The best 16 gardening gloves to buy in autumn/winter 2025 – as tested by our reviews experts in real-world conditions
Find the best gardening gloves to suit you with our tried and tested recommendations.
Gardening gloves are available in an array of designs, materials and with various features, including waterproofing, added grip, cushioning, and breathable fabrics to help regulate hand temperature. The design and features you need will depend on the gardening jobs you intend to carry out and when.
- Thin, lightweight gloves are best for duties where dexterity and being able to feel what you're doing is key, such as potting up, weeding and planting. They will protect your hands and let your skin breathe. Ideally, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Look for gloves with a nitrile coating on the fingers and palms, which will give you plenty of grip but also retain dexterity. If you’re working with tools, pruning or working in the cold, you might want a pair of lightweight gloves with a little more padding. They won’t offer as much flexibility, but will be comfortable and offer more protection.
- Heavy-duty gardening gloves are essential for providing protection and support when using tools, doing hard landscaping jobs, or pruning roses or other thorny plants. There is a huge range of materials and styles of heavy-duty gloves to choose from. Leather makes a very tough glove; some are entirely made of leather, whilst others will have it added to the finger tips and palms for strength and durability. It’s also worth carefully considering the fit of heavy-duty gloves, as you may lose some dexterity if they don't fit well. An adjustable cuff can also help with the comfort of the glove and prevent debris from getting inside.
- Gauntlet gloves are particularly useful for pruning shrubs, brambles, or roses. The long cuff of a gauntlet glove provides extra protection for the lower arms, preventing scratches and irritation.
Looking for more garden gear? Consider our reviews of the best wellington boots, best mini chainsaws and the best garden kneelers. If your gardening equipment needs a refresh, consider our test of the best lawn mowers and if it just needs a clean, why not try our expert review of the best pressure washers?
Buying gardening gloves - video
Follow our tips to find the right gardening gloves for you
Best gardening gloves at a glance:
Best lightweight gardening gloves
- Best lightweight gloves for winter use: Niwaki winter gloves
- Best lightweight gloves for light work: Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre
- Best lightweight gloves for versatility: Feverfew Garden Company
- Best lightweight gloves for everyday use: Clip Gloves General Purpose
- Best lightweight gloves for grip: Donkey Gloves
- Best lightweight gloves for waterproofing 2025: Briers All Seasons Cosy Gardener Gloves
- Best lightweight gloves for value 2025: Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves
Best heavy-duty gardening gloves
- Best heavy-duty gloves for summer use: Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance
- Best heavy-duty gloves for heavy-duty work: Clip Gloves Shock Absorber
- Best heavy-duty gloves for wet-weather work: Gold Leaf The Dry Touch
- Best heavy-duty gloves for budget: Verve Latex Coated Garden Gloves
- Best heavy-duty gloves for winter use 2024: Clip Gloves Warm 'n' Waterproof
- Best heavy-duty gloves for winter use: Stihl ThermoGrip
- Best heavy-duty gloves for year-round use: Burgon & Ball Love the Glove
- Best heavy-duty gloves for for comfort 2025: RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves
Best gauntlet gloves
- Best men's gauntlet gloves: Kent and Stowe luxury leather men's gauntlet gloves
Our expertise
The BBC Gardeners' World Magazine team tested a range of gloves, using them through the year in different gardens and situations to see how they fared. Each pair of gloves in our review has a detailed list of pros and cons and has been rated according to comfort and fit, materials, durability and value for money. Every pair of gloves in our round up below has scored a minimum of three out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
Jump to:
- Best lightweight gardening gloves
- Best heavy-duty gardening gloves
- Best gauntlet gloves
- Best of the rest gardening gloves
- How to choose the best gardening gloves
- How we tested gardening gloves
In every review, we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best gardening gloves below:
Best lightweight gardening gloves
Briers All Seasons Cosy Gardener Gloves
RRP: £4.99 for one pair; £7.99 for two pairs
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Available from Amazon
Showing item 1 of 3
Pros
- Very affordable
- Well waterproofed with latex up to the knuckles
- Good wrist coverage
- Washable
Cons
- Thick latex gives poor tactility
- Feel rubbery on the inside
- No sizing evident on the glove itself, although different colours
- Waterproofing will diminish with thorn damage
These gloves are made for rough winter work, such as weeding in wet conditions, clearing debris and general gardening work. They’re sturdily made with an elasticated cuff and latex waterproofing covering much of the hand, including the entire palm and up to the knuckles on the back of the hand. They’re also washable, ideal for a winter work glove, come with a one-year guarantee, and are very affordable, leading to them being selected as a Best Buy for value.
