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The 10 Best Gardening Gloves of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your hands protected while you work

Group shot of gardening gloves

The Spruce / Caitlin Sole

When you head outdoors to work in your yard or garden, the first gardening tool you reach for is a pair of sturdy gloves. However, wearing gardening gloves to keep your hands protected and clean doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort or style.

We used 22 pairs of gardening gloves in our home gardens and evaluated each pair based on quality, durability, comfort, design, and value. We continued testing 12 top-performing options for six additional months to determine how well they held up to regular use in a garden.

Aside from having a great fit, we found material is an important factor. Look for the type of material to match the type of work you plan to do in your garden—you can even have a pair for every task. For example, if you plan on pruning brushes or shrubs, thicker, padded gloves, such as leather, will keep your hands protected. Gloves that are breathable, thin, and lightweight are great for jobs like planting or weeding.

Additional features are also helpful, including gloves with a longer length (to protect your wrists and forearms), Velcro wrist straps to keep them secure, and touchscreen-friendly fingertips.

From watering, digging, and weeding to cutting thorny rose branches, we put each pair of gloves to the task through cool and warm temperatures across the country. Whether you prefer a sturdy leather glove or a rubber glove that offers plenty of grip, these are the best gardening gloves for any task.

What We Like
  • Breathable fabric

  • Extra padding

  • Adjustable wrist strap

What We Don't Like
  • Thumb sizing is off

The Firm Grip Women’s General Purpose Synthetic Leather Gloves are our top pick because of their durable construction and thoughtful features, such as a terry cloth thumb to wipe damp foreheads and touchscreen-compatible fingertips. We wore these gloves for six months when regularly caring for a garden and thought they were comfortable and well-made. Thanks to breathable mesh backs and synthetic leather palms, these gloves felt durable without being “heavy duty” like some work gloves are designed. 

We love that these gloves are touchscreen compatible, so you won’t have to worry about yanking them off whenever your phone rings. The thumbs, forefingers, and palms have additional padding to make gripping gardening tools and equipment a little more comfortable. The terry cloth finish on both thumbs allows you to wipe away dirt effectively and absorb sweat. 

Our one complaint about these gloves is the thumbs had about an inch too much fabric on the end, making certain tasks difficult to complete. However, we recognize that sizing is generalized to fit the majority of users. Despite this fit issue, the adjustable strap around the wrist of these gloves made it easy to secure them in place, and overall, we enjoyed wearing these gloves to prevent blisters and bruises during gardening tasks. These gloves are not only a great, long-lasting option for gardening enthusiasts but are also loaded with practical features that can help you tackle many outdoor tasks comfortably.

Material: Synthetic leather and mesh | Machine Washable: Yes | Waterproof: No

What We Like
  • Two-pack

  • Waterproof coating on palms

  • Stretchy shell

What We Don't Like
  • Loose fit on fingers

These grippy gardening gloves by Amazing Stuff for You are a great option for anyone on the hunt for a basic glove that can handle your entire garden and lawn checklist. Aside from the affordable pricing and the convenience of offering two pairs of gloves per pack, these gloves held up well for all of our gardening needs, from watering flowers to gripping shovels and other equipment. The water-resistant coating not only protects from moisture but also protects against dirt stains.

In our experience, these gloves fit well around the palms of our hands and wrists, but the fingers were exaggerated in size, which may make them difficult to maneuver for users with especially small hands. While these gloves are not revolutionary in design, they’re a great option for everyday gardening needs and are comfortable to wear for long periods.

After six months, these gloves quickly became our go-to pair for any gardening needs. While we didn't notice any structural change after wearing and washing these gloves, we will point out that the logo started to peel off. However, this doesn't bother us too much, as the rest of the glove continued to perform well. These gloves are almost so grippy that they could be a hindrance to high-dexterity tasks, but for any tasks requiring extra muscle, we think they're a great choice.

Material: Coated palms with nylon shell | Machine Washable: Yes | Waterproof: No, water resistant

What We Like
  • High quality design

  • Grippy padding

  • Comfortable for long-term wear

What We Don't Like
  • Not waterproof

Sizing on gloves can vary slightly between men and women, and we were impressed by the fit of these Bionic Men’s Tough Pro Gloves. These gloves felt so nice that we almost didn’t want to get them super dirty with soil and other debris. Some leather gloves can be quite uncomfortable during their first wear, but we did not experience a discernible “breaking in” with this pair. The grippy rubber on the palms and fingertips also gave us added confidence while working with certain tools. 

