What Is A Overalls?

An overall (usually pluralized as overalls) is a type of one-piece protective or casual garment. The term has two distinct meanings, depending on regional usage (especially US vs. UK/Commonwealth English). Here’s a clear breakdown:

---

1. Primary Meaning (US/Canada & Modern Global Fashion):

Bib Overalls

• Design: Trousers (full-length or shorts) + a front bib panel + two adjustable shoulder straps.

• Features:

  • No waistband – held up by shoulder straps.

  • Side fastenings (buttons, zippers, or hooks) below the bib for ease of wearing.

  • Large utility pockets on the bib and legs (originally for tools).

    

    

    

    

• Materials: Heavy-duty fabrics like denim, canvas, or corduroy.

• Purpose:

  • Workwear: For farmers, mechanics, carpenters (protects clothing underneath).

  • Fashion: Casual streetwear, popular in grunge, retro, and minimalist styles.

• Examples: Classic blue denim overalls worn by farmers or fashion icons.

Key Traits:

✅ Bib + Straps + Trousers = What Americans call “overalls” and Brits call “dungarees”.

---

2. Secondary Meaning (UK/Commonwealth English):

Coveralls / Boilersuits

• Design: A full-body one-piece garment with sleeves, full-length legs, and often a front zipper.

• Purpose:

  • Protective workwear: Worn by mechanics, engineers, factory workers, or painters to shield clothing from dirt, chemicals, or sparks.

  • Specialized uses: Medical scrubs, flight suits, hazmat suits.

• Materials: Lightweight cotton, polyester, or flame-resistant fabrics.

• Examples: A mechanic’s grease-stained coverall; a pilot’s flight suit.

Key Traits:

✅ Full sleeves + full legs + zipped front = What Brits call “overalls” and Americans call “coveralls” or “boilersuits”.

---

🗺️ Regional Terminology Cheat Sheet

---

🆚 Overalls vs. Similar Garments

• Jeans: Denim trousers without a bib or straps.

• Dungarees: Same as US “overalls” (bib + straps), but the term is fading in the US.

• Coveralls: Same as UK “overalls” (full-body suit).

---

💡 Why the Confusion?

• Historical Shifts: In early 20th-century America, “dungarees” meant sturdy work pants (jeans), while “overalls” meant bib-and-brace pants.

• Global Fashion: Brands now use “overalls” and “dungarees” interchangeably for bib-style garments.

---

✨ How to Wear Overalls (Bib Style) Today:

• Casual: T-shirt + sneakers.

• Edgy: Crop top + combat boots.

• Layered: Hoodie or turtleneck underneath + beanie.

• Feminine: Blouse + block heels.

---

In short:

In modern global contexts, “overalls” usually means bib-and-strap trousers (denim/corduroy).
In technical/work settings, clarify if you mean coveralls (full-body suits).

Ask for clarification if context is unclear – the term truly spans two worlds! 👷♀️👖