The best 16 gardening gloves to buy in spring 2026 – as tested by our reviews experts in real-world conditions

• Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves
• Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves
• Our best gauntlet gloves

Gardening gloves are available in a range of designs, featuring 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 you plan to do them. 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.

Our best gardening gloves to buy at a glance

Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves

• 4.8 stars: Best gloves for light work – Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre £6.49
• 4.8 stars: Best value lightweight gloves – Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves £10.49
• 4.8 stars: Best lightweight winter gloves – Niwaki winter gloves £12

Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves

• 4.8 stars: Best budget heavy-duty gloves – Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves £2.50
• 4.8 stars: Top-rated heavy-duty winter gloves – Clip Gloves Warm 'n' Waterproof £12.99
• 4.8 stars: Best gloves for heavy-duty work – Clip Gloves Shock Absorber £18.49
• 4.8 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for summer use – Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance £18.99
• 4.8 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for wet-weather work – Gold Leaf The Dry Touch £22.99

Our top-rated gauntlet gloves

• 4.8 stars: Best men's gauntlet gloves – Kent and Stowe luxury leather men's gauntlet gloves £16.99

Also recommended

• 4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for everyday use – Clip Gloves General Purpose £14.99
• 4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for grip – Donkey Gloves £15.95
• 4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for versatility – Feverfew Garden Company £22.95
• 4 stars: Best lightweight gloves for waterproofing – Briers All Seasons Cosy Gardener Gloves £4.99

• 4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for winter use – Stihl ThermoGrip £7.75
• 4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for year-round use – Burgon & Ball Love the Glove £17.99
• 4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for comfort – RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves £26.99

Jump to best gardening gloves:

• Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves
• Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves
• Our best gauntlet gloves

Jump to gardening gloves advice:

• How to choose the best gardening gloves
• How we tested gardening gloves
• Meet our testing panel

Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves

1: Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre

Our best lightweight gloves for light work

RRP: £6.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Amazon men's (£14.99) and women's (£13.29)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and light
• Second skin fit
• Breathable
• Feel strong
• Excellent value

Reasons to avoid:

• Bamboo snags occasionally

The Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre are a good fit, and I found them easy to take on and off, comfortable and breathable. The gloves are washable and come with a carabiner for clipping them to your belt. They did snag occasionally, but they're great for delicate work and all-day wear in spring and summer. They're available in both men's and women's designs. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre review

• Buy Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre from Amazon men's (£14.99) and women's (£13.29)

2: Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for waterproofing

RRP: £10.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Safety Gloves (£13.49) and Work Gloves (£13.49)

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Reasons to buy:

• 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

Reasons to avoid:

• Industrial looking
• More expensive
• Waterproofing may diminish with thorn damage

I was impressed with the 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 in wet conditions, while the wrist cuff keeps the glove securely in place.

These gloves replicate the natural curvature of the human hand, thus reducing hand fatigue and boosting flexibility. I found them sturdy and comfortable to wear, but they also felt flexible, warm and offered excellent grip in wet conditions. Jane Moore

• Buy the Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves from Safety Gloves (£13.49) and Work Gloves (£13.49)

3: Niwaki Winter Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for winter use

RRP: £12

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Niwaki (£12) and Amazon (£12)

Reasons to buy:

• Fit well
• Warm and all, but cuffs are waterproof
• Bright, so you won't lose them easily
• Good value

Reasons to avoid:

• A little bulky
• Not thornproof
• Cuffs aren't waterproof

These gloves offer a great, snug fit and are very easy to get on and off thanks to their well-fitting elasticated cuff. Made from latex, acrylic and polyester, they moulded well to my 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. I think they’re excellent value for the protection they provide. They’re available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Niwaki Winter Gardening Gloves from Niwaki (£12) and Amazon (£12)

Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves

1: Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for budget

RRP: £2.50

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: B&Q (£2.65)

Reasons to buy:

• Tough, thorn-proof material
• Great for everyday medium- to heavy-duty work
• Hard wearing
• Great value

Reasons to avoid:

• Not very breathable
• Lack warmth
• Not water resistant

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. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves review

• Buy Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves from B&Q (£2.65)

2: Clip Gloves Warm 'n' Waterproof

Our best heavy-duty gloves for winter use

RRP: £12.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£8.45) and Robert Dyas (£10.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and warm
• Waterproof
• Sandy texture for good grip
• Lots of dexterity

Reasons to avoid:

• No good for latex allergies

I found the Clip Gloves’ Warm ‘N’ Waterproof edition 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, I saw 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, I found them 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Clip Gloves’ Warm ‘N’ Waterproof Gloves from Fothergills (£8.45) and Robert Dyas (£10.99)

3: Clip Gloves Shock Absorber

Our best heavy-duty gloves for heavy-duty work

RRP: £18.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£17.95), ManoMano (£16.99) and On Buy (£16.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and well-fitting
• Good dexterity
• Sturdy and durable
• Good for heavy-duty jobs

Reasons to avoid:

• None

These gloves mould to the hand to provide good dexterity and an excellent fit, and I loved 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. They come in both men's and women's sizes and designs. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves Shock Absorber review

• Buy the Clip Gloves Shock Absorber from Fothergills (£17.95), ManoMano (£16.99) and On Buy (£16.99)

4: Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for summer use

RRP: £18.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£13.98) and Tooled Up (£15.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Durable yet with good sensitivity
• Lightweight and cool
• The elastic wrist keeps debris out
• Suit most gardening tasks

Reasons to avoid:

• Thin backs are vulnerable to stings and thorns

These stylish gloves felt immediately comfortable to wear. My hands stayed comfortable, even in very hot weather, due to the use of non-padded leather with a polyester bacs that ensures breathability. They're well-made, with reinforcement on the wear points at the palms and fingers, and elasticated wrists to ensure a close, comfortable fit to keep out debris.

I found they gave 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. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection high-performance gloves review

• Buy the Spear and Jackson Kew High Performance Gloves from Amazon (£13.98) and Tooled Up (£15.95)

5: Gold Leaf The Dry Touch

Our best heavy-duty gloves for wet-weather work

RRP: £22.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Crocus (£22.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable with good control
• Soft, high-quality leather
• Tough and long-lasting
• Water resistant
• Good investment

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive

The Dry Touch gloves from Gold Leaf are tough, long-lasting and water-resistant. I found the gloves had a sturdy, yet luxurious feel, due to being made from soft, supple leather. They're available in both men's and women's sizes. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Gold Leaf The Dry Touch review

• Buy the Gold Leaf The Dry Touch Gloves from Crocus (£22.99) and On Buy (£29.93)

Best gauntlet gloves

Kent & Stowe Men’s Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves

Our best men's gauntlet gloves

RRP: £16.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Amazon (£13.29) and ManoMano (£15.49)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable, warm and well-sized
• Good quality leather with strong stitching
• Excellent protection against thorns
• Great value

Reasons to avoid:

• Cuff a little snug
• Not waterproof
• One size only

I found these simple but tough gauntlet gloves provided 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. They’re comfortable, protective, sturdy and excellent value for money. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Stowe Luxury Leather Men's Gauntlet Gloves from Amazon (£13.29) and ManoMano (£15.49)

Also recommended: lightweight gloves

Clip Gloves General Purpose

Our best lightweight gloves for everyday use

RRP: £14.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£14.95), ManoMano (£13.99) and Robert Dyas (£12.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Snug, comfortable fit
• Padded and reinforced
• Great for everyday, medium-duty work
• Hard wearing

Reasons to avoid:

• Lack warmth
• Not water resistant

I liked the adjustable wrist strap, the extra padding, and the tailored fit of these Clip gloves. They may not be waterproof, but they dry well and keep their shape. Sizes range from small to large in both men's and women's styles. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves General Purpose review

• Buy Clip Gloves General Purpose from Fothergills (£14.95), ManoMano (£13.99) and Robert Dyas (£12.99)

Donkey Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for grip

RRP: £15.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£15.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Snug fit
• Good grip
• Well-designed
• Lightweight but sturdy

Reasons to avoid:

• Not lined, waterproof or water resistant

These well-designed gloves fit snugly, making them ideal for delicate jobs that require a good grip. While they don’t feature an adjustable strap, the stretchy wrist cuff made it easy for me to put them on and take them off, and there’s a helpful sizing guide on the website to help you choose the right pair. They are comfortable to wear and feature an elasticated, breathable polyester back and a soft suede-padded palm and thumb gusset, which offers extra protection when pruning and clearing borders.