The different colours correspond to different sizes, which makes it easier to tell your gloves and your partner’s gloves apart. However, the thicker latex, while offering sturdiness and excellent waterproofing, does diminish tactility, and the lack of a brushed lining could make them uncomfortable on a very cold day.
Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves
RRP: £10.49
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Amazon
Showing item 1 of 3
Pros
- Well waterproofed – covers the whole hand
- Thick thermal lining
- Can clean exterior with water
- Size is labelled clearly on each glove
- Highly flexible
- Resistant to abrasion and tearing
Cons
- Industrial looking
- More expensive
- Waterproofing may diminish with thorn damage
These gloves feature double-engineered nitrile coatings that cover the entire hand and are designed to prevent water, oils and other liquids from penetrating the glove. The acrylic terry liner offers insulation, but it’s also fixed and remains in place when the hand is removed. They’re also seamless for maximum comfort, and the sturdy construction ensures they will withstand a degree of abrasion and tearing.
The nitrile foam palm coating provides long-lasting grip performance in wet conditions, with the wrist cuff keeping the glove securely in place.
These gloves replicate the natural curvature of the human hand, thus reducing hand fatigue and boosting flexibility. They are sturdy and comfortable to wear but feel flexible, warm and offer excellent grip in wet conditions. It was this performance in such conditions that led us to award them a Best Buy for waterproofing.
Niwaki winter gloves
RRP: £12.00
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Amazon and Niwaki
Pros
- Fit well
- Warm and all, but cuffs are waterproof
- Bright, so you won't lose them easily
- Good value
Cons
- A little bulky
- Not thornproof
- Cuffs aren't waterproof
These gloves are a great, snug fit and very easy to get on and off, thanks to their well-fitting elasticated cuff. Made from latex, acrylic and polyester, they mould well to the hand, and although the bright orange fleece lining makes them a little bulky, they’re still soft and flexible and offer a good amount of dexterity. They’re ideal for a wide range of winter jobs, including finer weeding, and keep your hands really warm and dry. However, the cuffs are not waterproof, so avoid getting them wet as they take a while to dry. Otherwise, the gloves dry well, though, and keep their shape. They won't completely protect you against thorns and brambles, but they don't tear the latex. They’re excellent value for money for the protection they give, and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award for the best lightweight winter gloves. They’re available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes.
Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre
RRP: £6.49
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Amazon in men's and women's designs.
Pros:
- Comfortable and light
- Second skin fit
- Breathable
- Feel strong
- Excellent value
Cons:
- Bamboo snags occasionally
Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for light work, our reviewers found the Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre a good fit, easy to take on and off, comfortable and breathable. The gloves are washable and come with a carabiner to clip them onto your belt. They did snag occasionally, but they're great for delicate work and all-day wear in spring and summer. Available in both men's and women's designs.
Read the full Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre review.
Feverfew Garden Company Gloves
RRP: £22.95
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Marshalls Garden
Pros
- Robust
- Comfortable with a good fit
- Touch screen fingers work well
- Good all-rounder
Cons
- A little difficult to get on and off
- Not dextrous for fine jobs
These good-looking gloves by Feverfew have been designed specifically to fit women’s hands, and our female testers found them to be a good fit, once they’d softened with a few wears. The elasticated neoprene cuff and Velcro strap make them a little tricky to get on and off, but they’re snug once on, and the gloves are stretchy and flexible and ideal for all general gardening jobs, such as weeding, pruning and using tools.
They have reinforced fingers, so they’re not for fine work like seed sowing, but they have a padded, microfibre palm and spandex and foam back, so they’re comfortable and protective. They’re not waterproof, particularly on the palms, although they do have water resistance and are best for spring and summer wear. They also have handy ‘touch screen’ forefingers and thumbs that work very well, so you can look things up or answer a call if you need to without having to take them off.
