While gardens are designed to be calming and soothing sanctuaries from the hassles of life working in one isn't always a walk in the park. From insects and intense sunlight to prickly thorns and sticky burrs gardens have a unique variety of hazards that require special outdoor garden clothing to combat. It is always a good idea to protect your head and hands with high quality and breathable garden products such as safari hats, latex gloves and canvas sleeves. Working under the hot sun and navigating through rose bush thorns and other spiky nettles can take a toll on any horticulturalist so be prepared with durable outdoor garden clothing that will keep you cool and safe while you tend to the garden.

Hats are always recommended when working outdoors. Even if your skin isn't susceptible to burns intense heat beating down on your head can cause anything from dehydration to headaches and even sun stroke. People often forget how hot it really is and simply wearing a breathable hat can make a world of difference for someone working long hours outside.

For outdoor gardening many people opt for either a hard shell or straw safari hat. Featuring breathable fabrics and materials with wide brims safari hats can keep your head, face and neck well protected from the sun and it's intense UV light. The safari hat, also known as a pith helmet, is made from traditional pith and cork or more modern plastics. Designed to protect the head area the pith helmet features port holes that allow sufficient air flow to keep your head cool at the same time. For a less bulky piece of head wear consider the straw safari hat that is lighter though not as protective against falling debris.

Another good idea for outdoor garden apparel is gloves. Your hands will be touching a lot of things including dirt, fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals so you'll want protection for your skin. High quality polypropylene material gloves will keep your hands well protected and dry while you work. The material of the gloves "wicks" away moisture so hands stay cool in the summer and warm in the fall and winter. Other recommended garden gloves are Foxgloves brand that feature durable nylon and spandex materials to produce a sturdy yet soft feeling glove. Foxgloves are available in regular and special grip models, are machine washable and resist abrasion.

If your garden has rose bushes or citrus trees known for thorns then a high quality pair of canvas sleeves will definitely come in handy. Originally designed for citrus harvesting crews these sleeves are made from highly puncture resistant duck canvas and feature an elastic top and snap wrists for a secure fit. Even little prickly burrs and thorns can take a toll on the forearm when working long hours so strap on a pair of canvas sleeves and feel better knowing your skin is well protected.