These gloves also have vented knuckle seams, so your skin can breathe while staying protected. The inside of these gloves features additional padding on the palms and fingers for more comfort while gripping machinery for long periods. We also wore these gloves for almost three hours at a time with no complaints.

Although these gloves have a hydrophobic coating, we wouldn’t recommend getting them wet, as water may damage the performance and durability of the leather over time. These gloves are certainly one of the most expensive options we tested, but they were well worth the extra cost as they’re sure to last several seasons, and their comfort stands out among other designs.

These gloves have become even more comfortable after six months of wear, and we're still impressed by the quality and thoughtful design. We haven't noticed any tears or deterioration in the leather, and we think they're a great investment for anyone who wants a leather glove without the expected break-in period.

Material: Leather | Machine Washable: No | Waterproof: No

What We Like
  • Comfortable

  • Breathable

  • Well-fitted

What We Don't Like
  • Will not protect against thorns

If comfort, breathability, and a firm grip are top priorities for gardening gloves, we recommend these gloves from CoolJob. These gloves were by far the most comfortable we tested. The rubber-coated palms not only fit accurately but also kept water and moisture out while we handled wet soil and watered flowers. We also appreciated that the wrist portion of the glove was long enough to keep out dirt. 

These gloves made it easier to grip gardening tools while also being compatible with delicate tasks like planting flowers. Although they’re a pretty basic design and might be considered a more disposable option compared to other gloves available, these gloves performed very well. Keep in mind that this pair is not meant to protect against thorns, so they may not be best if your gardening needs fall into heavy-duty categories.

These gloves are still in great shape after six months of use, but they do have a bit of staining on the fingers and palms. We've also noticed that the rubber has worn down a bit, but we're not too concerned about its overall durability as we haven't noticed significant wear. We recommend these gloves as a great breathable option for quick gardening tasks like watering or planting seedlings.

Material: Micro-foamed latex coating | Machine Washable: Yes | Waterproof: Yes

Best Multi-Pack

Ansell Hyflex Gloves

Ansell Hyflex 11-600 Nylon Work Gloves
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
  • Designed for high dexterity jobs

  • Comfortable

  • Variety of sizes

What We Don't Like
  • Not heavy-duty

Where quality for the price is concerned, gardening gloves don’t get much better than these Ansell Hyflex Extra Thin Nylon Work Gloves. Not only did we love the fit, but we found them thin enough for delicate jobs like repotting plants and separating roots. The breathable nylon shell prevents sweat and moisture—we found them completely comfortable to wear while working for over an hour in a garden. 

We were surprised by the quality of these gloves because we thought they’d be somewhat disposable since they came in a 12-pack. However, we found that the first pair is still in good condition, even after six months of use. We've even used different pairs for other outdoor tasks. These gloves even stayed comfortable through watering and repotting with wet soil.

However, we wouldn’t recommend using these gloves for any heavy-duty work involving sharp blades, as they could easily be sliced open.

Material: Nylon | Machine Washable: Not listed | Waterproof: Yes

A hand wearing the Ansell Hyflex 11-600 Nylon Work Gloves while touching dirt and plant in pot

The Spruce / Christine Colby

What We Like
  • Durable

  • Can be used during high dexterity tasks

  • Soft texture

What We Don't Like
  • May not fit smaller hands

  • Not breathable or waterproof

Leather gardening gloves are always a great option, especially if you prefer your gloves to withstand heavy-duty tasks such as removing unwanted branches or collecting firewood. These gloves from StoneBreaker impressed us with their heavy-duty leather exterior yet soft, comfortable interior. Two layers of lining protect against blisters thanks to double stitching and a thick leather exterior.

We did find that these are not the best option for smaller hands (not the best fit), but they still offer a range of motion and ability for detailed tasks. For slightly larger hands, we found them comfortable and practical for doing several hours of yard work. Despite their lack of range in sizing, these gloves are a great option for heavy-duty work but can also be used for gardening tasks that require high dexterity and finger mobility.

Note that after six months of use, we did notice some thinning on the fingertips. Plus, they are not breathable or waterproof, so they are not the best option for dealing with wet conditions.

