands might be exposed to skin-drying clays, fertilizers, and other lawn and garden chemicals.

Latex is a vague term, but in the glove world, latex generally means that the gloves are made out of the sap of the rubber tree. Latex is very flexible and strong, and waterproof. Unfortunately, many people are either born with latex allergies, or acquire the allergy from exposure to latex gloves in medical or industrial workplaces.

Goatskin leather is a popular choice for lightweight work gloves. Compared to cow-skin leather, goat skin is more flexible, and it can be “shaved” thinner than cow-skin to make a very lightweight glove that’s cooler and preserves dexterity better than cow-skin leather. Goatskin gardening gloves aren’t as durable as leather gloves, but they can be used for fine tasks like sorting seeds, which cow-skin leather gloves just can’t do.

Meet the testers

Meg Muckenhoupt

Meg Muckenhoupt

Contributor

Meg Muckenhoupt is an environmental and travel writer. Her book Boston Gardens and Green Spaces (Union Park Press, 2010) is a Boston Globe Local Bestseller. Meg was awarded a certificate in Field Botany by the New England Wild Flower Society and earned degrees from Harvard and Brown University.

See all of Meg Muckenhoupt's reviews
Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

See all of Lily Hartman's reviews

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