Experience Ultimate Protection: A Review of Farmer's Defense Gardening Sleeves

 
farmers defense gardening sleeves

Farmer’s Defense Gardening Sleeves Review

Post Updated 10/14/23

This is a Sponsored Post. Farmer's Defense was kind enough to send me a pair of their Gardening Sleeves to put through the paces. I was not sure what exactly to expect, but I am pleased with the quality and protection they offer! All opinions are my own.


If you're someone who loves spending time in the garden as much as I do, you know it can sometimes be a battle against the elements. The sun, bugs, and yes, even our beloved prickly plants, can sometimes make gardening a bit of a challenge.

So I'm pretty excited to share this new gardening product, Farmer's Defense Gardening Sleeves, that seems to have been designed with all these things in mind.

I'm happy to report that these sleeves have exceeded my expectations and made my gardening experience safer and more comfortable.

Let me tell you all about my experience with Farmer's Defense Gardening Sleeves, and why I highly recommend it to any fellow gardener out there.

The items listed are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.


What are Farmer's Defense Gardening Sleeves?

Simply stated Farmer's Defense gardening sleeves are protective garments that are worn on the arms and cover from the knuckles to your bicep.

They are designed to protect you from various elements such as harmful UV rays, insect bites, poisonous plants, dirt, and scratches while still allowing freedom of movement.

 
Farmer's Defense Gardening Sleeves
 


Why I Like Farmer's Defense

As we all know, there is an abundance of companies that manufacture gardening sleeves. Just type "gardening sleeve" into Amazon and you'll be presented with countless options to choose from.

So, why do I personally prefer Farmer's Defense?

As a consumer, I am conscious of the impact my purchases make on the environment, and Farmer's Defense's dedication to sustainability resonates with me.

It is an environmentally-conscious small business that chooses to work with recycled materials for its products and commits to being climate-positive.

All of the packaging, both the outer packaging used to mail the gardening sleeves and the cardboard packaging that the sleeves came in are fully compostable, which is a testament to their commitment to the environment.

 
gardening sleeves

Love that the packaging is compostable.

 

Besides their eco-friendly practices, they also make a positive impact on the environment by planting a tree for every online purchase.

By offsetting carbon emissions and helping to plant more trees, they're showing how much they care about making the world a better place.

With Farmer's Defense, it feels great to know that my purchase not only benefits me but also has a positive impact on our planet.

Additionally, they're all about giving back. For certain sleeves, a portion of the proceeds goes towards worthy causes like saving bees, combating breast cancer, supporting garden social rehabilitation programs, and assisting special needs farm programs, among others.

For instance, when you purchase the Defeat Breast Cancer sleeve, Farmer's Defense contributes 10% of the sales to the Susan G. Komen Foundation – that's their commitment to making a difference.

And it doesn't end there. With every purchase of the Save the Bees Sleeves, you're indirectly helping to restore 10 ft² of crucial habitat, contributing to the survival and prosperity of these vital species. It's more than just a purchase; it's your contribution to a bigger cause.

 
Gardening sleeves

The cardboard insert that the sleeves come in is also recyclable or compostable.

 

Materials Used

Farmer's Defense Gardening Sleeves are made from a unique blend of 85% REPREVE polyester and 15% spandex.

But what makes this material special is that it is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it an environmentally-friendly choice.

This not only reduces waste but also eliminates the need for new materials to be produced.

 
Farmer's Defense Gardening Sleeves

Here is what the gardening sleeves look like. This style is the Garden Flower!

 
 

Fit

So now that you know who Farmer's Defense is and what their gardening sleeves are made from, let's dive into the details of how they fit and work! Because that's what really matters!

The Farmer's Defense Protection Sleeves come in different sizes, from XS to XXL+. If you're not sure about your size, no worries! The picture below has a sizing guide.

 
Farmer's Defense Sizing Guide for Sleeves

Here is the sizing guide.

 

Basically, all you need to do is measure your bicep since that's where the elastic will be and where you want these sleeves to fit snugly.

Once you have the measurement, just compare it to their size guide. It's that simple!

 
gardening sleeves

Here is a view of the inside of the elastic cuff. It keeps the gardening sleeve from slipping.

 

I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant about the fit - would they be too tight or too loose? Would they be too long (I'm petite and I'm always rolling up my sleeves).

I ordered a size S/M and that was just right for me! The sleeves fit perfectly, hugging my bicep without any discomfort or pain thanks to the elastic band that keeps them in place. Thank goodness!

 
gardening sleeves

Fits perfectly and provides great coverage.

 

And for us petite ladies, there's no need to worry about them being too long (although they offer a bit more coverage for my hands) I firmly believe that extra protection is always a good idea.

Moreover, it doesn't hinder me from carrying out gardening tasks or wearing gloves alongside them.

 

Here is an up close view of the hand/thumb hole portion of the gardening sleeves.

 

I believe wearing a fitted sleeve is so much better than a long-sleeved shirt because you are less likely to get caught on branches, bushes, or snagged on things. Safety is always a priority when working with garden tools.

Another concern I had was how they would fit/feel with actual use.

Do I need to frequently readjust them while working in the garden? Would they restrict the movement of my arms in any way?

Well, let me tell you, these gardening sleeves stayed put and moved with my body without any hassle. The spandex material made them flexible and snug, so they stayed in place while I was busy working in the garden.

