Landscaping Pros Reveal Their Go-To Workwear for Every Season

Landscaping Pros Reveal Their Go-To Workwear for Every Season

When you’re out in the field all day, the clothing you choose matters just as much as the tools in your truck. The right workwear keeps you comfortable, safe, and professional-looking no matter the weather. To put together this guide, we looked at what real landscaping pros are saying in forums, industry sites, and Facebook groups about the shirts and gear they actually prefer for their crew (and themselves) to wear in each season. 

Here’s what we found when we asked some of the GreenPal pros.

TL;DR – What Landscaping Pros Wear by Season

Summer: Stay Cool, Dry, and Protected

When the heat index climbs, landscapers agree on one thing: breathability is king.

• Moisture-wicking fabrics (Dri-FIT, Under Armour, Columbia) help sweat evaporate quickly.

• UPF protection shields against harmful rays, especially for long hours in direct sun.

• Cotton still has loyal fans, especially in dry heat, because thin button-ups let air pass through.

• Performance polos offer ventilation with a polished look for customer-facing work.

As one pro put it: “Poly blends are great, but when it gets really hot, nothing beats a cheap cotton button-up. The breeze goes right through it."

Spring and Fall: Layering for Unpredictable Days

Shoulder seasons demand flexibility. Mornings may start chilly, while afternoons can be warm and humid.

• Lightweight long sleeves and quarter-zips make it easy to adapt.

• Durability counts—shirts and jackets need to hold up against branches, mulch, and heavy use.

• Go-to brands: Carhartt, Dickies, Wrangler, and Patagonia for reliable, rugged fabrics.

Think of spring and fall gear as the “bridge” between summer’s breathability and winter’s insulation.

Winter: Warmth Meets Safety

In colder climates, landscapers swap out lightweight fabrics for insulation and visibility.

• Layered clothing: Thermal undershirts topped with hoodies or insulated jackets.

• Hi-vis outerwear: Reflective safety gear is critical during shorter days.

• Heavy-duty fabrics: Cotton duck, fleece, and abrasion-resistant jackets withstand salt, snow, and brush.

Many pros also keep backup gloves, socks, and hats in their trucks, because once those get wet, the day gets uncomfortable fast.

Fabrics That Work (and Don’t)

Choosing the right shirt isn’t just about the season; it’s about the fabric itself. As a landscape professional, it helps to understand the different types of fabric and how it will impact your workers. Here’s how the main options stack up:

Trusted Workwear Brands for Landscapers

When it comes to workwear, landscapers don’t just grab whatever’s on sale at the store. Most pros develop loyalty to certain brands because they know what holds up through long days, heavy use, and tough weather. The right brand choice often means fewer replacements, better comfort, and a more professional appearance for the whole crew. In landscaping, where first impressions matter and margins can be tight, finding the balance between durability and affordability is key.

Here are the brands landscaping professionals consistently recommend:

Carhartt – Known for its rugged double-knee pants, duck jackets, and heavyweight hoodies. Carhartt gear is built to last and is a top pick for cold-weather jobs and heavy-duty tasks.

Dickies – A favorite for work pants, button-ups, and affordable uniform pieces. Many landscaping crews use Dickies because the price point is reasonable without sacrificing durability.

Wrangler – Popular for jeans that can handle long hours of bending, kneeling, and hauling. The Wrangler Riggs line in particular gets strong reviews for durability in outdoor work.

Columbia PFG – A summer standout thanks to lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts with UPF protection. Columbia’s fishing shirts have become a landscaper's go-to for hot, sunny days.

Under Armour & Nike Dri-FIT – Performance-driven shirts that wick away sweat and help crews stay cool in high humidity. They’re pricier, but landscapers often say they’re worth it in midsummer heat.

Red Kap & CornerStone – Common choices for embroidered uniforms and hi-vis gear. Both brands are affordable, easy to customize, and widely available through uniform suppliers.

Patagonia – A higher-end choice, but appreciated by pros who want technical fabrics that are breathable, weather-resistant, and durable for transitional seasons.

Landscapers trust the same core brands year after year because they’ve proven themselves in the field. Choosing wisely can mean fewer headaches, happier crews, and a sharper look for your business. You'll also be less likely to need to replace clothing as often because of the durability of these brands. 

All-Season Essentials

While seasonal shirts and jackets change with the weather, there are some pieces of workwear that landscapers depend on all year long. These items combine durability, function, and a professional look, making them staples for crews no matter the season.

• Function first: Stretch, pockets, and reinforced seams are worth it.

• Professional look: Logo-printed shirts unify crews and promote the business.

• Reliable pants: Dickies work pants, cargo pants, or jeans without holes remain staples.

Pro Tips for Making Your Workwear Last Longer

Outfitting a landscaping crew isn’t cheap, which is why most pros look for ways to stretch the life of their gear. Taking a little extra care with uniforms and workwear can save money in the long run, keep your team looking sharp, and prevent the frustration of gear breaking down in the middle of a busy season.

The basics go a long way: washing in cold water and hang-drying reduces fabric wear, rotating multiple sets of shirts and pants balances out heavy use, and choosing reinforced seams prevents early blowouts. It’s also smart to retire torn or overly faded gear before it looks unprofessional on the job. For branded items like hoodies and hats, investing in logo printing ensures that even replacements continue to double as both workwear and advertising for your business.

Conclusion

The right workwear is about more than looking professional. It’s about staying cool in July, warm in December, and safe all year long. Landscapers know best, so if you’ve got a favorite shirt or fabric that gets you through long days in the field, share it. After all, the best recommendations come straight from the pros. And if you’re a landscaping professional looking to grow your business, GreenPal can help connect you with new customers in your area.