Last updated on February 27th, 2023
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Not all gardening gloves are equal so we have set out to find the very best pairs. We have compared material, comfort and design to find the top 10 picks worth considering
For general gardening, we really love the Leather Gardening Gloves by Exemplary Gardens which are unisex. They are a great, snug fit and have goatskin leather on the underside and other sensitive areas. They’re great for most jobs, however, they are not fully protected on the front of the gloves so probably not suitable for working with prickly shrubs.
However, they do another pair of gloves that are fully goatskin leather which we have just received recently and they are 100% goatskin leather and are fantastic for all jobs but they could get a little sweaty in summer.
It is worth adding that Exemplary Gardens only sell a few pairs of gloves unlike some brands that have 10-20 different pairs but the ones they do sell really are worth considering.
BEST PICK
It’s absolutely astounding the number of gloves that you can buy today. The choice just seems endless, you would think that choosing a good pair of gardening gloves would be an easy task, as we already know, choosing the best gardening gloves is not as straight forward as you would think.
The materials play a big part in deciding which pair of gardening gloves would be the best for you. Do you need thornproof gloves? Perhaps you regularly prune roses, for this, we found that gloves that had longer cuffs were much better. We also found that goat skin leather is also much more effective than normal leather as it is much easier to move your fingers in, less stiff and overall more thorn resistant, however they are also a little more expensive.
Over the years we have used more gardening gloves than we can count but just recently we set out to find the best gardening gloves. Our original search started out by comparing around 35 pairs of gloves. We have now narrowed our list down to just 10 pairs of gloves, still a big list but each pair has its pros and cons.
Below you can see our reviews of each pair of gloves and finally a buyer’s guide with some tips on choosing the right pair of gloves as not all gloves are suitable for all gardening tasks.
RUNNER UP
Top 10 Gardening Gloves
1. Exemplary Gardens Leather Gardening Gloves – For Men & Women
BEST PICK
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These unisex gloves are made of genuine goatskin material on the fingertips and palms, this protect your hands when working with nettles or thorny plants. We like the spandex back design, combined with the velcro fastener it makes it possible for your hand to breathe and ensures you remain comfortable and that you can comfortably work for hours in them.
- Adjustable velcro fastener and breathable spandex back allow for a nice, snug fit.
- Genuine goatskin palm and fingertips offer protection against nettle and thorny shrubs while the spandex back ensures they are comfortable.
- Beautiful unisex brown colour making them appealing to men and woman.
- Perfect for keeping hands and fingernails clean and safe.
- Has 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy, send them back for a full refund.
As mentioned, the quality material of the glove prevents sharp thorns and brambles from piercing through into your hands. There are not 100% effective, but for the most part, they do work well to protect your hands. We do like the earth brown colour of the fabric but we think it would be better to have brown goatskin leather rather than white as they don’t stay looking so clean for long.
The gloves come in various sizes to cater for the different types of gardeners. They can be used to interchangeably for light, medium or heavyweight tasks and can effectively be used for longer periods. We find them moderately priced, not cheap but they do come with 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with these gloves, you can simply return them for a money-back full refund which is good.
Our recommendation
These gloves are great in handling different garden chores from light tasks to heavy such as mowing the lawn, weeding, pruning the list goes on, they really are suitable for nearly everything.
Overall you will find them very comfortable, we feel it would be nice for them to be available with brown leather rather than white, and we aren’t sure why they would use white leather in the first place.
Because the top of the gloves is made from spandex, they can be uncomfortable if they get wet on the top, however for most gardening jobs in dry weather, they are great. Well worth the extra cost compared to cheaper pairs of gloves.
This kind of versatility along with the unisex application is why we chose the Leather Gardening Gloves for Women and Men by Exemplary Gardens as our Best Pick.
Our next pick is below is also by Exemplary Gardens, they are 100% goatskin leather and a great alternative for someone looking for a little more protection.
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Read next: Best pants for gardening
2. Exemplary Gardens Heavy Duty Goatskin Leather Gloves -For Men & Women
BEST ALL ROUND GARDENING GLOVES
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Available for both men and women, the Exemplary Gardens Heavy Duty Goatskin Leather Work Gloves are marketed for those planning to deal with heavy-duty and prickly jobs, but its applications are virtually endless.
Just like our ‘Best Pick’, they are made out of premium goatskin leather and are much thicker than normal gardening gloves so its a good start.
- Ideal for dealing with prickly plants such as nettles and brambles.