Material: Leather | Machine Washable: No | Waterproof: No

What We Like
  • Breathable

  • Moisture wicking

  • Well-fitted

What We Don't Like
  • Show wear easily

These gloves claim to be “the most comfortable pair of gloves you will ever wear,” and we think they’re high up on our gardening gloves list for comfort and breathability. The bamboo fibers wick away sweat, while the foam latex palm protects against outside moisture. They’re about as close to a second skin as can be, and the thin fabric is stretchy and cooling without feeling too tight and itchy. 

Our major concern with this pair of gloves is their long-term durability because they quickly showed pulls and nicks from small twigs after a few uses. However, after six months of use, they defied our original expectations. While they do have a few snags and stains, they have not torn or otherwise developed any signs of wear.

We also think the price tag was somewhat expensive for this pair's basic design, although we recognize the merits of their cooling effect may justify the price. All in all, these gloves are a great option if you value comfort while working in your garden and don’t mind having to potentially replace them after one season of use.

Material: Bamboo fiber and foam latex | Machine Washable: Not listed | Waterproof: Not listed

What We Like
  • Protective sleeve

  • Durable

  • Knuckle guard

What We Don't Like
  • Back of hand not protected

  • Pilling on inside lining after one use

A reliable pair of thornproof gloves is essential for rose garden enthusiasts. These gloves from Magid impressed us with not only their durability but also their comfortable fit. The thumb was slightly too large for our hand, but the rest of the glove fit well and stayed on while we were working in rose bushes. After several uses around thorn bushes, these gloves had no pricks or visible signs of wear.

However, we did note that the back of these gloves can easily be pulled, snagged, or punctured because they are made of spandex rather than synthetic leather, which makes up the rest of the glove. We also noticed pilling on the inner liner of these gloves after just one use, so they may not be the best to use in incredibly hot climates. 

While the back of our hands was not well protected in these gloves, we loved the knuckle guard, which is made out of synthetic leather and protected our knuckles and fingers from thorn pricks. The protective gauntlet attached to these gloves reached our elbow, which provided plenty of protection from thorn bush branches. Although these gloves are slightly more expensive than other options on the market, they offer excellent thorn protection, making them worthy of the splurge in our book.

After six months of testing, these gloves have become our go-to pair for any tasks working with pokey bushes and plants. We no longer dread caring for cactuses and roses thanks to these gloves. Even though they're warmer than other options, we don't mind the sweat instead of scratched hands.

Material: Synthetic leather and spandex | Machine Washable: No | Waterproof: No

Two hands wearing the Magid Professional Rose Pruning Gardening Gloves while pruning a plant

The Spruce / Viveka Neveln

What We Like
  • Provide protection without restricting movement

  • Comfortable to wear for long periods of time

  • Durable outer shell

What We Don't Like
  • Material could be pierced

Pruning rose bushes and other thorny varieties in a garden can be painful, but these gloves from G & F Products completely changed our experience. These gloves protected our arms and hands while pruning rose bushes, and we still had full mobility and comfort, even with the gloves’ bulky finish. We especially enjoyed how these gloves did not bunch up around our wrists, so we could maneuver through branches with ease. 

Although these gloves are very similar to our pick for the best thorn-proof category, we found that these gloves were slightly more comfortable to wear for a long period because the inner shell offered more breathability and did not become hot and sticky with wear.

Our only concern is that some thorns did stick into these gloves. Even though the overall integrity of the gloves was unharmed, we worried that over time a larger tear or pre-existing hole could result in scratches. However, after six months of use, we haven't noticed any major signs of wear, and find them comfortable for long tasks.

Material: Synthetic leather and spandex | Machine Washable: No | Waterproof: No

Two hands wearing G & F Products Florist Pro Longsleeve Garden Gloves while pruning plants outside

The Spruce / Viveka Neveln

What We Like
  • 13 pattern options

  • Heavy duty

  • Protect from sharp plants

What We Don't Like
  • Not best for detailed tasks

Gardening is always more fun with a playful pattern on your gloves, which is why we love these gloves from Bamllum. Not only are these gloves made of high-quality leather, but they’re also great for performing heavy-duty tasks around your garden, such as clearing debris, moving spiky or sharp plants, and pulling weeds. These gloves are quite thick, which makes them less than ideal for fine motor tasks such as handling seedlings and replanting flowers. However, they performed well in other tasks around a garden and lawn. 

Our only other note of concern was that the yellow color became stained quickly, and we could not wash them. While gardening gloves don’t have to be pristine, the yellow color may not be the prettiest toward the end of a season of use. We also found them rather hot to wear for a long time, so they may not be best for warmer climates.

