Call me delusional, but I suffer from the lingering suspicion that my yard is out to get me. Swordlike yucca plants stab me while I’m weeding, rogue leatherleaf mahonias pop up and prick me with their leaves when I’m putting out mulch, and spiny smilax vines rise to attack me at my mailbox.
A stint of yardwork can have my arms scratched up like I lost a fight with a very disgruntled cat. But now I don’t go into battle without the proper armor: a pair of gauntlet gloves. Sometimes called “rose-gardening gloves,” these don’t stop at the wrist but cover your forearm and might even extend to your elbows to protect your skin from briers, prickles, thorns, and other weapons of torture that plants can strike you with.
Here’s what to look for when buying gauntlet gloves for yourself or as a gift for your favorite gardener.
Get Tough
Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.
Call For Reinforcements
The areas around the palms, knuckles, and fingertips should be reinforced for extra durability and protection. Some even have foam padding for cushioning and silicone dots on fingertips to help with grip.
Be Flexible
When trying them on, ensure that you can have the complete range of motion in your fingers for optimal dexterity when operating tools and gripping things tightly. Some gloves have spandex in the fabric to allow them to stretch with your movements. Elastic at the wrist will help keep out dirt and debris.
Just Breathe
Since gardening chores don’t end when the Southern heat and humidity rise, look for gloves with arms made of breathable (yet still durable) materials like canvas if staying cool is a priority. Some feature lighter fabric panels in areas of the gloves where protection is less necessary to allow airflow.
Size Up The Best Options
This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. If they’re too big, it will be hard to have the grip and dexterity you need to hold pruning tools and pull stubborn weeds. Many brands offer multiple sizes (from extra small to extra large) so you can ensure shorter fingers won’t get lost in them and bigger hands won’t feel cramped. Some companies even make gloves that are cut specifically for the often narrower dimensions of women’s hands. To know what size you need, measure the width of your palm and the length of your middle finger and the length of your forearm, and find the corresponding choice on the chart on the product description or packaging.
Suit Your Fancy
There’s no reason why you can’t reflect your personal style while doing practical chores. You can find gauntlet gloves in plain brown leather or pick something fun like florals or stripes. Even when you’re working hard weeding, pruning, and mulching, it’s still nice to be wearing something that makes you smile.
Wells Lamont Rosetender Gardening Gloves for Women
Credit:
A
DLY Gardening Gloves for Women in Light Blue
COOLJOB Thorn Proof Rose Pruning Garden Gloves for Men in Blue
Credit:
Amazon
Bionic Women’s Rose Pruning Gardening Gloves
Credit:
Amazon
HANDLANDY Ladies Thorn Proof Gardening Gloves in Rosy
Credit:
Amazon
Comments are closed.