- Made using 100% goatskin leather for unmatched durability.
- Elasticised wrist plus soft lining offers the ultimate fit and comfort.
- Lanolin incorporated to keep hands moisturised and supple.
- Ergonomically designed thumbs for easy gripping of objects.
- Includes money-back guarantee, if you’re not happy send them back for a full refund.
These gloves have been elasticised on the wrist so as to offer a custom fit as well as prevent dirt from entering, whilst a soft inner lining makes them very comfortable. In addition, they feature a buttery soft texture that incorporates lanolin to help moisturise hands and keep them supple. We all know that working for long hours can cause dry and cracked skin, so the lanolin feature is a good addition.
The gloves come in all sizes from XS-XL and also in different colours, thus you are certain to find a favourite pair. Lastly, Exemplary Gardens offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you aren’t happy with your purchase, you can simply return them for a full refund, you can’t really ask for more.
Our recommendation
These are amongst the best-rated gloves on the market. Many buyers love their comfortable fit and their all-around protection against thorns and prickles. Those using them for handling tools have found them very grippy. Others have used these gloves for months and they’re loving their durability.
We also like how soft and light they are. Whether you need highly thorn resistant gloves or something for light-duty jobs, the Exemplary Gardens Heavy Duty Goatskin Leather Work Gloves are an excellent choice and probably deserve the ‘Best Pick’ spot but there can only be one best pick. If you looking for full hand protection though, there isn’t a better choice as they are 100% leather. If you have brambles or nettles to pull, this pair of gloves are ones to consider if you also have light gardening jobs to do.
If you’re looking for a pair of thorn-proof gloves which offer protection on the wrist and arms, then our next pick is well worth a look.
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3. Exemplary Gardens Rose Pruning Gloves – For Men & Women
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These gauntlets by Exemplary Gardens are an excellent choice for those who have lots of roses or prickly plants to deal with and they are surprisingly comfortable. The seams are neat, double-stitched and have a butterfly soft texture; the gloves also have a lanolin effect that moisturises hands and keeps them soft and supple enough to have control of your fingers and grip tools. They come in rich deep colours that are commendable for both men and women.
- Perfect for working with very thorny plants such as rose and brambles.
- The gloves 100% natural premium goat grain with butterfly soft texture.
- Extended split suede cuff for extra protection along the arms.
- Pliable and flexible enough to maintain dexterity for more fragile tasks such as planting young fragile plants.
- These gloves are all-natural Goatskin leather gardening gloves with a long cowhide gauntlet to protect your arms until the elbow.
- Money-back guarantee included.
They are available in all sizes from extra small to extra-large and have an easy fit on both large hands and small as well. They have an agronomical design that allows for people with arthritis, sensitive skin and other special conditions to have a comfortable gardening experience.
Where these gloves really stand out is with their puncture resistance to prevents cuts so, in turn, will keep your hands and forearms safe from scratches, allowing you to do heavy-duty garden jobs including deadheading your roses painlessly, weeding unscathed among all the rose bushes and vicious brambles in the garden as well as prickly shrub branches.
These are probably one of the most expensive gloves on our list, however, they are simply outstanding in terms of how well made and how well they protect your hands. Overall they are well worth paying extra for, maybe not for general gardening tasks but for dealing with roses, a great choice.
Our recommendation
We really class these as rose pruning gloves, or gloves to deal with prickly plants. As well as their thorn resistance, they also have vast benefits from catering for your sensitive skin to a variety of sizes to the natural environmental benefits.
They can be used comfortably by anyone with larger hands to those with smaller hands so you are sure to find your size.
We recommend these gloves for large thorny gardens as the leather is protective and does not allow penetration of thorns. The gloves are nice and long with the gauntlet going up to the elbow.
If they are within your budget, they are one of the best gardening gloves you can get for those thorny gardening jobs. If you have a lot of roses, these are well worth investing in.
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4. NoCry Long Leather Gardening Gloves
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The NoCry Long Leather Gardening Gloves are made from tough goatskin with cowhide and these gloves can do everything gardening from pruning overgrown roses to trimming and cutting hedges, pulling weeds, and handling birds and animals. These are designed with Canadian-style gauntlet cuffs made from thick cow split leather. They reach up to 6 inches in length on your arm, offering maximum protection from cuts and scratches.
- Ideal for thorny jobs such as pruning roses, tackling brambles and other spiky plants.
- Two times more puncture-resistant than regular leather gloves.
