ISO of a one-piece for gardening - YouLookFab Forum

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ISO of a one-piece for gardening

notsaf

Veteran

So I know there are quite a few avid gardeners on the forum and I'm back for more advice about gear. (If you're interested in shoe recs, look no further: https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-gardening)

I often find myself wanting to step out into the garden to prune or water first thing in the morning, but I live on a relatively busy urban street, so I can't go in my pj's. I'm looking for some kind of one-piece or romper that I can throw on instead (bra optional preferred!) and not look like a crazy person.

Machine washable is necessary; quick dry even better. Could go utilitarian or athletic in look and feel.

I've collected a few ideas below. Does anyone have any experience with any of these items or something like them? Definitely looking for recommendations here.

Thanks so much!

Zella Gwen Sleeveless Knit Romper

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The Linen Picnic Jumpsuit

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Zella Getaway Blouson Romper

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BP. + WILDFANG Utility Short Sleeve Jumpsuit

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Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from bj1111

Anonymous

When you are really just pruning and watering probably either of the Zella options?

The other two look more complicated to get in and out of, more work to wash and not likely to dry fast

rachylou

Veteran

I’m not sure I understand how you get into the Zella rompers, but they look ideal to me otherwise. I personally wear a couple of tank dresses with pockets for this purpose, cuz I’m really really lazy (!)

JAileen

Veteran

I won’t go out in PJs, either. I just get dressed before I do any gardening. Why don’t you just put on a long light raincoat over your PJs? It’s so hot here that I’m generally wearing shorts and a sleeveless top.

DonnaF

Veteran

Shortalls or overalls?

Kate

Veteran

I live in an urban neighborhood and I typically do what JAileen does. Or I'll wear a tank dress, huge floppy hat (which is always by the door) and birkies. Whatever is easiest and at hand.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I just throw on old joggers or shorts and a tee or one of my long sleeve SPF shirt — then strip it off and throw it in the laundry hamper when I’m done. No one can really see me when I do yard work unless I go out and work on the area around our mailbox at the end of the driveway, but even then I’d wear my “grungies” as I think of them. I prefer to cover my legs and sometimes arms while doing yard work because of insect bites and poison ivy. I’ve never thought of buying something to wear just for that purpose — I just use some of my old gear, or old jeans and tees.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I use what RL suggests—a jersey dress. I keep one hanging by the front door (our apt only has one door) for that purpose. I don’t bother with a bra.

If you want to get something just for this purpose, I’d suggest Patagonia. Some of their styles, like the Margot and the Iliana, have support built into the cut of the dress, for example with empire waists or an “x” design that sorta makes cups. Many others have simple shelf bras attached. You can filter for size at this link. https://wornwear.patagonia.com.....6%20Skirts

notsaf

Veteran

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I think one of the things I’m facing is that I don’t have a category of clothes that Janet calls “grungies”! I have lounge clothes and street clothes and gear, but I love all those pieces and don't fancy getting them junked up in the garden. Since this is a new hobby/necessity, I also haven’t held onto anything over the last years that would be particularly suited for it. Hence the search.

FI: Patagonia is a great idea. I’ll take a look!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Haha! I thought everyone kept some grungies around — I keep them for heavy-duty housecleaning projects, painting, etc. I convinced my husband to keep two pairs of less-destroyed ranch jeans for those purposes too, so he doesn’t get motorcycle grease on a pair of his good new jeans. Not like that has happened before.

I do like the idea of an easy piece for this purpose. I wonder if you might find something on sale since it’s late in the season now and you probably don’t want to invest a lot of money in a piece for this purpose. I actually think I saw a kinda cute jumpsuit in passing at Target, might be worth checking out.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I’m so extreme that I even brought a pair of grungey pants with me for that purpose. Trouble is, I keep eyeing them to wear in my day-to-day. They have stuff on the legs, so that won’t work, but I’m perpetually tempted.
The Patagonia link I pasted in is to their used clothing. Most of the dresses are around $30.

bj1111

Veteran

How about a quick whiz at a thrift store for men’s shirts

JAileen

Veteran

BJ1111 beat me to it - thrift stores have plenty of inexpensive stuff for gardening, painting, etc. The one I volunteer at has a rack of tees for fifty cents. Guys come in and buy a dozen at once. They have jobs where they go through them quickly - cement work, roofing, who knows?

