Clothing for hot outdoor work

[ukiltmybrutha]

I can't wear shorts in the summer due to severe grass skin allergies and so I have to cover up. Most of my activity is on my Lawn Tractor on a large yard that takes about 2 hours to mow. There is a mulching kit on it so it doesn't leave hay everywhere. The problem is that the mulching kit throws tons of hay over the deck and onto my legs. Baffle kits, shields, sealing all deck holes etc...nothing stops it on this model of Husqvarna. I don't want to buy a new lawn tractor at this point. Plus mowing is not the only thing that I do. Alot of garage related stuff just outside of the garage goes on as well. I would like clothing that covers me completely and protects me from sunburn as well as I burn easy in spite of being pretty tanned naturally.

What can I wear that will keep me cool in the summer and cover me from grass and stop me from wicked sunburns?

Thanks!

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I live in Reel Legends UPF shirts all year round, Moisture wicking and sun protection.
Look for UPF long sleeve fishing shirts.

 

[wandrur]

Light flannel work shirts do a good job. Wear a t-shirt or tank undershirt with it.

My Dad spent 50 years in an undershirt and Levi's denim work shirt.

I do light colored long sleeve cotton shirts when I have that concern.

 

[shanker]

Super thin, 100% longsleeve cotton shirts, Jeans, and boots. put some big cover on your head and it'll help.

Staying cool is about layers and fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate as quickly as possible, in which cotton works great.

 

[jgeoffr]

Can't speak to pants, but in terms of shirts I really like the long sleeve button down fishing shirts. Columbia tends to be the name brand but I've purchased several of similar house brand shirts from places like Sams Club. Those coupled with a neck gaiter soaked in cold water tend to do the trick.

Of course need head covering as well.

My frame of reference is 100°F+ desert temps.

 

[Jgaz]

Duluth Trading Company Armachillo t-shirts both short and long sleeves 9 months of the year here in Phoenix.
100% cotton, BDU type, long pants if needed depending on the job during the summer.
Various brand sun shirts with hood or just Armachillo sun sleeves under my uniform shirt for my volunteer work at the Grand Canyon.
Boonie hat to cover my ears unless I’m wearing my NPS supplied broad brim up at the canyon.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I get these white, long sleeved Tshirts from Russell Athletic. Light weight, SPF 30, moisture wicking at around $10 on Amazon. Pair those with wide brimmed hat and shorts that go to the knee.

 

[RTM]

I have several pairs of lightweight Columbia hiking pants that have UV protection and light weight. I’d bite the bullet and wear my high top hiking boots for that work, if you are that allergic.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Thanks very much!

 

[crewchief888]

lots of times i just wear my hiviz FRC work pants and long sleeve shirt.
i have an older ratty pair of carhartt moisture wicking pants i wear paired with either a T shirt, or a moisture wicking short sleeve shirt. all i have are duty/tactical boots, usually wear the rattiest pair i have

 

[Outahere]

For summer weight pants consider the Wrangler/Riggs Technician Pants (6.5oz cotton) or the Lightweight Ranger Pants (8.5oz cotton).

Wrangler® RIGGS Workwear® Technician Pant

wrangler-riggs-workwear-advanced-comfort-lightweight-ranger-pant-3WA66.html

 

[gtae07]

fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate as quickly as possible

Sweat evaporating?! Where the heck do you live that sweat evaporates?

At least down here there is no magic fabric that can keep me cool. If I'm doing anything outside I start sweating profusely and within a surprisingly short time everything I'm wearing is completely soaked through. My shirt, pants, face, and hat (if equipped) will be steadily dripping, and there will be a puddle at my feet in short order. And that's wearing lightweight dry-fit athletic t-shirt and shorts. Of course, it's generally so humid that there's nowhere for the sweat to go.

Ive just learned to embrace it, drink lots of water, put a towel down on my seat in the car, and shower when possible. The idea of jeans in the summer just says "diaper rash"...