- Reinforced fingerprints and palms made from two-layered goatskin and long flared gauntlet cuffs thick cow split leather to protect your arms.
- Offers excellent comfort, flexibility, and snug fit.
- Versatile gloves that are perfect for pruning, trimming and cutting jobs.
- Designed to fit both men and women.
- Covered by NoCry satisfaction guarantee – replacement or refund if you aren’t happy.
The best thing about these gloves is that they are incredibly puncture-proof thanks to the reinforced, double-layered natural goatskin palms and fingertips. NoCry says that they are two times more puncture resistant compared to other varieties of gloves, but in all fairness, they are very tough against thorns and spiky plants. If you are also planning to do some fencing in an area with barbed wire, these will also offer protection for your hands and arms.
Not only are the gloves tough, but they are also very comfortable. The goatskin leather feels soft on your skin even over extended hours of gardening. In addition, the wrists feature a comfort-fit spandex band to secure the gloves in place whilst you work, and the thumbs are crafted to easily grip clippers and tools.
The gloves come in three sizes including small, medium, and large and they are tailored for both men and women. Lastly, NoCry stands behind these babies and they are willing to replace them or refund your money should you not love the gloves within the guarantee period.
Our recommendation
The NoCry Long Leather Gardening Gloves are a brilliant alternative to the Exemplary Gardens Gloves (we had previously looked at above) for anyone looking for a slightly cheaper pair.
For any all-rounded gardener, they fit well, feel comfortable and are virtually puncture-proof. These can endure months of heavy-duty work, thus offer great value for money.
Overall a great pair of gloves at a more affordable price.
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5. Briers Advanced Grip and Protect Gloves
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The Briers Advanced Grip and Protect Gloves are another practical addition to add to your gardening attire. Featuring thumb and forefinger reinforcements plus tough anti-slip patches on the palm, these gloves help to keep hands safe during handling and gardening tasks. One thing they offer is a firmer and more comfortable grip when handling tools.
- Perfect for a range of gardening tasks from planting, to weeding and everything in between.
- Silicon dots on fingertips for enhanced grip.
- Velcro closure for the perfect fit.
- Breathable back material to keep hands cool and comfortable.
- Tough anti-slip patches on palms for much safer handling.
- Reinforced thumb and forefinger.
- Tested to EN388 with decent abrasion and puncture resistance.
When working with gloves on for prolonged periods of time, hands can get hot and uncomfortable. This will not be the case if you are wearing these gloves as they have been made with breathable backs to keep hands cool. Velcro straps on the cuffs also allow for a secure and tailored fit.
Something we feel is worth mentioning is that these gloves have been tested to EN388 and proven to have high levels of abrasion resistance, blade cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. Part of the award-winning range at the 2016 GIMA Awards in the Garden Clothing and Gifts category, these gloves are perfect for a wide range of tasks including bramble cutting, digging, gentle pruning, raking, weeding, watering plants and more.
Our recommendation
If you are looking for gloves that offer a remarkable grip, these Briers Advanced Grip and Protect Gloves are worth considering. They are very good for holding tools thanks to the silicone dots on the fingertips combined with anti-slip patches on the palms.
They are a great pair of gardening gloves for general jobs, perhaps not for thorny plants though, there are much better gloves for this which we have already recommended.
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6. Viridescent Ladies Leather Gardening Gloves
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These quality slim-fit gloves are made out of genuine leather which is a tough hard-wearing material and offers durability and extra protection. These feminine gloves come in both small and medium-size, in white and pink colours that are bright enough to cheer you up ahead of your gardening tasks.
- A great pair of gardening gloves for general gardening tasks.
- Beautiful design with velcro wrist straps.
- Made out of genuine leather for extra comfort and protection.
- Excellent versatility.
- 100% risk-free policy so if you aren’t happy simply return them for a full refund.
The gloves are designed for a snug fit; they have an adjustable velcro fastener which we like as it ensures a comfortable fit and enhanced dexterity.
These ladies gardening gloves provide maximum protection against nettles, thorny roses and shrubs, undergrowth and brambles. This amazing pair can also be used for endless household chores owing to its versatility and durability. The leather gloves are easy to clean and maintain as well.
Our recommendation
These high-quality gardening gloves by Viridescent are beautifully designed for a ladies fit. They are extremely versatile and can be used for a range of outside garden chores. They are surprisingly good at keeping thorns out, something we originally thought they would be useless with, but luckily we have been proven wrong. The reviews on Amazon confirm how happy people are with the quality and protection they offer.
