If you're a keen gardener who's always getting mucky, a gardening apron could be the ideal garment in your gardening clothing wardrobe. Not as bulky as a gardening overall, with an apron you have your full range of movement when you're bending or reaching for those hard-to-prune branches. Most aprons have several pockets, big enough to carry essential tools and your phone.
Alternatively, you could be looking for a gift idea for a green-fingered loved one - a gardening apron could be just the thicket. There are some wonderfully stylish yet functional aprons included in our guide. And for an extra special pressie for your favourite patio dweller, a personalised gardening apron could be the ideal way to deliver your good seed for the day.
Best gardening aprons at a glance:
• Best value gardening apron: Discoball Oxford Cloth Garden Apron - View on Amazon UK
• Best gardening apron for style: Esschert Design Textile Garden Woman's Apron - View on Amazon UK
• Best eco-friendly gardening apron: Bunny Street Pinafore Apron - View on Amazon UK
We'll take the trowel and error out of looking for a gardening apron as we guide you through the best for practicality, quality, durability, style and more. From aprons made from durable Oxford cloth to softer material choices through to personalised leather cover-ups, we think you'll find a gardening apron to suit your style.
The best gardening aprons:
Best value gardening apron
A durable and sturdy waterproof apron with 13 pockets of different sizes for holding your tools, plus one big chest pocket. This is a one-size-fits-all apron with adjustable straps for your comfort. Very good value for money, made from hardwearing Oxford cloth. The Discoball apron is well-designed, allowing access to your tools when you are kneeling. Suitable for men and women.
Customer review: "Everything about this is great, pockets are well sized and accessible, nice durable material but would be perfect if there was an option to have it longer, so the bib/apron goes down closer to knee length."
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Lots of pockets
- Hardwearing
Cons
- Apron may be shorter than expected
| Size: | One-size (adjustable straps) |
| Material: | Oxford cloth |
| Colour: | Brown or Green with flower pattern |
Best trendy gardening apron
Fashionable and practical, this sturdy apron has a gorgeous English rose print pattern. The straps are adjustable, making it one size fits all for adults. It has one large pocket that is divided into three sections. The material is wipe clean. So now you can embrace the outdoors while looking blooming lovely.
Customer review: "Bought as a gift. Nice water-resistant fabric. Hopefully mum will use and make use of the pockets, so she doesn’t lose any more small trowels."
Pros
- A wonderful gift idea as it's a very pretty apron
- Floral design
Cons
- Apron may be smaller than expected
| Size: | 46 x 58cm |
| Material: | Canvas, jute, PU, PP |
| Colour: | Blue Green |
Best gardening apron for style
Become an action star of the garden with this flattering halter neck apron. Far from a utility belt, this khaki-coloured apron combines style with practicality. It has several pockets that can be closed with poppers. The tools will sit at waist level, so do take care not to overload the pockets or it will be uncomfortable when you bend.
Customer review: "I love this it's so handy for pottering around the garden, with loads of pockets for tools."
Pros
- Flattering design
- Lots of pockets
Cons
- Several reviews have commented on having to alter the neck fastening because it was uncomfortable
| Size: | 68 x 64 x 1cm |
| Material: | Mixed Materials |
| Colour: | Green |
Best personalised gardening apron
www.notonthehighstreet.com
This leather apron can be personalised with up to three rows of text, with seven characters per line and those words are embossed onto the genuine leather hide so would make for an ideal gift. You can expect the leather to soften over time and the natural blemishes and stretchmarks of the animal may appear on the leather, so each apron is unique. For an apron that offers longevity, this is a good choice.
Customer review: "This is the second apron I've purchased - really pleased. Presented in a lovely eco-friendly bag. Great gift."
Pros
- A unique gift idea that will last for years
- Made of leather
Cons
- Impractical for heavy-duty gardening
| Size: | Approximately 95 x 56cm |
| Material: | Leather |
| Colour: | Brown |
Best eco-friendly gardening apron
This beautifully elegant apron is handmade in the UK from premium quality linen. It's a Japanese-style pinafore apron, with a class shape, cross-back detail and no ties. It's machine washable but not suitable for the tumble dryer. It's a lightweight apron that'll keep you cool in summer - perfect for artisans, florists and gentle gardening. Bunny Street's Pinafore Apron is very popular and goes out of stock regularly.