After use, the gloves can be wiped down or machine-washed at 30 degrees C or below, and there’s a useful clip to secure them together and hang them up. Available in four sizes, XS-L and in a choice of green or plum, they also come in a protective cloth bag, which is a nice touch. They may not be the cheapest gardening gloves, but they’re well-fitting, comfortable and durable. We gave them a BBC Gardener’s World Magazine Best Buy award for the best lightweight gloves for versatility.
Buy the Feverfew Garden Company gloves from Marshalls Garden.
Clip Gloves General Purpose
RRP: £14.99
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from ManoMano
Pros:
- Snug, comfortable fit
- Padded and reinforced
- Great for everyday, medium-duty work
- Hard wearing
Cons:
- Lack warmth
- Not water resistant
With an adjustable wrist strap, extra padding and a tailored fit, these gloves were awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for everyday use. They may not be waterproof but the gloves dry well, keeping their shape. Sizes range from small to large in both men's and women's styles.
Read the full Clip Gloves General Purpose review.
Buy now from Treadstone
Donkey Gloves
RRP: £16.00
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Amazon, Sarah Raven
Pros:
- Snug fit
- Good grip
- Well-designed
- Lightweight but sturdy
Cons:
- Not lined, waterproof or water resistant
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award for grip, these well-designed gloves fit snugly to help with delicate jobs where good grip is required. While they don’t feature an adjustable strap, the stretchy wrist cuff means they’re easy to get on and off, and there’s a helpful sizing guide on the website to ensure you choose the right pair. Comfortable to wear, they feature an elasticated, breathable polyester back and a soft suede-padded palm and thumb gusset, which offers extra protection if you’re pruning and clearing borders. They feel well-made and sturdy, but while the material on the palm is water-resistant, moisture soaks through the back of the glove. That said, they dry quickly, and the suede palm stays soft. Though warm, they’re not lined so won’t keep out the chill of wintery weather, but they’re a reliable, mid-priced option for everyday work. Available in a range of sizes.
Read the full Donkey Gloves review
Best heavy-duty gardening gloves
RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves
RRP: £26.99
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Crocus
Showing item 1 of 3
Pros
- Waterproof and thermal
- Hardwearing reinforced palms
- Very comfortable
- Endorsed by the RHS
Cons
- Expensive
- No wrist closure, so draughty
- Not washable
These beautifully made gloves are designed for cold weather, with a warm Thinsulate lining as well as a waterproof and breathable waterproof membrane.
Made from soft leather with a fabric back for extra breathability, they also feature a reinforced palm and thumb for extra grip and longevity when using heavier tools.
With their soft lining and quality leather, these gloves are comfortable and pliable from the first wear, but they also mould to the shape of your hands as they wear in over time, and it’s this that led to them being awarded a Best Buy for comfort.
The wrist cuff is rather short, however, with only a small section of elastic to hold the glove in place and no Velcro fastening, which does allow in draughts, especially when reaching.
Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves
RRP: £18.99
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Amazon
Pros
- Durable yet with good sensitivity
- Lightweight and cool
- The elastic wrist keeps debris out
- Suit most gardening tasks
Cons
- Thin backs are vulnerable to stings & thorns
Winner of a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best gloves for Summer use, these stylish gloves are immediately comfortable to wear. Made from non-padded leather with polyester backs that ensure breathability, your hands stay comfortable, even in very hot weather. They're well made, with reinforcement on the wear points at the palms and fingers, and elasticated wrists ensure a close, comfortable fit to keep out debris. They give good grip and usability for a wide range of tasks, such as weeding, planting and pruning, but the reinforced fingers make them unsuitable for jobs needing fine dexterity, like handling seedlings. There’s a small loop on the wrists for easy hanging and storage, and the gloves come in small, medium and large sizes. A donation to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is made from the sale of these gloves.
Read the full Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection high performance gloves review
Clip Gloves Shock Absorber
RRP: £18.49
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from ManoMano
Pros:
- Comfortable and well-fitting
- Good dexterity
- Sturdy and durable
- Good for heavy-duty jobs
Cons:
- None
These gloves mould to the hand to provide good dexterity and an excellent fit, and our experts praised their well-thought-out materials. They're comfortable and durable but not bulky. There's a carabiner to clip gloves to a belt and padding on the palms for extra protection. Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for heavy-duty work, they come in both men's and women's sizes and designs.
Read the full Clip Gloves Shock Absorber review.
