Summer’s Best Workwear for Men and Women
Clothes and tools for toiling at the ranch, on the trail, or in your backyard
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
With summer in full swing, it’s important to dial in your workwear wardrobe so you don’t bake in the sun while still protecting yourself from weather and errant garden shears. I enlisted my husband to come up with his favorite men’s apparel and accessories, and I chose my ideal items for women, whether you’re out doing some serious trail work or just tidying up the backyard.
Men's
ArborWear 2-Tone Tech T-shirt ($30)
Tree-climbing specialists designed this odor-neutralizing cotton-poly tee with neon sleeves for visibility and a dark front that looks clean longer.
Stormy Kromer Waxed Cotton Cap ($45)
Waxed cotton is the original water-resistant fabric, and this lid is perfect for shifty weather.
Filson Single Tin Chaps ($110)
Hunters love these for their reinforced hems, flat seams, and near indestructible linseed-oiled canvas. But they’ll work just as well for gardening, fence-building, or any rough conditions.
Carhartt Shoreline Jacket ($120)
So you’re working the back 40 and an afternoon squall is rolling in? This nylon shell is lined with a heat-dumping -waterproof membrane to keep you dry while you sweat in the rain.
Dickies Patch Palm Goat Driver Gloves ($18)
You can’t go wrong wearing an all-leather glove with a reinforced palm. This simple one from Dickies is a high-value version of the classic.
Duluth Trading Company DuluthFlex Firehose CoolMax Work Pants ($75)
My husband wouldn’t take these off long enough for me to test them out. He says the spandex-blend canvas, gusseted crotch, and stretch waist make them comfy in any position.
Timberland FlyRoam Trail Mixed-Media Boots ($130)
Don’t be fooled by the slick appearance. These hikers, with lightweight polyurethane soles and water-repellent leather, are perfect for clearing trails or breaking down timber.
Carolina Manufacturing Bandana ($4)
Bandanas are an enduring field-bag staple for a good reason. This one makes a fine handkerchief, dust mask, or headband.
Farm to Feet Max Patch Socks ($23)
Featuring stretchy Lycra sandwiched between durable nylon and soft, antimicrobial merino. Flat seams reduce bulk and blister-generating friction.
Women's
TougHer Leather Work Gloves ($59)
Like a great fighter, the strength of these gloves lies in their flexibility—the deerskin is as tough as cowhide but much softer. Plus they’re designed by a woman for women’s hands, and you can tell.
Buff UV Multifunctional Headband ($15)
Avoid the incessant annoyance of pushing your hair back. UV protection is the icing on the cake.
Red Ants Pants Original Work Pants ($139)
The top reasons these are a cult favorite among female ranchers: supple 12-ounce canvas, ample pockets, and fits for narrow and wide hips in sizes from 0 to 22.
Duluth Trading Company Hellrasserie Maximum Support Bra ($35)
More supportive than an underwire bra, more comfortable than a sports bra. Wear this when you want to forget about your boobs.
Georgia Romeo Boots ($128)
Despite the lifestyle vibe, this is the boot I reach for when I’m chopping wood, feeding the animals, or out doing other farm chores. The Romeos are super stable (thanks to Goodyear rubber outsoles), protective, and comfy for long hours.
Patagonia Iron Forge Tool Tote ($59)
Safeguard your instruments with this burly hemp and polyester bag. It’ll give your toolbox a run for the money.
Voormi Short Sleeve Merino Tech T-shirt ($70)
Thirty percent lighter than other ultralight wool while maintaining UV protection and impressive durability? Wear this on days when you’d rather be shirtless.
Outdoor Research Solar Roller Sun Hat ($37)
This is lightweight sun protection you can stuff in your pocket when it gets cloudy. Pro tip: dunk it in a river on a hot day for an hour of top-down air-conditioning.
Native Braiden Sunglasses ($149)
These durable shades feature advanced crystal-carbonate polarized lenses that reduce blue light for crisp vision on bright days.
Yeti Rambler 18-ounce Bottle ($30)
Cold water tastes better. And this bottle’s double-walled stainless steel keeps it chilled longer.