A comfortable, warm, and waterproof pair of gardening trousers are essential for sustained working in the garden. Pinching waistbands, seams riding up, back-of-the-knee fatigue… The answer is a pair of dedicated workwear trousers that not only keep the elements out but transform a day of hard work from a chore to a pleasure.
Padded knees will help you work faster and longer at ground level and snag and tear-resistant materials will let you wade into the nettles and undergrowth with confidence. Add in two-way pockets (to keep hands warm and tools close by) and plenty of zips to keep keys, wallets and more safe while working and you've got the perfect gardening partner.
These days they're tailored for both men and women so there's no need to make do with baggy overalls and unflattering unisex pants. Now it's easy to find a pair that'll perform under stress and still have you smart enough to take a trip to the garden centre.
Skip ahead to women's gardening trousers
Men's Gardening Trousers
MS9 Mens Cargo Combat Work Trouser
- 65% polyester, 35% cotton
- Hand and cargo pockets
- Reflective detailing
Pros: reflective detailing
Cons: no knee pads, not waterproof
These work trousers have the comfortable, familiar cut of jeans but with all the sculpting and stretching you need for kneeling and crawling. There's a pocket of every shape and size, including extra large cargo pockets and smaller ruler and tool pockets. Edges are defined with reflective tape, so you'll be visible to others when dusk starts to fall.
Dickies Techduck Trousers
Buy from Dickies (£50.00)
Buy Techduck 2.0 trousers from Dickies (£115.00)
- 68% cotton, 29% polyester, 3% elastane
- Detachable holster pocket
- Bottom-loading knee pad pockets
Pros: detachable pockets, compatible knee pads available, stylish look
Cons: not waterproof
Dickies have have fused their heritage styling with contemporary features here; ideal if you're looking for a less industrial, more relaxed look. These trousers still pack the storage and comfort you need for garden duties, with an extended belt loop for hanging tools.
The trousers are also compatible with Dickies knee pads, which you can buy separately.
Magcomsen Mens Cargo Work Trouser Cotton Pants
- 97% cotton, 3% spandex
- Two hand pockets, three legging zipped pockets, two hip zipped pockets
- Loose fit
- Zip opening at ankle
Pros: lots of zipped pockets
Cons: no knee pads, not waterproof
Ideal for wearing over boots, these trousers come with adjustable, zip-able vented legs, so you can fit even the chunkiest of shoes or wellies inside for maximum water and weather protection. The designers have opted for a multi-layered knee section to avoid lumpy knee pads, which help give these trousers a more casual look.
Scruffs Men's Pro Flex Plus Workwear Trousers
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- 65% polyester, 35% cotton
- Two knee pad positions
- Holster, cargo, rule and phone pockets, plus tool loops and D-ring
Pros: lots of pockets including knee pad pockets
Cons: not waterproof
Bringing a little hi-tech know-how into the gardening space, Scruff's Pro Flex Plus trousers offer 4-way stretch fabric for comfort and freedom of movement. They've also got Cordura knee pad pockets with two position options to deliver resistance against abrasion, scuffs and tears.
Added benefits include an all-important mobile phone pocket and triple stitching on the seams.
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Kincraig Waterproof Trousers
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- 85% micro polyester, 15% nylon honeycomb
- Six zipped pockets
- Velcro ankle enclosures
Pros: reinforced knees, waterproof, country-style look
Cons: no knee pads
Kincraig makes excellent jackets and these trousers will match perfectly. They're made with polyester and nylon but feel like softer natural fibres, with none of that annoying 'swoosh' noise when walking. There are six zipped pockets and a high waistband to prevent riding up, while the Velcro ankle enclosures allow you to tighten the legs around your footwear.
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Women's Gardening Trousers
Genus Women's 3-Season Gardening Trousers
Buy from Genus (£149.00)
- 93% polyamide, 7% spandex
- Showerproof, quick-drying stretch fabric
- Waterproof knee pads and seat panel
- Zipped back phone pocket, large rear patch pockets, zipped thigh pockets, deep hip pockets, two stab-resistant pockets
Pros: knee pads, showerproof with waterproof knees and seat, lots of pockets including stab-resistant pockets, lots of length options
Cons: Can't find any!
Top brand Genus has designed these trousers specifically for use by gardeners – and they're endorsed by the RHS. There are plenty of clever features here; the pockets are stab-resistant for safely storing secateurs and knives, while the kneepads and seat panel are waterproof to keep you dry when kneeling and sitting on damp ground.
Get 15% off your order at Genus Gardenwear using our discount code ILLUSTRATED15 at the checkout!
Women's Action Trousers
Buy from Tool Station (£18.98)
- 65% polyester, 35% cotton
- UPF 50+ fabric to block 98% of UV rays
- 11 pockets including utility pockets and two back zip pockets
- Knee pad pockets compatible with inserts
Pros: lots of pockets including knee pad pockets, blocks 98% of UV rays
Cons: not waterproof
These affordable action trousers have got an impressive 11 pockets, many with zips, so you have plenty of room to store your tools. The cargo pocket on the side leg is ideal for storing your phone, and you can add pads to the knee pockets for protection on rough ground.
Baleaf Women's Outdoor Cargo Trousers
- 90% polyester, 10% elastane
- Waterproof, quick-drying and UPF 50+ fabric
- Four large zipped pockets
Pros: waterproof, UPF 50+ UV protection, lots of colour options
Cons: no knee pads, fewer pockets than other trousers
These lightweight, outdoor trousers are made from 90% polyester and 10% elastane and come with a comfortable elastic fastening. The breathability of the fabric is a huge bonus as it enable you to stay cool and fresh as you move about.
Built in UPF50+ helps to protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays, and the material is water resistant and quick drying too, so you don't have to worry about rain showers while you work.
Helly Hansen W Loke Pants
- 100% polyamide
- 10,000mm waterproofness
- Hand pockets
- Loose fit for wearing over trousers
Pros: waterproof, Ripstop fabric
Cons: fewer pockets than other trousers, no knee pads
Don't let the rain stop you from enjoying your work in the garden; Helly Hansen's Loke Pants protect you from the weather with 10,000mm waterproofness and 10,000g moisture vapour permeability. They have a loose fit, so you could pop these over a pair of fleece leggings in very cold temperatures.
Highton Waterproof Trousers
- Recycled 100% polyester
- Designed to be worn over other trousers, with pocket openings to access them
- Zip opening at ankle
- Available in short, regular and long lengths
Pros: waterproof, recycled fabric, various length options
Cons: no pockets, no knee pads
Regatta's Highton Stretch Overtrousers are both waterproof and breathable, and made with Isotex 10,000 stretch-fabric for comfort. There are handy zipped pockets to store your phone and other valuables, and the ankle zips make it easy to wear these trousers with chunky boots.