Buy from Treadstone
Gold Leaf The Dry Touch
RRP: £22.99
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Harrod Horticultural
Pros:
- Comfortable with good control
- Soft, high-quality leather
- Tough and long-lasting
- Water resistant
- Good investment
Cons:
- Expensive
The Dry Touch gloves from Gold Leaf are tough, long-lasting and water resistant, and were awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for wet-weather work. Made from soft, supple leather, the gloves have a sturdy, yet luxurious feel and are available in both men's and women's sizes.
Read the full Gold Leaf The Dry Touch review.
Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves
RRP: £2.50
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Screwfix
Pros:
- Tough, thorn-proof material
- Great for everyday, medium- to heavy-duty work
- Hard wearing
- Great value
Cons:
- Not very breathable
- Lack warmth
- Not water-resistant
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for budget, these gloves offer excellent protection for tough, thorny jobs at a very reasonable price. We also love that they can be recycled. Featuring a generously-sized elasticated cuff means they’re easy to get on and off, but as they’re made from textured latex, the palm isn’t a snug fit. While the latex is also waterproof, we found that moisture can seep in through the fabric on the back. Although they are great for cold and wet weather, these gloves aren’t lined, so you might need extra protection in harsh winter months. Wipe-clean after use, these tough, durable gloves represent excellent value for money. Available in small, medium and large.
Read the full Verve Nylon Gardening Glove review
Clip Gloves Warm 'n' Waterproof
RRP: £12.99
Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Available from Treadstone
Pros:
- Comfortable and warm
- Waterproof
- Sandy texture for good grip
- Lots of dexterity
Cons:
- No good for latex allergies
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for winter use, the Clip Gloves’ Warm ‘N’ Waterproof edition are indeed as warm and waterproof as their name suggests. They offer a great fit, and the fleece lining is excellent for keeping your hands warm in the chilly weather. The double-dipped latex also makes these gloves completely waterproof – working in damp conditions, there was no sign of seep-through. The sandy latex covering on the palm and fingertips is excellent for grip, and the comfortably snug fit allows for very good dexterity, even though the thick lining can make your finger movements occasionally feel a little clumsy when it comes to finer tasks. The additional latex coating on the thumb joint offers extra protection for more heavy-duty tasks. Like all other gloves in the Clip Gloves range, the carabiner clip is a handy addition to keep the gloves paired together. Great multi-purpose gloves, they’re ideal for working snugly through cold, wet winters rather than year-round use, as they’re a little too toasty for the summer months. They come in women’s small and medium sizes, and men’s medium and large.
Buy now from: Treadstone
Stihl ThermoGrip
RRP: £8.82
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Sam Turner and Sons
Pros:
- Comfortable and snug
- Warm
- Good grip
- Good value
Cons:
- Bulky
Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for winter use these thick gloves have been designed to keep your hands toasty and warm in the winter months. Stihl's ThermoGrip gloves are sturdy with a snug, knitted fit and although their chunky thickness means they lack a little dexterity they have a good grip and a waterproof latex layer.
Read the full Stihl ThermoGrip Gloves review.
Buy now from Sam Turner and Sons
Burgon and Ball Love The Glove
RRP: £19.49
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Amazon
Pros:
- Comfortable and snug
- Good dexterity and control
- Strong and durable
- Attractive, quality materials
Cons:
- Wrist strap fiddly for some
Made from artificial suede and tweed with a leather trim, the Burgon and Ball Love the Gloves were some of the best ladies' gardening gloves on test and were awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for year-round use. The materials are high quality and the gloves are breathable, tough and provide protection all year round. The wrist strap is adjustable for a snug fit, but some may find it fiddly. They're available in two sizes - small/medium and medium/large.
Read the full Burgon and Ball Love the Glove review.
Buy now from Burgon and Ball
Best gauntlet gloves
Kent & Stowe men’s luxury leather gauntlet gloves
RRP: £15.99
Our rating: 4.8/5
Available from Amazon and ManoMano
Pros
- Comfortable, warm and well-sized
- Good quality leather with strong stitching
- Excellent protection against thorns
- Great value
Cons
- Cuff a little snug
- Not waterproof
- One size only
These simple but tough gauntlet gloves provide excellent protection from thorns and prickles in both the thick, sturdy hand and the long suede cuff, although the cuff can be a little tight depending on the thickness of the coat you're pulling them over. Available in men’s large size only, they’re a good fit for large hands with the leather moulding well to the hand. They feel tough but flexible and comfortable, and there's enough dexterity to grip secateurs and loppers for regular pruning jobs, although these gloves are not for finer work like planting. They’re also warm enough to wear throughout the colder pruning months of the autumn and winter. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best men's gauntlets, they’re comfortable, protective, sturdy, and excellent value for money.