I have a thrifted vest similar to the pictured one, that I use for gardening. The pockets are handy for seeds, pencil, paper, etc.

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Joy

Veteran

Don’t forget to look in the men’s section of thrift shops.

As to the rompers, do they protect you enough from biting and stinging insects? I would remind you of the bathroom difficulties. I drink lots of water or tea. We also are likely to see snakes, so I like to wear substantial footwear in case I get too close or step on one. My grandson has named the biggest Slinky. He left a large freshly shed snakeskin in the garden last week. Then there are the bees. Colorado has over 1000 native bees. I see green ones a lot. Today there were the biggest bumblebees I have ever seen. I think these had fuzzy tummies designed to collect pollen. Get a big sun hat and have fun.

notsaf

Veteran

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I think this is a capsule I'll have to cultivate over time.

For the moment I have demoted a sundress that I was not wearing as often as others and purchased a cheapo knit jumper from Amazon: both have pockets and do the trick to keep me covered and cool.

I really have only a little plot in front of the house, so no need to worry about critters as some of you do! And since I have rose bushes, I already have long glove to protect my arms while I'm pruning. I highly recommend them!

Smocked Fit & Flare Cami Midi Dress for Women

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ANRABESS Women's Summer Tank Jumpsuit Casual Loose Sleeveless Beam Foot Elasitic Waist Jumpsuit Romper with Pockets

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Magid Glove & Safety BE194TL Rose Pruning Gardening Gloves, Mens - Large, Tan & Green

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have a similar situation in that I'm fairly new to gardening and didn't have a "grungies" pile when I began. I'm in a suburban location but the neighbours are out with their dogs etc. so I don't just want to go out in PJs. Often, though, I'm in my gear first thing in the morning, and that works fine for the purpose. Later in the day, I just wear a dress or shorts that are easily washable. I also found a pair of jeans in my donate bin that I rescued for the purpose.

For other seasons, though, and certain jobs, I'm considering a pair of overalls: https://www.duluthtrading.com/.....16760.html

This list gives versions for winter gardening: https://www.gardenista.com/pos.....-carhartt/

What you need is pockets and room to move. https://www.amazon.ca/Rosies-W.....B01M4O7A7O

Anyway...my idea is to find some version of this, especially for spring and fall (summer is easier for me to manage dressing for) and hang it in my garage. Pop it on before I head out.

Linda Welsh

I grew up on a 20 acre farm (2 acres were devoted to vegetables). My father, my mother and I worked it by ourselves. My father would not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts in the garden. He always wore long sleeves, long pants, and a hat. This was way before anyone thought about protection from the sun. When he would roll up his sleeves his hands were about 10 X darker than the rest of him! I am an avid gardener, flowers though, not vegetables! I always wear long pants, a cotton long sleeve top and a hat. Long story I know! Recently purchased overalls in a relaxed fit. They are the bomb! You can go braless if you want since the bib covers most of that area, and they don't bind at the waist as you stretching and reaching in the garden!. When you take a break, you can lower the bib for a bit of a breeze. I see Suz has a link for overalls and I got mine on Amazon. BTW they are stylish enough to run out to the gardening store if needed and wash like a dream..

notsaf

Veteran

LOVE the idea of overalls! Thank you Suz and Linda!

Anonymous

I just use my Athleta skorts and tank tops for gardening, general around the house cleaning/repairs.
*and dash back in when the skeeters find me*

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

The gloves! They make me feel nostalgic for the many times we got my dad goatskin gloves for Father’s Day, to wear while tending his rose bushes that summer.

bj1111

Veteran

honestly, i garden in my linen dress and an old shirt of mr bj1111's and of course a fancy straw hat, just because