This white shirt from Among The Brave is made of 80% linen and 20% cotton, making it perfect for summer gardening. It is a generous fit but has a good shape with interesting details such as the puffed shoulders, tie front and wide cuffs with buttons. A collar that can be turned up to protect your neck from the sun is essential.
Garden Fashion: The Stigma of Worn-Out Clothes
Many of us have been there, sporting an old t-shirt and faded pants as we meander through the rose bushes or trim the hedges. The mentality behind it is understandable: gardening is dirty work. Why ruin good clothes?
Well, consider this: How you dress impacts how you feel. Dressing well for your gardening activities can elevate your mood and heighten your sense of self-respect. Plus, you never know when a neighbour might pop by for an impromptu visit, or you'll need to run an unexpected errand.Unexpected Visitors and Errands: Dress to Impress
Having to hastily change into something more 'public-appropriate' because you must step out or entertain a neighbour is a scenario in which most of us have found ourselves. But what if your gardening attire already had you covered? A touch of dirt on a well-dressed gardener seems purposeful, even charming. In contrast, dirt on ragged clothes merely contributes to a dishevelled appearance.
Sun Protection and Glamour: A Tinted Win-Win
Sun protection is non-negotiable when you're out in the garden. However, that doesn't mean you must slather on that pasty, white sunscreen. Modern advances in skincare offer tinted sunscreens that can give you a healthy glow while shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
La Roche-Posay offers an excellent range of sun protection products that can be purchased at pharmacies nationwide. For years, I have mixed my particular tinted sunscreen foundation by combining the Australian Gold SPF50 Tinted Sunscreen and Elta MD SPF44 Tinted Sunscreen.
The Fabric of Our Lives: Opting for Natural Materials
Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton are breathable and functional for an outdoor setting. They offer better sweat absorption and ventilation than synthetic materials. Long sleeves and a collar provide extra protection against the harsh sunlight.
If your day's outfit has short sleeves, UV protective arm sleeves are an excellent accessory. They offer the flexibility of removing them if you shift your activities to a shaded area.
A Hat That Does More Than Tip
Hats are indispensable for gardeners. But let's move beyond the traditional wide-brimmed straw hat. There are fashionable designs available that incorporate drawstrings or adjustable straps to ensure they stay put on windy days. Plus, you can pop them into the washing machine to freshen them up after a long day in the garden.
In the extreme ultraviolet New Zealand sunlight, protecting your skin all year round is imperative. This Sun Cube hat, purchased from Amazon, has a wide brim, a long tail to protect the neck, a toggle to adjust the hat to fit your head and a cord to keep it secured during windy weather. There are multiple colours to choose from.
Hands Down, Gloves Up
Last but certainly not least, let's talk about gloves. Gardening gloves protect more than just your nails; they shield your skin from sun damage and accidental cuts or scrapes. Nowadays, you can find gloves in various stylish designs without sacrificing functionality.
I regularly reach for my Showa 370 gloves by Lynn River as they are affordable, lightweight and rugged and come in three bright colours - pink, purple and blue.
Conclusion
There's no need to look like a mad gardener lost in her botanical labyrinth. Smart attire, when chosen thoughtfully, serves both function and fashion. It's time to incorporate style into your gardening routine, making every moment you spend among your beloved plants picture-perfect.
So the next time you step into your garden, remember: You're not just a gardener but a fashionable curator of flora and personal style.
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Stephanie Evans gardens every day at Oasis Cottage, where she demystifies the art of gardening for beginners and experts. She believes in a holistic approach to gardening, where your well-being and garden are symbiotically connected.
Do you have any thoughts or questions about gardening fashion? Feel free to leave a comment below!