Best of the rest:
Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test:
Kent & Stowe Thermal Ultimate All Round Gardening Gloves
RRP: £5.99
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Available from Amazon and Kent & Stowe
Showing item 1 of 3
Pros
- Excellent grip and tactility
- Snug fit with good wrist coverage
- Well made
- Soft thermal lining
Cons
- Waterproof latex is very short on the fingers
- Wipe-clean only
- No sizing evident on the glove itself
- Waterproofing may diminish with thorn damage
These are good all-round gardening gloves. They’re a comfortable choice for their snug fit and soft brushed lining, and they’re also easy to slip on and off, sitting snugly around the wrist with a generous elasticated cuff. The latex palm and fingers offer a good grip in dry and wet conditions, although the waterproofing does not stretch far up the outside of the fingers, which could lead to wet hands when weeding. Surprisingly, they’re not washable, and the lack of sizing on the glove could mean that they get mixed up if you have multiple sizes in use.
Genus Waterproof gardening gloves
RRP: £20.00
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available from Genus
Pros
- Flexible
- Totally waterproof
- Dry well
- Available in a wide range of sizes
Cons
- Loose fit at the wrists, and the fingers are long
- Liner loose
- Dexterity is tricky with fit
These well-made gloves are ideal for keeping your hands totally dry when weeding, planting and working in wet weather. They’re well-made with synthetic leather palms, polyester backs and tough seams, and although they won’t completely protect you from thorns and brambles, they won’t snag or tear. They’re reasonably thin and better for fine rather than heavy work; however, despite measuring our hands before ordering, the fingers are long, which makes very fine delicate work difficult. The elasticated wrist is also quite loose, which is a bit drafty and lets in debris when you work. But they are waterproof and the fleecy style lining keeps your hands warm, just watch when you take them on and off as it does work loose. They're quite expensive, but if you’ve got wet work to do, like leaf raking or digging, they would be useful. They're available in sizes - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and 3XL.
Buy now from Genus
Town & Country Eco-Flex Finesse
RRP: £5.99
Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Buy now from Tooled Up
Pros:
- Super light and comfortable
- Excellent dexterity
- Machine washable
- Made from sustainable materials
Cons:
- Very thin
- Early wear and tear is evident
- Slippery fingertip coating
Extremely thin and breathable, these are a good pair of gloves to use in the spring and summer months. They’re excellently suited for delicate potting and sowing, as you can still feel what you’re doing. However, we found that the coating on the fingertips was slippery, which is a shame when you’re attempting to tackle those finer, more fiddly tasks. Made from plastic bottles sourced from the ocean, their sustainability credentials are great, and they’re a bargain at £5.99. It’s also handy to have a machine-washable glove, and running them through a cold cycle left them mostly stain-free and ready to use again. However, because of their thinness, they’re susceptible to ripping; just a small snag on a thorn or wayward branch results in holes on the back of the hand. They’re not a go-to, all-rounder glove, but if you’re looking for something to protect your hands while you do light work, they’re a nice addition to your collection. They’re available in the following sizes: extra small, small, medium and large.
Buy now from Town and Country
Town & Country Eco-Flex Pro
RRP: £8.99
Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Buy now from Tooled Up and Town and Country
Pros:
- Good protection
- Comfortable
- Sustainable
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Fingers are a little loose
As with other gloves in Town & Country’s Eco-Flex range, these gloves are made from recycled plastic sourced from the ocean, and the materials themselves feel great - the elasticated wrist is snug and comfortable, and the coated palm and fingertips offer sturdy protection when tackling more heavy-duty tasks, including handling thorny stems and clearing waste. The rubber coating is somewhat stiff and doesn’t soften with use, and it can feel a little strange for the glove to want to snap back to its resting position. This also makes you feel less dexterous when tackling more tactile tasks or handling secateurs. The thin lining keeps your hands warm, but the backs of the glove soak through easily and are unpleasant to wear when wet. It’s convenient that they’re machine washable, and they come out looking clean with no signs of damage from a 30℃ cycle. They’re a good pair of multi-purpose gloves for the price, and their sustainable credentials are a big plus. They come in sizes small, medium, large and extra-large.
