The History And Evolution Of Overalls

Overalls, sometimes known as boilersuits, are one of the most quintessential examples of trade workwear, as they cover the whole body and are primarily used to protect the wearer and the clothes they are wearing underneath.

Whilst dungarees, a similar type of work outfit known as overalls in the United States were first mass-produced in the 1890s by Levi Strauss, the origins of the coverall suit known in the UK as overalls are more of a mystery.

They are believed to have been developed at a similar time in the late 19th century as an ideal uniform for factory workers, since they cover the entire body, have long, large pockets and have a tight enough fit to avoid snags.

However, they have also been credited to have been invented by railway workers (similar to the development of high viability clothing), boiler technicians and other mechanics, who wanted clothes that could provide some protection from the dust and hot water sometimes ejected from a steam engine.

Regardless of its invention, it quickly spread and became a symbol of working people, worn by members of the Bauhaus art movement, as well as worn by women workers during both World Wars, as epitomised by the poster of Rosie the Riveter.

The modern design of the jumpsuit can be traced back to Thayaht (full name Ernesto Michahelles), who in 1919 designed a piece known as the TuTa, which he described as the “most innovative, futuristic garment” that Italian fashion had ever produced.

From there, whilst the TuTa would evolve into the jumpsuit that has become a cyclical trend in the fashion world, the principle behind it would evolve into jumpsuits and G-suits used by military pilots, as well as the racing overalls that are worn by modern racing drivers.

Throughout all of this, overalls have remained one of the most versatile and important pieces of work clothing ever made, and are still a common sight in many industries.