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The best work jackets for stylish gardeners to buy

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion - Richard Hanmer
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion - Richard Hanmer

As the temperatures drop, rugged, hard-wearing jackets and tops, based on designs that have been honed over centuries, are perfect as a top layer for gardeners – and easy to pull off if the sun does decide to come out.

French workers’ jackets by brands such as Le Laboureur and Vetra may be sold in fashion boutiques, but they sit just as happily in gardening shops such as Great Dixter’s.

Indeed it’s the adoption of these durable, practical staples by head gardeners such as Fergus Garrett or TV gardeners like Monty Don that has fuelled their popularity, whether layered with chunky knits in winter or worn over light T-shirts or shirts in autumn and spring. Niwaki’s handmade Kojima work jacket takes this fetish for utilitarian staples to new heights, with its 12oz Japanese denim and slight stretch.

Variations on the labourer’s smock are just as versatile, with their roomy pockets and loose fit – and have boomed thanks to stylish influencers, such as The Land Gardeners, making it their go-to kit. There’s no reason not to plunder chandlers for the sailor’s version of these, which often have the pockets inside rather than outside.

All of them are made in sturdy fabrics – and they will look their best when worn, washed and faded by years of use.

The best jackets to buy now

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion

Niwaki’s Kojima work jacket has deep and roomy pockets and a slight stretch; £259.

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion

Manufactum’s superlative workwear includes this sturdy but elegant work smock that’s based on the traditional workshirts of monks; £99.90.

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion

This inky blue V-neck smock from Sarah Raven is roomy enough to throw on over lighter layers and tough enough to deal with any gardening regime; £69.95.

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion

Designed for sailors but brilliantly practical for the garden, this thick twill fisherman’s smock has an internal pocket and side slits; £54.

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion

Le Laboureur’s cultish French jacket in serge cotton was originally made for agricultural workers. This version is classic Bugatti – which was named after the jackets at the car manufacturer’s Alsace factory which opened in 1909; £89.

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion

Bradley’s cotton workwear jacket is based on traditional workwear and is made in Shropshire using a heavyweight brushed cotton from one of the last mills in Hebden Bridge; £95.

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion

Old Town produces handmade workwear in Norfolk using largely British materials and its range includes button front vests; from £140.

best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion
best outdoor work jackets garden autumn gardeners clothes uk 2021 fashion

Inspired by the traditional Norfolk “slop”, this V-neck cotton drill smock from Carrier is windproof and designed to be worn year round; £79.