Buy now from Town and Country
Spear & Jackson’s Kew Garden Collection Gardening Gloves
RRP: £12.49
Our rating: 4.25 out of 5
Available from Amazon, Tooled Up and John Lewis & Partners
Pros:
- Easy to get on and off
- Comfortable and well-fitting
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not lined
- Not waterproof or water-resistant
Spear & Jackson’s Kew Garden Collection Gardening Gloves feature an adjustable velcro strap, so they’re easy to get on and off. Comfortable to wear, the palm is made using soft leather, so it doesn’t fit snugly, but you can feel what you’re doing and grip tools. The gloves have an elastane back, which makes them lightweight, breathable and flexible. As they’re not lined, waterproof or water-resistant, these gloves are best for dry weather in spring and summer. With double stitching and additional leather reinforcement on the thumb and index finger, they feel sturdy and durable enough to tackle everyday medium work. Available in small, medium and large for men and women.
Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves
RRP: £14.99
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Available from Marshalls Garden and Electrical World
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Thorn-proof
- Waterproof and warm
- Thick and shock-absorbent
Cons:
- Bulky
The Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves are easy to get on, offering a great fit that moulds to the hand and up the wrist, even though there isn’t an adjustable strap. Made of leather with a warm polyester lining, these gloves are soft and comfortable, perfect for hard work in the winter. Though they’re only lined, not padded, these gloves are so thick they’ll still cushion your hands when you use a spade or a fork. The keystone stitches around the thumb make for extra durability, and lifting heavy rocks or logs is comfortable. They’re thorn-proof and waterproof, and they don’t stiffen after getting wet, even after a good soaking.
However, these gloves are quite bulky and inflexible, which means you’ll struggle with more nimble work like pruning and weeding. In summer, they'll be far too hot to be comfortable, but they’re brilliant for wet work in winter. They’re a good-value pair of leather gardening gloves. They're available in ladies' small and medium sizes and men's medium and large.
Clip Gloves Recycled Bottle Glove
RRP: £5.99
Our rating: 3.8 out of 5
- Buy now from Home & Garden Extras
Pros
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Good for dextrous work
- Latex covering for good grip
- Keen price
Cons
- Not at all durable
- Low level of protection
Made predominantly from recycled plastic bottles and coated with latex on the palms and fingers to give a good grip, these gloves are well-fitting and comfortable. With a snug fit, they are suitable for light tasks, including jobs needing reasonably fine dexterity. Although not waterproof, they will dry quickly, but the main drawback of these gloves is that the covering wears and starts to come off after only a short time. And, although they're made from recycled bottles, which is good from an environmental point of view, they can't be recycled once they wear out. The latex covering is also not suitable for people allergic to latex, but the packaging does highlight this. Like all Clip Gloves, they have wrist loops and a small metal carabiner so the gloves can clip onto a belt or bag when not in use or hang up easily. They come in sizes medium and large.
Town & Country Premium Leather Gauntlet
RRP: from £15.99
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Available from Amazon and Town & Country
Pros:
- Soft and supple
- Generously-sized cuff for extra protection
Cons:
- Not water-resistant
While an extra-wide cuff means they’re easy to get on, the overall shape of these gloves feels loose and baggy. However, as you’ll use them for tackling rose bushes and other thorny shrubs, this isn’t too much of an issue, and the extra length in the cuff is more important than dexterity. Featuring a suede cuff and ultra-soft leather for the palm and fingers, these gloves are very supple. Still, there’s a seam at the base of the second and third fingers, which makes them uncomfortable to grip tools or branches, especially if you’re doing so for any length of time. They’re not lined, but the leather provides some warmth, which is important as you’ll be pruning roses in late winter. We like the quality of the leather and suede, which remain soft even after getting wet. To clean, remove dry mud with a suede brush. Available in two sizes: medium and large.
