Dressing for Farming Success

Now, don’t get me started on “fashion” in the farmyard! If you’re going to spend your days wrestling with the earth, you’ve got to dress like you mean business. I’ve seen too many folks show up to a garden looking like they’re headed to a garden party, only to end up sunburnt and stuck in the mud.

Outfitting yourself as a gardener, farmer, or homesteader isn’t about looking cute; it’s about staying safe and staying out there long enough to get the job done.

The Crown Jewel: A Real Work Hat

First things first: you need a real hat. I’m not talking about a baseball cap that leaves your ears to fry or some floppy thing that’s going to fly in your face every time the wind picks up. You want a stiff, wide-brimmed straw hat.

The stiffness is key—it needs to hold its shape so it doesn’t sag into your line of sight when you’re leaning over your rows. That wide brim should act like a personal porch, protecting your face, neck, and even your shoulders from the blistering sun. Most importantly, it has to be ventilated. You want air to enter and escape so your head doesn’t turn into an oven.

• Where to Buy: If you want to try them on (and I recommend you do to find your fit), head to Tractor Supply. If you already know what you like, Amazon usually has the best price and the most options for different styles.
  

The Foundation: Real Boots for Real Work

Now let’s talk about your feet. Those cute “cowboy” boots with the high heels and the fancy stitching you wear to the club? Those are for dancing, not for dirt. Real farm boots need to be able to handle rain, mud, sludge, and that “sucking sand” that tries to steal your shoes right off your feet.

You want rubber boots that come up to just below your knees. They need to be tough enough that you can wash them off with a hose at the end of the day and walk right into the mud again tomorrow.

Key Features for the Farm:

• The Heel: If you’re running a tractor, you actually want a short, sturdy heel. It helps your foot stay secure on the pedals and gives you better traction on uneven ground.
  
• Snake Protection: This is no joke in the tall grass. You need a boot with a structure thick enough that a snake cannot bite through the material. Look for “Snake Certified” boots—the peace of mind is worth every penny. Boots are made that are actually “Anti-Snake Bite Certified” or some such wording. Look for those. They cost more, but this is a feature you want.
  
• Snug Fit on your lower leg: If your boots don’t fit you well and they are gaping open at the top, you need new boots. Your should fit against your leg and if possible, and some form of fastener at the top. This is what keeps your boots on. Are they hard to get on and off? YES, but you don’t care. You want your boots to stay on.

You Need the Right Jacket

Spring isn’t always warm or dry. In fact, it mostly isn’t either of those things in Arkansas…but they are here in East Texas – mostly.

That “mostly” is why you need a Chore Coat. This isn’t just a coat you’ve designated for chores…that’s what it is actually called by many people (and brands). Other names for this type of body protection is Barn Coat. These are the classic, slightly longer jackets designed for hard work. They usually have a corduroy collar (to keep your neck from chafing) and big, deep pockets for carrying tools—just don’t put eggs in them!.

Jeremy and I like our Carhartts. Yes, that’s what most people refer to them as. They’re made of Duck Canvas (or cotton duck), which is a heavyweight, tightly woven fabric that’s naturally windproof and tough enough to handle a briar patch without ripping. They are also rain proof if you get the right one.

Other options for body protection include:

Oilskin Duster or Slicker: If you’re dealing with a real downpour, you might be thinking of an Oilskin. These are treated with wax or oil to make the water slide right off, and the long “duster” style is what you’d wear if you were riding a horse or a tractor in the rain.

Field Jacket: A shorter, more mobile option that’s waterproof and designed for bending and lifting without getting in your way.

Remember, your gear is an investment in your day. Don’t go cheap on the things that protect your head from the sun, your body from the elements and your feet from the fangs!