No matter the weather, there is always something to be done on the homestead. You’ll want to have the proper clothing to keep you warm or cool, no matter the task at hand. Purchasing the proper garments that are quality made are definitely worth the investment.
Hot Months
During the hot months, wear what keeps you cool. Wear breathable material, such as blue jeans, work pants or cargo shorts (depending on your task at hand) and a cotton shirt. Longer, loose skirts like peasant skirts or maxi skirts are also an option as you can wet the skirt down to keep you cool and it won’t stick to your skin and cause chafing. Or try overalls! Choose cotton socks with leather boots or tennis shoes. If you are in the garden, some sloggers or garden boots will do the trick. Don’t forget to wear a baseball cap or wide-brimmed straw hat to shade your face. And of course, sunscreen and sunglasses to provide more protection from the sun!
Cool Months
During the days when it is cooler but not freezing cold, wearing layers is key, like a long-sleeved shirt and a coat. Especially if you live in a climate where it is cold in the mornings and night, but warmer during the middle of the day. You’ll be able to quickly add or remove clothing without having to completely stop what you are doing to change your clothes. If it rains a lot where you live, wear rubber boots and a waterproof jacket. Continue to wear sunscreen and sunglasses even in the cooler months, especially if you live at a high altitude where the atmosphere provides less protection from the sun’s rays. Even though it’s not summer, the sun can still cause damage to your skin!
Cold Months
It’s important to stay warm while doing your chores. Layer up with a down coat over long sleeves. Down is lighter and warmer than wool, keeping you toasty warm without weighing you down during your tasks. If your cold months are more mild, a down vest over long sleeves is a good option. Make sure to wear a warm hat and cold weather work gloves to keep your ears and fingers from freezing. If your climate is freezing during the winter, wear long underwear, especially if you are going to be outside for a good portion of the day. Layer your socks or wear wool or wool blend socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Choose leather boots that you have waterproofed, or, if you will be slopping around in a lot of mud, rubber boots with warm, removable inserts.
Some Other Tips
You’ll be getting dirty so choose shades that won’t show dirt or stains as easily. Textured fabrics, instead of flat weaves, will also keep dirt and stains for readily showing. Choose clothes that are cold wash–you don’t want those stains setting in hot water!
Choose clothes that have some reinforcement in the places you’ll need it. If you are spending a lot of time on your knees in the garden, get pants with reinforcement in the knees. If you are working with big animals or around machinery, go for secure footwear with steel toes. If you are working around chickens, wear close-toed shoes. Chickens are curious and will peck anything, including your toes!
Add an apron to hold your tools, seed packets and cleaning rags, or to gather fresh eggs. If you are going in and out a lot, choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off so you don’t have to do up your laces ever time you run out the door to check on something.
Overall, make sure to choose quality clothing and jackets. It may be more expensive to start, but these clothes will last longer. Whether it is hot or cold, or whether you are working in the garden or with your goats, wear what makes you comfortable. You don’t want to be constantly adjusting your clothing or feel confined when doing your tasks.