Customer review: "This apron is brilliant as covers all of your clothing including around the sides and doesn't tie so doesn't crease your clothing. Lovely colour but the fabric is quite thin, would have liked something a little heavier, especially at that price."
Pros
- Effortlessly stylish
- Comfortable
- High-quality linen
Cons
- Not designed for hard, practical gardening
| Size: | One-size, UK 8-16 female |
| Material: | Linen |
| Colour: | Lilac-grey with a hint of pink |
Best practical gardening apron
www.robertdyas.co.uk
Gardenkraft's apron has been specifically designed for use in the garden. There is so much capacity for carrying tools in this hardwearing apron, with 14 pockets of different sizes. You and your clothes will stay protected by its sturdy waterproof and wear-proof material. The straps are adjustable for your comfort and this apron is suitable for all shapes and sizes. Pockets: one large 15 x 15cm chest pocket, plus in the waist area there are five large 15 x 16cm, four medium 8 x 16cm, and four small 4 x 19.5cm.
Customer review: "Perfect apron with various pockets."
Pros
- Practical and sturdy
- Waterproof
- Lots of pockets
- Adjustable
Cons
- Light colour may get dirty more quickly
| Size: | One size fits all, 61H x 60Wcm |
| Material: | Oxford cloth |
| Colour: | Brown |
Best heavy-duty gardening apron
Ideal for protecting your clothes while you're potting about in the shed, this unisex canvas apron has six pockets for carrying small tools. The straps adjust to fit all body shapes and you retain your full range of movement so you're comfortable while you work. The material is waxed canvas that's durable and waterproof, offering you a bit of protection from the elements and comes with a three-year warranty.
Customer review: "Really built to last, great comfortable fit, will fit small to XXL easily, six useful pockets. Great value for money and is a real work or hobby apron."
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Waxed finish
- Comes with warranty
Cons
- Quite heavy
| Size: | 84H x 67Wcm |
| Material: | Canvas |
| Colour: | Tan |
Best gardening apron for kids
This is perfect for kids to muck around in when in the garden and has split legs to allow them to move freely, while their little legs stay protected. It has several pockets in the waist area for tools. At less than £20, it's a bargain item of gardening attire aimed at children. It provides a layer of protection, especially when kneeling to play in the mud.
Customer review: "Great gardening apron but a little warm to wear in summer but will be ideal for the autumn/winter/spring with good protection for the knees with the front panels."
Pros
- Leg protection
- Lots of pockets
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that it's a very small fit
| Size: | 120H x 45.5Wcm |
| Material: | Mixed Materials |
| Colour: | Green |
Best gardening apron for comfort
www.wayfair.co.uk
We've included this denim apron in our guide as an alternative robust fabric to consider for a garden apron. Machine washable and comfortable, this could be the apron you want to wear, like a comfy pair of dungarees. The cross back distributes weight evenly and reduces stress on your neck and shoulders. Ideal for light gardening.
Customer review: "Great fit, good fabric, comfortable, good purchase."
Pros
- Comfortable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Not designed for heavy gardening work
| Size: | 91H x 58Wcm |
| Material: | Denim with faux leather trim |
| Colour: | Black |
FAQs
Why should I wear a gardening apron?
Primarily to protect your clothes from getting dirty when you're working in the garden. While most of us will have dedicated "gardening clothes," wearing an apron you can brush off after a busy session outdoors is more practical than having to do multiple loads of washing.
In addition, an apron will keep you at a comfortable temperature, more so than overalls, gardening trousers, and dungarees. Durability, flexibility and size are important; note the measurements and material of the apron before you buy.
You need to be comfortable and protected when you are wearing it. You never know when you'll need your secateurs, so it's ideal to have them to hand in your pocket. The ease of carrying your tools in an apron allows your hands to be free. In addition, gardening gloves and a pair of wellies are a good idea too.
What to read next:
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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.