Gardener Clothes 作業服

The appearance and equipment of the niwashi, or Japanese gardener, are the result of long traditions of practical craftsmanship. Their clothing provides protection and freedom of movement suited to outdoor labor, while their tools embody centuries of refinement in shaping gardens with precision and care. Modernity has adapted the traditional clothing and tools, but even with modern inventions, you can still see the history in what niwashi wear and use.

Upper Body Clothing

Full niwashi outfit

For their upper body, niwashi traditionally wear garments that balance durability, breathability, and freedom of movement. A common choice is the samue, a loose-fitting jacket originally worn by Zen monks for temple work, which has been widely adopted by artisans and gardeners. Made of cotton or hemp, it is lightweight in summer yet provides warmth in cooler months, while its wrap-style design ensures comfort during long hours of bending and reaching. Another traditional option is the noragi, a work jacket historically worn by farmers and laborers, often dyed indigo and reinforced with patches for longevity. In modern times, many niwashi use functional work shirts made from quick-drying fabrics, sometimes with mesh panels for ventilation, showing how tradition adapts to contemporary needs. In our Garden, our niwashi wear the latter, as the durable and good wicking fabric is perfect for the Arizona heat.

Lower Body Clothing

On the lower body, niwashi typically wear trousers designed for ease of movement and protection from brush and gravel. The most traditional are monpe, straight-legged pants tied at the ankles, which prevent fabric from snagging on branches while allowing steady movement through garden paths. Another widely recognized style is nikka-bokka, loose, ballooning trousers that taper at the calf. Originally favored by construction workers, they are also popular among gardeners because the extra space around the thighs and knees allows for squatting, kneeling, and climbing with minimal restriction. Both monpe and nikka-bokka reflect the Japanese emphasis on clothing that is practical, flexible, and suited to outdoor labor. Modern variants of these clothing options exist. In the Garden, our niwashi wear pants made out of similar fabric to their work shirts, which are durable, wick well, and are stretchy, meaning they can climb up trees and through hedges without issue.

Jikatabi on one of our niwashis

Footwear

A defining feature of the niwashi’s attire is their footwear: jikatabi. These are split-toe work shoes with flexible rubber soles that provide excellent grip on stones, ladders, and uneven garden paths. Unlike stiff boots, jikatabi allow gardeners to feel the ground beneath their feet, giving them balance and precision when navigating delicate garden features or climbing trees for pruning. Additionally, the softer sole is less damaging on our ground cover plants, meaning in the winter months when growth is slower, there is less worry about wearing down a path. Their unique design, with a separation between the big toe and the rest of the foot, enhances stability and agility, making them an enduring choice for gardeners, carpenters, and other traditional tradespeople in Japan. In fact, you can even find steel-toed jikatabi for construction workers.

Accessories

Among the protective garments worn by niwashi are tekko, forearm covers made of cloth that shield the arms from scratches, sun exposure, and abrasion while working among branches or stone. Traditionally fashioned from cotton and secured with ties, tekko prevent sleeves from catching on plants or interfering with delicate tasks. Nowadays, Velcro or metal clips are used to fasten the tekko closed, as both of these options make it easier for people to put on themselves. These are a practical accessory that reflects a niwashi’s need for both safety and precision, while also adding to the distinctive appearance of the Japanese gardening uniform.

Another indispensable item is the tenugui, a long, narrow cotton cloth used in countless ways. For gardeners, it most often serves as a head covering or sweat band, protecting the neck and forehead from sun and perspiration during long hours of labor. It has a simple weave which allows it to dry quickly and remain cool, while its plain or patterned designs often reflect traditional aesthetics.

Tenugui worn on one of our niwashi's heads

Niwashi gloves come in two main styles: gunte which are the traditional white gloves, and sagyō tebukuro which are general work gloves. Gunte are traditional cotton work gloves commonly worn by niwashi (and other laborers) to protect their hands while at work. Some versions feature rubberized palms or fingers for added grip, making them especially practical when handling wet or heavy materials. The other type of glove is sagyō tebukuro, your modern work glove found commonly in stores. These modern gloves, with tighter fitting fabrics and nitrile palms are generally preferred, as their design makes working safer overall. In the Garden, you will see our niwashi wearing the modern sagyō tebukuro.

Together, the attire and equipment of the niwashi reflect centuries of practical refinement, balancing protection, comfort, and precision. From their carefully chosen work clothing to their specialized gloves and footwear, every element supports the careful stewardship of the Garden while embodying the traditions of Japanese craftsmanship. We hope you enjoyed learning about these distinctive garments and tools, and this post will give you a deeper appreciation and understanding as to why our own niwashi wear what they wear.