They are half the price of some of the other gloves we reviewed and for this, they get extra points, it is just a shame they only seem to be available in pink.
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7. Town & Country Leather Lined Gardening Gloves
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These Town and Country Gardening Gloves are made from the finest, superior quality leather that brings a touch of luxury to all your gardening and outdoor works. These hard-wearing and stylish gloves are unique, flexible and have soft leather with a uniquely designed thumb that fits extremely well and feels comfortable plus a comfortable elastic wrist.
Additionally, they have a suede palm for enhanced protection and a keystone thumb for a good fit and protection from thorns and brambles.
- Great for general gardening work.
- High grade leather material for extra comfort and protection.
- Ideal for heavy duty gardening tasks.
- Inner soft lining for comfort.
- Well fitted wrist.
- Fully waterproof to keep your hands dry.
The leather gloves are a quality brand and it will leave you nothing less than happy and content after purchasing them. Its leather material ensures protection against thorns in the garden.
Our recommendation
These Town and Country Leather Gloves are not too thick and thus allows for a firmer grip of the tools you are using. On the flip side though, they are not 100% thorn proof and some could puncture through.
They are best suited for weekend gardeners and not those who deal with thorny shrubs on a regular basis. Overall a good quality pair of gloves, the only issue we have noticed is they are a tight fit, even the large size is smaller than you would probably expect.
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8. Gold Leaf Dry Touch Gloves – Gents
ENDORSED BY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
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Gold Leaf gloves are endorsed by the ‘Royal Horticultural society’ but are they any good?
Recognised as “The World’s Finest Gardening Gloves”, these gardening gloves are the only gloves that are endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK.
The brand is well known for its high quality, durability, soft and supple feel and luxurious experience. The Gold Leaf Dry Touch gloves are very comfortable and have been manufactured with softer, extremely flexible cow grain leather, and the gloves give an unmatched level of dexterity.
- Endorsed by The Royal Horticultural Society.
- Made of high-quality material.
- Water-resistant leather gloves.
- Fully lined gloves for enhanced comfort and warmth.
- All-purpose gardening gloves that ooze luxury.
The leather on the gloves is water-resistant which makes them perfect for gardeners looking for a pair of gloves to use in somewhat wet conditions. On top of that, the gloves have a full lining all over which ensures extra warmth and comfort.
Perfect for light pruning, weeding and potting.
The “dry touch” is suitable for a wide range of gardening jobs such as light pruning, weeding and potting. The luxurious gloves are available in various sizes and are designed for both Ladies and Gents which is plus. Although a bit high end, the quality of the gloves is top notch and is definitely an investment worth making.
Our recommendation
The Gold Leaf Dry Touch gloves have a beautifully soft leather design and have an attractive colour that suggests more of a fashion item that gives you feel-good wear in the garden.
Overall an excellent pair of gardening gloves, comfortable and soft.
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9. Gold Leaf Tough Touch Gloves – Gents
ENDORSED BY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
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The Tough Touch Gardening Gloves are made from soft and supple deerskin that elevate garden handwear to a different quality level of, style, comfort and protection. The gloves have been endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society which is also worth noting.
Protection, comfort and warmth are a guarantee when purchasing these gloves. They come with an extended cuff that protect the forearm and ensures the wrist sits comfortably. To top it off, the gloves have an incredibly soft, warm feel that results to pure dexterity. The tough touch (as the name suggests) is able to handle tough gardening assignments including taking up tough thorny bushes and roses as well as laying hedges and brambles.
- The only gardening gloves endorsed by The Royal Horticultural Society.
- Thorn resistant leather pruning gloves.
- Comfortable and durable.
- Made from valuable deerskin leather.
- Features an extended cuff to maximize protection.
These high-quality pieces are available in all sizes, have a snug fit that allows an easy grip and can be used by both men and women alike. The high-end price is justified by the level of quality portrayed by these quality leather gloves.
Our recommendation
These Gold Leaf leather gloves are waterproof and durable; we recommend them for gardeners looking for real style and luxury in their gardening experience.
Perfect for rose pruning and a good alternative to the gauntlets by Exemplary Gardens who don’t need protection right up the arm. Overall a good pair of gloves.
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10. Briers Lady Gardener Gloves
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The gloves are eye-catching and they feel great too! They come in pretty feminine colours that are easy to spot and are highly recommended for females. They have a velcro fastening cuff for a very comfortable fit that allows sensitivity, though it has a bit of a snug fit at first, they stretch and become a really nice fit with time. They are lightweight, easy to wear and remove as well.
