Summer is one of the busiest times of year in the garden. But when temperatures start to soar, it is all too easy to end up sweating buckets — and nobody wants to resemble a boiled lobster after a day spent weeding, planting and watering.
Testing the Craghoppers T-Shirt
I put the Craghoppers NosiLife SolarShield+ Long Sleeved T-Shirt to the test on one of the hottest days of the year. It is currently reduced by £15, down from £50 to £35. The timing was perfect. I had French climbing beans to plant out, plenty of general tidying to tackle and, worst of all, a battle with bindweed. If you know, you know. The stuff is the root of all evil. Miss even the tiniest piece of root, and it will be back, strangling everything it touches.
I wore the top in the colour Anthracite and was impressed by how lightweight and breathable it felt. The fabric blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays, so I did not need to top up with extra sun cream on my body. It comes in a choice of five colours, but I opted for Anthracite, a dark grey shade.
Comfort and Protection
Despite the heat, I never felt uncomfortable, and it meant I could spend hours outside digging up weeds, dividing geraniums, watering and planting without worrying about getting burnt or sweaty. As a thoroughbred Celt with skin the colour of a squid, I burn very easily, and my skin is already showing signs of sun damage for summers past when I did not give two hoots about spending all day outside without protection and actively wanted my skin to look like parma ham.
The long sleeves give good coverage, and there is no stickiness from sun cream and no fears about staining clothes. I do not know about you, but I find it is a nightmare to wash sun cream stains out. It also protects against insect bites.
Additional Sun Care
I still applied SPF 50 to my face and neck, as I do every day of the year — it is a battle against wrinkles at my age. My current favourite is Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh. The price varies depending on where you purchase it. Right now, it is £15.50 from Boots, but you can also pick it up from LookFantastic or Cult Beauty for £12.40 (down from its usual price). It has a lovely, lightweight formula that does not feel greasy or heavy and melts in.
My Gardening Outfit
I am no influencer — my shonky camera work proves that, given I managed to film more of my backside than intended. But if you do want to get the look, I am wearing the Craghoppers NosiLife SolarShield+ Long Sleeved T-Shirt, my trusty red Hunter short wellies (currently £66.50, down from £95), some ancient striped Uniqlo trousers, and a bargain garden fork I picked up for £12 at a car boot sale.
More UV Protection Tops
- Solbari Base Layer UPF 50+ — £69 £55.20. This base-layer top comes in a choice of five colours and, according to the brand, offers sun protection while remaining breathable.
- Mountain Warehouse Quick Dry Womens Long Sleeve Top — £27.99 £16.99. This top comes in a choice of five colours and is currently 20% off.
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