If you’re someone who loves spending hours in the garden, you’ll know there’s nothing
worse than finishing the day with scratched-up arms, splinters, or even a spider bite or
two. That’s where a good pair of long gardening gloves really earns its keep.
Not only do they protect your hands, but they also shield your wrists and forearms from
all sorts of nasties like thorns, bugs, and angry ants. So, whether you’re tackling a wild
rose bush, pruning an overgrown hedge, or just weeding the veggie patch, long gloves
can make a big difference to how comfortable and safe you feel in the garden.
In this post, we’ll take a close look at some of the best long gardening gloves available
in Australia right now. We’ll also explore what to look for when buying a pair, and why
every serious gardener should have at least one set in their shed.
Why Choose Long Gardening Gloves?
Regular gloves are fine for light work like planting seedlings, potting herbs, and maybe a
quick water here and there. But long gloves should be the go-to when the job gets
tougher or thornier.
For a start, they protect your forearm from scratches by roses, citrus trees, and spiky
natives, and they also keep insects, sap, and irritants like poison ivy (or bush irritants)
off your skin.
Additionally, they offer more comfort and durability because, as they are designed for
heavier garden tasks, they usually last much longer than your average gloves.
What to Look for in Long Gardening Gloves
When choosing long gardening gloves, there are a few key things to keep in mind to
make sure you get the right pair for your needs.
For a start, material matters. A good pair of leather gloves offers excellent durability and
thorn resistance, while synthetic fabrics tend to be lighter and more breathable, which is
especially handy in the Aussie heat.
Length is also important because the longer the glove, the better the protection for your
forearms. A snug, comfortable fit will help you keep good control without cramping your
hands, and gloves with reinforced palms or fingers can give you better grip when
handling tools or stubborn weeds.
It is also worth remembering that if you’re gardening in summer, breathability is a must
to keep your hands cool and dry.
The Best Long Gardening Gloves in Australia
Now you know what to look for in a pair of long gardening gloves, you are probably
wondering which are the best brands to buy in Australia.
Below is a list of some of the best options on the market right now. We have included a
mix of options to suit all kinds of green thumbs, from pros to those who garden once
every blue moon.
- Briers Advanced Thorn-Proof Gauntlet Gloves
If you’re regularly pruning roses or wrestling with overgrown bushes, the Briers
Advanced Thorn-Proof Gauntlet Gloves are a solid choice.
Manufactured in the UK, these heavy-duty gloves are made from tough leather and
feature an extended suede cuff that reaches up towards the elbow. This gives you
excellent protection from thorns, sharp branches, and scratchy hedges.
They’re built to handle the tougher jobs in the garden, and while they can feel a bit stiff
at first, they soften up nicely with use. Furthermore, with reinforced palms and fingers,
they offer good durability and grip. So, this makes them ideal for anyone tackling thorny
or stubborn plants. - Gold Leaf Tough Touch Gloves
As they are made from soft yet durable deerskin leather, the Gold Leaf Tough Touch
Gloves are a top pick for gardeners who want good protection and comfort.
These gloves feel more like a second skin than a bulky barrier, and they offer solid
forearm coverage. Despite this, they are surprisingly flexible, which gives you great
dexterity for pruning, planting, and general garden maintenance.
They have been endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, so they are a premium
option that is built to last. Unfortunately, this means they do come with a higher price
tag, but many Aussie gardeners reckon they’re well worth the investment for the quality
and performance they deliver. - Gardenline Long Cuff Gardening Gloves
If you’re not keen on spending a fortune, watch for these during ALDI’s gardening
specials. They are a great budget-friendly option for everyday gardeners who are lucky
enough to secure them.
While they may not have the premium feel of leather gloves, they still offer decent
protection with their extended cuff and comfortable fit. They are also lightweight and
flexible, which makes them ideal for weeding, light pruning, and general garden jobs.
These gloves pop up every now and then during ALDI’s Special Buys, so you’ll need to
keep an eye out for them. They might not last as long as high-end options, but for the
price, they’re a handy pair to have around for quick garden tasks. - Green Jem Extra Long Leather Gauntlets
The Green Jem Extra Long Leather Gauntlets are built to tackle tough, prickly Aussie
plants like lantana, bougainvillea, and other spiky invaders.
Made from thick, durable leather, these gloves offer serious protection from the
fingertips right up the forearms.
Indeed, the extra-long design helps keep your arms safe from scratches, stings, and
other surprises lurking in dense shrubbery. So, they’re ideal for heavy-duty jobs like
clearing overgrowth or pruning back stubborn bushes.
While they can feel a bit bulky and get warm in hot weather, their durability and
protection make them a reliable choice for more intense garden work. - Foxgloves Works Gauntlet Gloves
The Foxgloves Works Gauntlet Gloves are a stylish yet practical option for gardeners
who want solid protection without having to sacrifice their comfort levels.
One of the best features of these gloves is that they are made from a breathable,
stretchy fabric with reinforced palms. This gives them great flexibility for detailed tasks
like planting, pruning, or tying up vines.
Additionally, the extended cuff provides decent forearm coverage, and they’re
lightweight enough to wear comfortably for long periods, even on warmer days. Plus,
they are available in a range of colours and are machine washable, which is a bonus
when it comes to keeping things clean.
While they’re not as thorn-proof as leather gloves, they’re a great choice for everyday
gardening with a bit of flair.
Extra Tips for Looking After Your Gardening Gloves
Finding a nice pair of long gardening gloves is one thing. But looking after them properly
will help them to last longer and remain comfortable to wear.
After each use, it’s best to let them dry out naturally, especially if they’ve gotten damp or
muddy. Moreover, if you’re using leather gloves, avoid tossing them in the washing
machine. Instead, wipe them down gently with a damp cloth.
Fabric gloves can usually be machine washed; however, you should always check the
care label first.
It is also good practice to store your gloves in a dry, shaded spot rather than leaving
them out in the sun or tucked away in the back of the shed, where moisture and creepy
crawlies can sneak in.
A little care goes a long way in keeping your gloves in good nick.
Are Long Gardening Gloves Worth It?
If you’re doing anything more than planting petunias, investing in a solid pair of long
gardening gloves is a smart move. They’ll protect you from scratches, bites, and irritants
while giving you the confidence to tackle even the thornier parts of your garden.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting into backyard gardening, having
the right gear makes all the difference.
If you see the light and decide to buy a pair of long gloves, it won’t be long before you
start to wonder how you ever gardened without them.