- Have great flexibility and dexterity when gardening.
- Elasticated back.
- Velcro fastening cuff for extra comfort and fit.
- Lightweight design.
- Comes in various sizes from small to large size fit gloves.
The pair is durable and can be used by the entire female fraternity in the household for a season or more. The tips of the gloves are leather that makes them durable.
These gloves are tough enough to take up most of the gardening tasks such as dead heading, planting and light pruning amongst other outdoor tasks. The velcro cuff fastening enables you to work without worrying about dirtying your hands and damaging any nails with mud, detritus or soil since it provides the perfect fit.
Our recommendation
Overall a great pair of gloves for the ladies that gives protection against most gardening jobs and they are very well priced. You need to take a little care with thorny plants, although they do a really good job at stopping thorns, occasionally, a thorn will get through. However, for the price they are fantastic.
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A Buyers Guide to Gardening Gloves
What to consider when choosing a good pair of gardening gloves?
Choosing the right type of gloves for the right gardening job
Not all of us are necessarily involved in doing actual gardening. We can undertake different roles, for example, pesticide control. The gloves required in handling these chemicals may not be ideal for gently handling your gardening plants.
For whatever reason that you need the gloves, ensure that the material and weight will enable you to efficiently do your work. This is especially true for rose gardening as they need to be thorn proof but flexible, the same goes for working with prickly plants such as digging up brambles.
What material should you go for?
This is a big one. The material you take determines the durability and usability of your gloves. There are multiple varieties of material that you can choose from. Some of us have to consider skin sensitivity to some materials when selecting gloves. The use of the gloves will also govern the choice of material. Below are some of the materials readily available.
Cotton: These versatile gloves in print and style are easy to get. They are usually lightweight. They are especially preferred in hot and humid climates as they are breathable and flexible. The downside to these is that they offer minimal protection from sharp objects and not very water proof. In general we advise avoid cotton gloves.
Goatskin: Goatskin is to be taken with very high regard. It makes some of the most beautiful, puncture-resistant and flexible gloves. You will have to spend a little extra on gloves made from this material and we found that around £15 would get you a good pair of gloves made from this type of leather.
Split hide: These gloves are created from cowhide. There are made to handle the most strenuous and dangerous garden work. They are strong but rather inflexible, you will probably find that gloves with have long cuffs use split hide from the cuff area around the arms.
Synthetic leather: This type of leather is popular. It is usually infused at the palm regions where they offer the needed extra protection. You can find high-quality synthetic gardening gloves that are very affordable.
Choosing the right fit
When you are gardening, you definitely don’t want to be wearing loose gloves. It is amongst the most irritating and exasperating things you can ever deal with while gardening. Simply look for gloves that fit the size of your hand, the fit always leaning closer towards snug. This way, you can enjoy good grip and comfort. Garden glove designs can be made to fit either men or women. The contrast between the hand sizes and features on both males and females are very evident. Be sure to pick up gloves fashioned for your gender or unisex gloves, it’ll fit better.
The closure area around the gloves – more important than you think
When using gloves, the fit around the wrist is critical to the overall fit of the glove. The whole makeup of the closure is to secure the hand from contact with outside elements. The looser the closure gets over time, the more the fit of the glove declines. Gloves with velcro straps are very popular as they have proven that they are adjustable to fit any size of wrist.
Still on the subject of material, manufacturers use coatings and other synthetic materials like nitrile to put an extra layer of protection. Some companies that produce gloves that handle chemicals, make gloves completely out of some of these synthetic materials. Some of the notable materials include nitrile, lycra, neoprene, spandex and many more.
Which gardening gloves would we recommend?
In the end, it all depends on your budget and what you want from a good pair of gardening gloves. If you need to tackle prickly plants, perhaps you have a rose garden or an overgrown plot full of brambles, then we highly recommend the Exemplary Gardens Rose Pruning Gloves as they are well worth paying a little extra for.
If you feel that the Exemplary gloves are a little over budget, then the NoCry Long Leather Gardening Gloves are a great alternative. They may not be quite as well made, but they are good gloves all the same as they are also made from goats skin which is what separates them from other gloves.
For general gardening work, our ‘Best Pick’ is the Exemplary Gardens Leather Gardening Gloves and we feel they are a great pair to purchase but they are not puncture-proof, they will stop thorns to an extent but the two pairs we have mentioned above are much better for dealing with prickly plants.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