All in all, we may not choose these gloves for long-term comfort, but we were certainly impressed by the range of patterns and colors available and thought they were well worth their price for high-performance tasks.

While these gloves are great for raking leaves and picking up debris around a garden, we've found they're not best for high-dexterity tasks after months of use. They are very durable, and we have not noticed any signs of wear other than dirt staining. The patterns are certainly pretty and a fun refresh from the otherwise utilitarian designs on our list.

Material: Leather | Machine Washable: No | Waterproof: No

Final Verdict

While many of the gardening gloves we tested stood out for their durability and comfort, our best overall pick is the Firm Grip Women’s General Purpose Synthetic Leather Gloves. These gloves stood apart from the rest for their innovative design that offered protection and comfort and their unique features that made gardening an even more enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for an affordable option that can last you through a season, we recommend the Amazing Stuff for You! Grippy Gardening Gloves, our best budget pick. It comes in a pack of two and offers great protection and added grip while handling tools and equipment.

Close up of a person with the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves on

The Spruce / Eric Brockob

How We Tested the Gardening Gloves

To simulate the most accurate setting for gardening gloves, we purchased 22 pairs of gardening gloves from a variety of brands and used each pair in our own gardens and lawns over a two-week period. We continued testing the 12 top-performing pairs for six months or more and reported on their long-term durability. Each pair was evaluated on quality, durability, comfort, design, and value.

  • Quality: We evaluated the initial quality of each pair, looking at the gloves’ construction and sizing and comparing them to manufacturer claims. For glove styles that claimed to be waterproof, we spent at least 30 minutes wearing the gloves while watering or completing other yard work that involved handling moist soil.
  • Comfort: While we wore the gloves in our gardens, we also considered the overall comfort and feel of the gloves during extended use. We also made a note of whether the gloves became hot and sticky or kept our hands feeling cool. For gloves designed for handling thorns and completing other heavy-duty tasks, we kept in mind that their durability may affect their comfort, but we still considered if they were practical for long-term wear.
  • Design: We also considered those gloves’ designs and noted any helpful features that made certain pairs stand out. For example, we noted length, touchscreen-capable features, wrist enclosures, extra padding, breathable mesh, and more.
  • Durability: We thought about how each pair of gloves held up compared to other gloves of similar design and how they may perform long-term with appropriate use. We also followed manufacturer care instructions and washed any gloves listed as machine washable. We took note of shrinkage, change in texture, or performance after washing.
  • Value: Finally, after wearing each pair of gloves for multiple hours, we looked at the list price of the gloves and considered the overall value based on their performance as a whole. We made a note of any situations or circumstances where the gloves would be especially helpful or not useful at all.
  • Long-term durability: To further test the durability of 12 standout pairs of gloves, we continued to wear them for six months. During this period, we noted any signs of wear and considered whether the gloves became more comfortable or less effective at protecting our hands. Lastly, we collected all of our testing data, and our team of editors reviewed it to create the product descriptions in this list.
Using a rake with a gardening glove

The Spruce / Christine Colby

What to Look for in Gardening Gloves

Size and Fit

One of the most important things to look for when shopping for gardening gloves is a good fit. You want them to be snug enough to keep dirt out but not so tight that they restrict your range of movement. Avoid gloves that leave extra room at your fingertips or ones that don’t offer a firm but flexible fit where your fingers attach to your hand.

Gloves often come in sizes small, medium, or large and may be labeled as “Men’s” or “Women’s.” If you have particularly large, wide hands, or small hands, don’t worry about labels and choose the ones that feel right. Our best for men pick, the Bionic Men's Tough Pro with Natural Fit Premium Leather Work Gloves, comes in five sizes, so you'll definitely find the perfect fit.

Comfort and Protection

The fit of your gardening gloves has a lot to do with their overall comfort, but there are a few other factors to consider. The material should be stretchy, breathable, and flexible. Moisture-wicking fabrics can also reduce friction and keep your hands dry while you work.

Additionally, some gloves have ergonomic thumbs or webbing through the palms, which some people find more comfortable. Our best overall pick, the Firm Grip Women’s General Purpose Synthetic Leather Gloves, features a breathable mesh back and comfortable reinforced padding on the palms and fingertips.