They feel well-made and sturdy, but while the palm is water-resistant, moisture soaks through the back of the glove. That said, I found they dried quickly, and the suede palm stayed 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. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Donkey Gloves review

• Buy the Donkey Gloves from Amazon (£15.95)

Feverfew Garden Company Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for versatility

RRP: £22.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Feverfew (£22.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Robust
• Comfortable with a good fit
• Touch screen fingers work well
• Good all-rounder

Reasons to avoid:

• A little difficult to get on and off
• Not dextrous for fine jobs

These good-looking gloves by Feverfew are designed specifically for women’s hands, and our female testers found them 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. The gloves are stretchy and flexible, ideal for general gardening tasks 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, though they're water-resistant and 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Feverfew Garden Company gloves from Feverfew (£22.99)

Briers All Seasons Cosy Gardener Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for waterproofing

RRP: £4.99 for one pair; £7.99 for two pairs

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: The Range (£3.19)

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Reasons to buy:

• Very affordable
• Well waterproofed with latex up to the knuckles
• Good wrist coverage
• Washable

Reasons to avoid:

• 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 sturdy gloves are made for rough winter work, such as weeding in wet conditions, clearing debris and general gardening work. I liked the 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 glove, come with a one-year guarantee, and are very affordable.

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. Jane Moore

• Buy Briers Cosy Gardener Gloves M8 from The Range (£3.19)

Also recommended: heavy-duty gloves

Stihl ThermoGrip

Our best heavy-duty gloves for winter use

RRP: £7.75

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Sam Turner & Sons (£7.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and snug
• Warm
• Good grip
• Good value

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulky

These thick gloves are very snug and designed to keep your hands toasty and warm in the winter months. Stihl's ThermoGrip gloves are sturdy with a knitted fit, and although their chunky thickness means they lack a little dexterity, they have a good grip and a waterproof latex layer. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Stihl ThermoGrip Gloves review

• Buy Stihl ThermoGrip Gloves from Sam Turner & Sons (£7.99)

Burgon and Ball Love The Glove

Our best heavy-duty gloves for year-round use

RRP: £17.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£17.92) and Tesco (£17.19)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and snug
• Good dexterity and control
• Strong and durable
• Attractive, quality materials

Reasons to avoid:

• Wrist strap fiddly for some

Made from artificial suede and tweed, with a leather trim, the Burgon and Ball Love the Glove are among the best ladies' gardening gloves I've tested. The materials are high-quality, and the gloves are breathable, tough, and provide year-round protection. 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. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Burgon and Ball Love the Glove review

• Buy Burgon and Ball Love The Glove from Amazon (£17.92) and Tesco (£17.19)

RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for comfort

RRP: £26.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£22.99) and Crocus (£26.99)

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Reasons to buy:

• Waterproof and thermal
• Hardwearing reinforced palms
• Very comfortable
• Endorsed by the RHS

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive
• No wrist closure, so draughty
• Not washable

These beautifully made gloves are designed for cold weather, featuring a warm Thinsulate lining and a waterproof, breathable membrane. They also feature a handy reinforced palm and thumb for extra grip and longevity when using heavier tools, and I loved the soft leather with a fabric back for extra breathability.

With their soft lining and quality leather, I found these gloves comfortable and pliable from the first wear, but they also moulded to the shape of my hands as they wore in over time. The wrist cuff is rather short, with only a small section of elastic to hold the glove in place and no velcro fastening, which allows draughts, especially when reaching. Jane Moore

• Buy the RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves from Amazon (£22.99) and Crocus (£26.99)

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:

Town & Country Premium Leather Gauntlets

RRP: £16.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£16.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Soft and supple
• Generously-sized cuff for extra protection

Reasons to avoid:

• Not water resistant

While an extra-wide cuff made these gloves easy to put on, the overall shape felt 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 kept me warm, which was important when pruning roses in late winter. I 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Town & Country Premium Leather Gauntlets from Amazon (£16.99)

Genus Waterproof Gardening Gloves

RRP: £25.00

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Genus (£25)

Reasons to buy:

• Flexible
• Totally waterproof
• Dry well
• Available in a wide range of sizes

Reasons to avoid:

• Loose fit at the wrists, and the fingers are long
• Liner loose
• Dexterity is tricky with fit

These well-made gloves kept my hands completely dry while 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 my hands before ordering, the fingers are long, which makes very fine, delicate work difficult.