I wore the gloves while tending to the garden, which included weeding, deadheading, and trimming back roses.

Despite my regular movements, the sleeves stayed in place and didn't hinder me in any way. Honestly, after a while, I completely forgot I even had them on!

In general, I found the fit to be comfortable and in line with Farmer's Defense recommendations on sizing.

 

Sun Protection

One of the main draws of a gardening sleeve is the ability to offer sun protection to your arms (and hands- often a forgotten area!).

As someone with fair and sensitive skin, I'm constantly reapplying sunscreen whenever I go outside. That's why I was thrilled to discover this product offering UPF 50+ protection which means it blocks 98% of UV rays.

It means I can cover a larger area of my body without having to constantly sunscreen up. This saves me time and gets me in the dirt faster.

I always make sure there are no gaps between my gardening sleeve and my actual shirt sleeve. Having any space in between would result in an awkward burn! So just check that you've got everything covered before heading out to the garden.

Having said that, having used these sleeves, I can say with confidence that they truly deliver on their promise of providing sun protection.

I did not get burned by the sun while working in my garden. That's an impressive feat! It's been a relief not having to worry about sunburn while I'm out tending to our roses.

When it comes to sun protection, you might assume these gardening sleeves would make you feel hot and trap sweat. However, that's not the case!

These sleeves are extremely lightweight and breathable. These protective sleeves for gardening kept me cool and dry on several hot days  (90+ degrees) due to their moisture-wicking ability.

I have never experienced any discomfort or overheating while wearing them.

 
Gardening sleeves

They offer great protection from the sun and heat.

 

When watering your garden or in a wet environment it's important to be cautious. If the sleeves get wet, they may not provide the same level of sun protection that they otherwise would.

In fact according to the Skin Cancer Foundation no matter how high the UPF, if your clothes get stretched or wet, they'll lose some of their protective power and become more see-through, leaving your skin exposed to more UV light.

The water won't harm the sleeves but it's important to make sure they dry out fully before using them for sun protection again.

 

Scratch Protection

Working in the garden can be a messy and sometimes prickly job. Whether you're pruning thorny plants, digging in the dirt, harvesting vegetables, or handling rough tree branches, it's almost guaranteed that you'll end up with scratches and scrapes on your arms.

Farmer's Defense gardening sleeves provide a layer of protection against these pesky scratches.

The material used in these sleeves is thick enough to withstand minor scratches and scrapes without tearing or ripping.

It acts as a barrier between your skin and the rough objects in your garden.

I also like that the spandex material allows for flexibility and movement, making it easy to navigate through plants and bushes without worrying about getting snagged.

I hate when I get caught on one of my plants or brushes while working.

You know, it's kind of interesting. Ever since I've began wearing these sleeves, I've seen a noticeable dip in the number of 'war wounds' on my arms.

Now, don't get me wrong - they aren't miracle workers. Those devilishly sharp thorns on roses, for instance, can still make their presence felt. But when it comes to the smaller foes, like those rough-around-the-edges plants or prickly spikes, these sleeves are my armor.

And honestly, any decrease in scratches feels like a small victory! After all, every little bit of protection counts, right?

 
gardening sleeves

I’m deadheading my roses while wearing my Farmer’s Defense Protective Sleeves.

 

Care and Maintenance

Curious about maintaining your Farmer's Defense gardening sleeves? I have a handful of practical tips to share with you.

First things first, these sleeves are pretty low maintenance. A regular spin in the washing machine does the trick but remember - no high heat. Stick to a low or medium setting to keep them in prime condition.

Dealing with some pesky plant resins stuck to your sleeves? An extra-strong detergent will be your best friend here. Just make sure you're not mixing them with your delicate clothes in the wash.

Want to know the secret to long-lasting fabric? Hang dry your sleeves after washing.

And lastly, avoid bleach at all costs.

Additional Information About Farmer's Defense Protective Sleeves

Gardening sleeves review

Farmer's Defense offers a 60-day product guarantee which means you have 60 days after receiving your item to request a return or exchange if you don't love them.

But trust me I don't think you'll be returning them!

The protective sleeves are sold in sets of two, with one sleeve for each arm.

They've got a multitude of design styles available for both men and women. Plus, they're always adding new designs to their collection, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every gardener out there.

But wait, it's not just about gardening! These sleeves are super versatile and perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities – think hiking, biking, or even fishing. So, whatever your hobby, they've got you covered!

 
pruning guide
 

A Gardening Product to Add to Your Tool Kit

There's always more to discover in the world of gardening and protection. Keep exploring and stay protected with Farmer's Defense sleeves!

Not only do they provide superior sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating, but they also offer scratch and scrape protection while remaining lightweight and breathable.

With their low maintenance care and variety of design options, these sleeves are a must-have for any outdoor activity.

Plus, with a 60-day product guarantee, you can't go wrong with trying them out.

So, don't wait any longer - add Farmer's Defense Protection Sleeves to your cart and experience the benefits for yourself!

 
Kelly Keating

Hey there, meet Kelly Keating - a passionate gardener who loves to share her experiences and tips with the world. Her blog posts on Gardener Basics are packed with valuable insights on how to care for your garden, regardless of whether you're new to gardening or an old hand. Want to learn more about Kelly's journey in gardening and her published work in top gardening publications like Today, Homes & Gardens, House Digest, Daily Express, and Ferry-Morse. Check out her full bio!


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