 

[Bert_]

Thin t-shirts and jeans get worn in the summer. Obviously light colors.

New shirts and jeans get worn once it gets colder

 

[dimichele]

I bought a 2 pack of hanes long sleeve polyester shirts off amazon for yard work to keep poison ivy off me. They are very light and breathable.

 

[liliysdad]

From April to October, if I am wearing long pants I’m getting paid for it.

 

[CJM8515]

take a note from the undocumented immigrants - light cotton khaki's and a light/cheap dress shirt. seriously

 

[F-22]

Surprised noone mentioned linen. It is the classic choice for hot climates. Extremely airy. Any slight breeze (like on a tractor) makes you feel like you're not wearing anything at all. It is so airy it can feel even cooler than shorts or actually being naked.

It's not the most durable fabric, but certainly among the best for hot climates. Used to wear jeans to the office but I can't wear anything else since I started wearing linen pants in the summer.

 

[Kpaige]

There are several good brands but look at the fishing/water sports clothing lines. They are what you are looking for like reel legends etc

 

[Sumboodie]

Dickies and a t shirt.

 

[RonnieC]

Sweat evaporating?! Where the heck do you live that sweat evaporates?

At least down here there is no magic fabric that can keep me cool. If I'm doing anything outside I start sweating profusely and within a surprisingly short time everything I'm wearing is completely soaked through. My shirt, pants, face, and hat (if equipped) will be steadily dripping, and there will be a puddle at my feet in short order. And that's wearing lightweight dry-fit athletic t-shirt and shorts. Of course, it's generally so humid that there's nowhere for the sweat to go.

Ive just learned to embrace it, drink lots of water, put a towel down on my seat in the car, and shower when possible. The idea of jeans in the summer just says "diaper rash"...

Seriously. Central Florida here. Working outside this past week I looked like I was just on the log flume ride.

 

[Sumboodie]

Seriously. Central Florida here. Working outside this past week I looked like I was just on the log flume ride.

Same, but I start getting sweaty if it's above ~65*

 

[mv213]

I have several pairs of lightweight Columbia hiking pants that have UV protection and light weight. I’d bite the bullet and wear my high top hiking boots for that work, if you are that allergic.

I’ll second the Columbia hiking pants, specifically the Silver Ridge. I get the ones that don’t convert to shorts. I order them from Amazon and wear them constantly unless it’s going to be very cold. I never wear shorts either. About the coolest functional long pants I’ve found.

 

[bonneyman]

Can't speak to pants, but in terms of shirts I really like the long sleeve button down fishing shirts. Columbia tends to be the name brand but I've purchased several of similar house brand shirts from places like Sams Club. Those coupled with a neck gaiter soaked in cold water tend to do the trick.

Of course need head covering as well.

My frame of reference is 100°F+ desert temps.

Did the neck cooler. Locally we called it the "Cool Snake".

I wore Redkap long sleeve shirts during my contractor years in HVAC. That - with a big brimmed hat - reduced the risk of skin cancer. And when it was dry outside the fabric wicked sweat away well.
But the material was so tough those shirts made 7 years before needing replacement. Resisted cuts and tears, repeated sweat downs, harsh chemicals, weekly washings. And just a slight color fade after all that time.
P.S. Found the exact shirt I wore on their website.

Men's Long Sleeve Industrial Stripe Work Shirt | Red Kap®

With classic styling, the striped version of our core work shirt is ready to go to work in nearly any occupation or industry. Touchtex™ technology provides enhanced soil release, color retention and a wickable finish, helping you look sharp day after day. | Red Kap®

www.redkap.com

 

[autobon7]

Sweat evaporating?! Where the heck do you live that sweat evaporates?

At least down here there is no magic fabric that can keep me cool. If I'm doing anything outside I start sweating profusely and within a surprisingly short time everything I'm wearing is completely soaked through. My shirt, pants, face, and hat (if equipped) will be steadily dripping, and there will be a puddle at my feet in short order. And that's wearing lightweight dry-fit athletic t-shirt and shorts. Of course, it's generally so humid that there's nowhere for the sweat to go.