Reinforced fingertips stand up to repetitive tasks like weeding and help protect your nails and fingers from poking through, breaking, or splitting. Leather is soft but tough. While wearing leather gloves, you'll feel confident about pruning shrubs or removing brambles. Elbow-length gloves protect your hands and arms when you prune your roses, such as our best long sleeve pick, the G & F Florist Pro Garden and Rose Gloves, which our tester found to protect her arms without restricting her movement. The best gloves are comfortable to wear and provide the right protection for the task.

Design

Gardening gloves are meant for gardening, but they’re not all created equal. For the most part, you’ll find options with stretchy knit linings and some sort of latex or rubber coating on the palms and fingers for grip and protection, like our best grip, the CoolJob Gardening Gloves.

However, there are also different varieties of work gloves, including thorn-proof, leather, puncture-resistant, thermal, orthopedic, and clawed designs for weeding. Consider your working conditions and look for a pair that can accommodate your unique needs.

For example, our best leather gloves, the StoneBreaker Rancher Medium Work Glove, are great for weeding, pruning, or handling rough materials like firewood or mulch. Alternatively, our best thorn-proof gloves, the Magid Extra-Long Thornproof Pruning and Gardening Gloves, are essential for tending rose gardens.

Also, consider the climate where you garden. If you primarily garden in the water, you'll want a moisture-wicking pair, like our best lightweight gloves, the Bamboo Fit Garden Gloves. For gardeners who live in rainy areas, consider a waterproof pick, like our best multi-pack, the Ansell HyFlex Multipurpose Gloves.

FAQ
  • How do you soften leather gardening gloves?

    Leather is a material that softens naturally with repeated use and a little care. Leather gardening gloves are most often made with cowhide, deerskin, or goatskin, with goatskin as the softest. Keeping your leather gloves clean and conditioned with mink oil or another mild lubricant will help keep them pliable. Old unused leather can become hard and cracked. If this is the case, apply small amounts of mink or coconut oil or work vaseline into the gloves to recondition them.

  • Why should you wear gardening gloves?

    The primary purpose of gardening gloves is to protect your hands from elements like soil, plants with rough surfaces or thorns, and insects and against painful skin cracking and other conditions that result from heavy use. Some gloves also make gardening chores easier by improving your grip and reinforcing strength in your fingertips.

  • Can you wash gardening gloves?

    How to clean your garden gloves depends on the material used to make them. Gloves made entirely of cloth can be washed as any normal item of clothing. Specialty gloves like leather or nitrile must be cleaned differently. Saddle soap is a common leather cleaner. Nitrile gloves should be washed with antibacterial soap inside and out. Gloves with webbing or reinforced fingertips or palms can be hand-washed with mild detergent. Gardening gloves of all materials will hold up longer when they are dried completely before the next wear.

    “Depending on how dirty or wet my gloves get, I wash them every one to three times I garden,” says Carmen Johnston, founder and owner of Bespoke Garden Plans. “Sometimes, I simply hose them off, but I definitely toss them in the washing machine! I’d rather have extra time outdoors than inside hand-washing! I throw them in with a scoop of Oxi-Clean and—for super dirty days—treat them first with Spray N Wash."

    She adds, “I never, ever use the dryer, though; just lay them out to air dry. I probably have 10 to 15 pairs of gloves, and I store them in a Tupperware container in the laundry room.”

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products that can also help you tend to your garden.

  1. Red Home Club Thick Kneeling Pad: For tasks you need to do up close, like pulling weeds and planting flowers, a kneeling pad can help. We love this option because it's thick and large enough for moving around a bit, and it has a carrying handle.
  2. Bogs Patch Ankle Boots: We tested gardening shoes of different styles and materials, and these were our favorite. While they are a bit hot for peak summer weather, we loved that they were flexible, durable, and supportive, while being stylish enough to also wear around town.
  3. Felco F-2 One-Hand Pruning Shear: Use your new gardening gloves to prune your landscape into shape! We tested these comfortable and durable bypass pruners and found that they cleanly cut a variety of greenery up to 1 inch in diameter.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This list was written by Emma Phelps, an associate editor for The Spruce, who has previous experience reporting on gardening and outdoor equipment. For this list, we analyzed our testing data and our at-home testing methodology to select the top-performing gloves from the entire batch tested. Phelps then analyzed our testing insights and updated this product list to reflect new selections and provide an in-depth analysis of the user experience with each of these gardening gloves.

Phelps also conducted market research to consider what consumers look for in a pair of gardening gloves and identify any popular brands and styles of gloves. Phelps also updated this list to include our latest testing insights from a long-term, six-month testing period.

Our Experts:

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