The elasticated wrist is also quite loose, which I found a bit drafty, and it let in debris as I worked. But they are waterproof, and the fleecy lining kept my hands warm. Just watch when you take them on and off, as they do 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy the Genus waterproof gardening gloves from Genus (£25)

Town & Country Eco-Flex Finesse

RRP: £5.99

Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Tooled Up (£4.49)

Reasons to buy:

• Super light and comfortable
• Excellent dexterity
• Machine washable
• Made from sustainable materials

Reasons to avoid:

• Very thin
• Early wear and tear is evident
• Slippery fingertip coating

I found these gloves good to use in the spring and summer months. They’re extremely thin and breathable, and excellently suited for delicate potting and sowing, as you can still feel what you’re doing. However, I found the coating on the fingertips slippery, which is a shame when you’re attempting to tackle those finer, more fiddly tasks. Made from ocean-sourced plastic bottles, they have great sustainability credentials and are 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Finesse Gloves from Tooled Up (£4.49)

Town & Country Eco-Flex Pro

RRP: £8.99

Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Tooled Up (£9.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Good protection
• Comfortable
• Sustainable

Reasons to avoid:

• 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 I thought the materials themselves felt 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 when the glove snaps back to its resting position. This also makes you feel less dexterous when tackling more tactile tasks or handling secateurs.

The thin lining kept my hands warm, but the backs of the gloves soaked through easily and were 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Pro Gloves from Tooled Up (£9.95)

Spear & Jackson’s Kew Garden Collection Gardening Gloves

RRP: £12.49

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£7.98) and Tooled Up (£12.95)

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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Pro Gloves from Amazon (£7.98) and Tooled Up (£12.95)

Kent & Stowe Thermal Ultimate All Round Gardening Gloves

RRP: £5.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£5.98)

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Reasons to buy:

• Excellent grip and tactility
• Snug fit with good wrist coverage
• Well made
• Soft thermal lining

Reasons to avoid:

• Waterproof latex is very short on the fingers
• Wipe clean only
• No sizing evident on the glove itself
• Waterproofing may diminish with thorn damage

I liked these 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, though the waterproofing does not extend far up the outside of the fingers, which can 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. Jane Moore

• Buy Kent & Stowe Thermal Ultimate All Round Gardening Gloves from Amazon (£5.98)

ClipGlove Pruners

RRP: £19.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£5.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Soft leather with comfortable lining
• Good protection
• Water resistant

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulky
• Short cuff
• Leather catches and tears easily

With leather palms, a faux suede cuff and reinforced fingers and thumbs, I felt these pruning gloves from ClipGlove offered good protection, whether I was tackling roses or grappling with brambles. The leather softened quickly, and it's 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.

I found the gloves easy to get on and off, and the cuff is wide enough to slip over most coats, but it's 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy ClipGlove Pruners from Amazon (£5.95)

Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves

RRP: £14.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Electrical World (£14.62)

Reasons to buy:

• Soft and comfortable
• Thorn-proof
• Waterproof and warm
• Thick and shock absorbent

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulky

The Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves were easy to put on, offering a great fit that moulds to the hand and up the wrist, even though they don't have an adjustable strap. Made of leather with a warm polyester lining, these gloves are soft and comfortable, ideal for hard winter work. Though they’re only lined, not padded, these gloves are so thick that they still cushioned my hands when I was using a spade or a fork. The keystone stitches around the thumb make for extra durability, and I found lifting heavy rocks and logs 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gardening Gloves from Electrical World (£14.62)

Treadstone ClipGlove Recycled Bottle Gloves

RRP: £5.99

Our rating: 3.8 out of 5

Available from: Treadstone (£5.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Snug and comfortable fit
• Good for dextrous work
• Latex covering for a good grip
• Keen price

Reasons to avoid:

• Not at all durable
• Low level of protection

These gloves are well-fitting and comfortable, and I was impressed that they are made predominantly from recycled plastic bottles and coated with latex on the palms and fingers to give a good grip. With their snug fit, they're suitable for light tasks, including jobs needing reasonably fine dexterity. Although not waterproof, they dried quickly. 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 not suitable for people with latex allergies, but the packaging does note this. Like all Treadstone ClipGloves, 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. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Treadstone ClipGlove Bottle Gloves from Treadstone (£5.99)

Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves

RRP: £16.99

Our Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Available from: Marshalls (15.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Attractive design
• Long protective cuff
• Easy to slide on and off

Reasons to avoid:

• 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, I'd say style may have been favoured over substance. They’re incredibly easy to slide on and off, especially with the elongated leather cuff, which comfortably covered most of my lower arm and provided good protection when I was pruning thorny shrubs and climbers or tackling brambles and nettles. The fleece lining felt cosy, and these gloves are water-resistant when working in wet weather. However, even after significant wear, it’s hard to soften the leather around the fingertips, which reduces dexterity and makes it difficult to feel or grip fine materials.

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 only in ladies' medium size. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves from Marshalls (15.99)

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?

How to choose the best gardening gloves

Choosing the best gardening gloves for you will depend on the jobs you plan to do.

• 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
• 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

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine , responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

This article was last updated in February 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.