Ive just learned to embrace it, drink lots of water, put a towel down on my seat in the car, and shower when possible. The idea of jeans in the summer just says "diaper rash"...

Same here......the humidity has been crazy the last couple of weeks. One of those cooling towels helps a little but doesn't last very long until you have to soak it again with cold water. Drink lots of water or Gatorade. Dont wait until you are thirsty to start drinking.......by then its too late.

 

[bwringer]

There are several good brands but look at the fishing/water sports clothing lines. They are what you are looking for like reel legends etc

Agreed; there are lots of options sold for outdoor sports use, and there are also plenty of "store brand" or generic options if you want to go cheaper. Hit a Walmart or a farm store near a large lake, and they'll have plenty. A good reasonably wide hat is one of the more important elements.

Many synthetic shirts are extremely thin and cool, yet have a high SPF rating. Make sure you understand how to maintain the sun resistance (sometimes there are special washing instructions), and check your skin regularly anyway to make sure you understand how much sun is getting through.

I have a pair of fairly thin but tough cotton blend pants I got somewhere on clearance that have elastic at the ankles; quite nice for keeping the yard nasties from blowing up my pant legs. They look slightly goofy, but if you're in your own yard, who cares?

 

[VolvoRyan]

I mow/trim with a set of the super lightweight Deluth gardening overalls, one of those UV, moisture wicking long-sleeve T-shirts, and a big floppy hat. Works well..... but the heat can creep up on you if you're not careful. You gotta hydrate. Cold fluids!

Overalls are nice as you can loosen the shoulder straps and get good ankle coverage from flying grass/etc.

For other stuff, I echo the recommendations for good lightweight hiking clothes. Worked a treat when I was doing paleo fieldwork forever ago.

They look slightly goofy, but if you're in your own yard, who cares?

I look pretty goofy in my mowing garb, but whatever. I don't need skin cancer!

-Ryan

 

[fsae0607]

As mentioned, pants and a long sleeve moisture wicking type shirt.

Big sun hat with a light colored bandana that drapes over the back of your neck. Wet the bandana for extra cooling.

 

[bonneyman]

As mentioned, pants and a long sleeve moisture wicking type shirt.

Big sun hat with a light colored bandana that drapes over the back of your neck. Wet the bandana for extra cooling.

For awhile I used old white T-shirts dipped in water and tucked under my oversized hat so it draped over my neck and shoulders. Any breeze gave a nice burst of cooling, and the shirt itself protected my neck from the sun. I believe some time later I saw a kind of Australian-style hat that had an extra long extension on the back of the brim that covered the neck. Anything to reduce melanoma!

 

[Lucid Moments]

I am a big fan of Duluth Trading's "Dry On The Fly" line of pants. Very light weight, and good uv protection.

 

[Kuma601]

REI also has a variety of UPF summer wear.

https://www.rei.com/product/193091/rei-co-op-sahara-solid-long-sleeve-shirt-mens

https://www.rei.com/product/202030/rei-co-op-sahara-convertible-pants-mens

I wear these for doing the yard work.

 

[TnClimber]

My tip! I go to the outlet stores. I find retail $50-80 sun/fishing shirts for $12-16. Smith work pants or Wrangler Ripstop pants great. Also, the farm Co-op a good place for deals. I also, have several pairs of work Kakis.

 

[hh76]

Wrangler ATG
Best pants for the price. Comfortable, lightweight, and quick drying.

 

[Skyman]

When I need to do heavy exertion on beastly hot days, I take a spray bottle full of cool water with me and regularly mist the water onto the upper parts of my shirt. It serves as artificial sweat, keeps me much cooler, and I end up feeling far less drained of energy and hydration when the work is done. I'm also a fan of Columbia fishing shirts with a T-shirt (wet or dry, depending on how hot it is) underneath.