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, if you're 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:
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
DiscoballThis is 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.
Reviewers praise this Discoball apron for being well-designed, allowing access to your tools when you are kneeling. This is suitable for men and women.
Pros
- Made from hardwearing Oxford cloth
- 13 pockets and one large chest pocket
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
Fallen FruitsFashionable 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 and the waist strap has a handy buckle closure to keep the apron in place. So now you can embrace the outdoors while looking blooming lovely - and other matching gardening accessories are available in the same print.
Pros
- A wonderful gift idea as it's a very pretty apron
- Attractive English rose floral design
Cons
- One size only, so check the dimensions
| Size: | 46 x 58cm |
| Material: | Canvas, jute, PU, PP |
| Colour: | Blue Green |
Best gardening apron for style
Esschert DesignBecome an action star of the garden with this flattering halter neck apron. Far from a boring utility belt, this khaki-coloured apron combines style with practicality. It has several pockets that can be closed with poppers.
Reviewers are happy with the texture of the fabric, stating it's hard-wearing. Do be aware the tools will sit at waist level, so take care not to overload the pockets or it will be uncomfortable when you bend.
Pros
- Flattering halter neck design
- Lots of pockets with popper closures
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
Paper High 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.
Pros
- A unique gift idea that will last for years
- Made of ethically handcrafted leather
Cons
- Impractical for heavy-duty gardening
| Size: | Approximately 95 x 56cm |
| Material: | Leather |
| Colour: | Brown |
Best eco-friendly gardening apron
Bunny StreetThis 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.
Pros
- Effortlessly stylish yet comfortable to wear
- Made from 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 heavy-duty gardening apron
Case4Life 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.
Pros
- Water-resistant for use in all weather
- Waxed finish that comes with warranty
Cons
- Quite heavy
| Size: | 84H x 67Wcm |
| Material: | Canvas |
| Colour: | Tan |
Best gardening apron for kids
EsschertThis 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 - or toys.
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.
Pros
- Extended leg protection from dirt
- Several pockets for kids to stash tools
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
Symple Stuff 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. While this isn't recommended for hours of heavy work on the allotment, it's ideal for light gardening.
Pros
- Made from comfortable denim material
- A practical choice that's machine washable
Cons
- Not designed for heavy gardening work
| Size: | 91H x 58Wcm |
| Material: | Denim with faux leather trim |
| Colour: | Black |
How we chose the best gardening aprons
All of these gardening aprons have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the style, material, and of course, the amount of pockets, in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of aprons to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
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:
The best knee pads and kneelers for comfy hands-on gardening
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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.