Clip Glove pruners
RRP: £19.99
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Available from Amazon
Pros
- Soft leather with comfortable lining
- Good protection
- Water resistant
Cons
- Bulky
- Short cuff
- Leather catches and tears easily
With leather palms, a faux suede cuff and reinforced fingers and thumbs, these pruning gloves from Clip Glove offer good protection, whether you’re tackling roses or grappling with brambles. The leather softens quickly and is water resistant, so they’re ideal for working in damp weather, but it catches and tears easily, meaning the gloves age quickly. A soft poly cotton lining gives extra warmth and protection, but unfortunately, it’s bulky, which makes the fingers feel thick and limits dexterity quite a bit. The gloves are easy to get on and off, and the cuff is wide enough to slip over most coats, but it is short, only coming halfway up the forearm, so although the gloves give you the confidence to grab even the thorniest stem, it would be helpful if the cuffs offered the same protection to the elbow. They come in women’s sizes small and medium, and men’s medium and large.
Sarah Raven gauntlet gloves
RRP: £64.95
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Available from Sarah Raven
Pros
- Long cuff offers excellent protection
- Comfortable
- Good dexterity
Cons
- Hands lack padding and can feel thorns
- Colour dirties easily
- Limited choice of sizes
- Cuff a little snug
These simple gauntlets have soft, white leather hands and long suede cuffs that protect the forearm all the way to the elbow. They’re soft and comfortable, moulding quickly to the hand, although we found the limited sizes meant they weren’t the best fit in the fingers for some of our testers. They’re easy to pull on, even though the cuff did struggle over thicker coats, and a lining to the hands offers some extra warmth and protection. However, they are thin and without any additional padding, so we could feel the odd thorn as we worked, which isn’t ideal. The leather is waterproof but as it’s white, dirties quickly which given the price of them is a shame. They're available in one colour and sizes small and large.
Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves
RRP: £15.99
Our Rating: 3.8 out of 5
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Long protective cuff
- Easy to slide on and off
Cons:
- Tough leather around fingertips makes fine work tricky
- Hard to clean
- Tough poppers
- Limited sizes available
With their lush yellow leather and classy herringbone backs, these gloves have a classic look, but unfortunately, style may have been favoured over substance. They’re incredibly easy to slide on and off, especially with the elongated leather cuff, which comfortably covers most of the lower arm and provides good protection when pruning thorny shrubs and climbers or tackling brambles and nettles. The fleece lining feels cosy, and these gloves are water-resistant when working in wet weather. However, even after a good amount of wear, it’s hard to get the leather to soften around the fingertips, which reduces dexterity and makes it difficult to feel or grip fine material. An adjustable strap on the back of the gloves allows you to choose the fit, but the poppers are tough to snap on and off, and the difference between the two fits is negligible, so it feels more like an aesthetic offering than a practical one. The yellow leather also gets dirty quickly, which can add to its charm. They are available in ladies' medium size only.
How to choose the best gardening gloves
Choosing the best gardening gloves for you will depend on the jobs you plan to do. A range of materials is on offer, including leather, bamboo, latex, nylon, and recycled materials. Bamboo fibre is one of the more environmentally friendly options and is typically soft, close-fitting and flexible. Latex and leather are both tear-resistant and are often used to improve grip.
Additional padding or cushioning can also be helpful. Look out for padding on knuckles, fingertips, wrists and palms for increased protection when performing manual tasks. Elasticated cuffs will provide a snug fit, prevent soil and plant debris from falling in and are easy to get on and off.
Finally, if you intend to use gardening gloves all year round, water resistance is helpful. This is often achieved using latex, leather or synthetic materials that can be specially treated to repel water.
How we tested gardening gloves
Our experts trialled each pair of gloves throughout the gardening year, performing a range of tasks, from delicate work such as sowing seeds to more physical jobs like digging and heavy pruning. Once the test was complete, each product was rated out of five and the gardening gloves that really impressed our experts were awarded Best Buy status.
The gloves were assessed according to the following criteria, with equal marks attributed to each:
- Comfort and fit. Looked at how easy they were to get on and off, and how they fitted. Were they flexible or bulky? Did they allow us to feel what we were doing?
- Materials. Focused on grip, reinforcing and padding? Were they breathable or water-resistant, and which seasons would they suit?
- Durability. Assessed how sturdy and strong the gloves were. Would they cope with getting wet or being washed?
- Value for money. Considered all of the above and any special features, overall design, quality and style, and the RRP.
For more information on our testing process, see How we Review
This article was last updated in February 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
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