Overalls are indeed one of the most sought out work wear when there is a great level of physical activity involved in your job. Heavy and warm, overalls do provide ample comfort and protection when the weather is nippy.
Depending on the material overalls can be worn throughout the year, without a second thought. These stylish and cozy work attires would definitely last a long time if taken good care of.
Commonly made with heavy canvas, overalls do require a fair bit of pre-work to soften and break in to provide you with the desired level of comfort.
How do you break in overalls?
Breaking in overalls would be much easier if you soften the canvas before you wear it. The process may require some time and effort but it is definitely going to be worth it.
Overalls are usually made of canvas that is specially treated with fire-resistant compounds and therefore it is always preferable to not make use of chemical fabric softeners on them.
So as to soften the canvas material of the overalls, place them in the washer set to the smallest load setting and choose the cold wash and cold rinse options.
Allow the washing machine to fill up, add 1 cup of plain vinegar to it and let the washer run until it gets to the agitation cycle. Now stop the washing machine and let the overalls soak in the vinegar for a few hours.
Now restart the washer and complete the rinse cycle. Rinse it once more if the vinegar smell lingers. Do not use detergents or bleach while washing the overalls and do not let it go through the spin cycle.
Now put the overalls in the dryer at low heat and then let it air dry completely. Your overalls would have softened up by now.
If the stiffness remains do toss the overalls in the dryer once again with a clean tennis ball/shoe and let the little tennis game in the dryer beat the stiffness out of the canvas.
Should overalls fit tight or loose?
It is always preferable to get overalls that are a size bigger as the cotton canvas material of the overalls do tend to shrink post washing.
For a comfortable time in those overalls do go for one that would give you a baggy fit when you try it on. And it always better to get overalls that fit a bit loose for greater ease of movement as well.
How to find the right fit for overalls?
You have to check four measurements before you get your overalls. The first thing is to check your chest measurement. Choose one that will not be too loose or tight across your chest.
Now get your waist measurements and do opt for an overalls that do have a few centimetres extra to ensure your comfort and ease.
Also measure the widest part of your hips and make sure that the bottom of the overalls sit snuggly around it, without making it too tight and uncomfortable.
Also make sure that the inseam measurement is accurate so that the crotch area would not be in constant distress while you stay in your overalls.
Try sitting down, leaning or taking a few sit-ups in your overalls. If it feels really loose and comfortable around your thighs and crotch and bottom area they are indeed perfect for you. Do choose overalls that are at least 4 inches wider at the waist than your regular pants for a desirable fit.
If your overalls end up too baggy, try altering it with the help of a seamstress and if the overalls are too tight try stretching the material a bit.
How to make overalls more comfortable?
Apart from softening the canvas and opting for a baggy overall, you can indeed wear comfortable and breathable pants or leggings beneath your overalls to feel more cozy in them. This way the skin of your legs your legs would feel much nicer inside the overalls.
Do overalls shrink when washed?
Overalls that are prewashed will have minimum shrinkage but if not prewashed they would definitely have a 3-5% shrinkage. But in the end it all comes down to the material of the overalls. Certain fabrics like rayon, cotton or linen would shrink more readily than synthetic ones like polyester.
How to wash overalls?
Since cotton canvas tends to shrink easily, you do have to show some care while washing your overalls. Keep these following tips in mind while you toss in your overalls in the washing machine:
1.) Always use cold or mildly warm water to wash your overalls. Never use hot water.
2.) Use normal or mild detergent to wash your overalls.
3.) Then toss your overalls in the dryer for less than 10 minutes at the lowest temperature setting.
4.) Air dry the overalls completely before using them.
5.) Wash your overalls once every two or three weeks and if you do have to clean it up everyday, use a wet rag to do so.
And never use an industrial washing machine to wash your overalls as they can be a bit too rough on your overalls. Never dry clean then or heat dry them.
And do make sure to empty out the pockets and fasten all buckles before you toss your overalls into the washer.
Can overalls be tossed into the dryer?
There’s no rule that says you can’t put your overalls in the dryer. But do show some caution while you do the same to ensure the longevity of your overalls. Always set the dryer to low heat and never leave the overalls in the dryer for more than ten minutes.
Top 3 overalls
1.) Carhartt Men’s Relaxed Fit Duck Bib Overall
- Carhartt Company Gear Collection
- The updated version of Carhartt classic R01 bib was built with feedback from Carhartt consumers. 12-ounce, 100 percent ring-spun cotton duck
- Adjustable front-elastic suspenders
- Bib pocket with zipper closure holds electronics securely
- Two additional storage pockets; one with pen stall
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This durable and comfortable overalls do provide protection and unparalleled style and a whole lotta pockets too.
2.) Dickies mens Bib Overall
- Handy hammer loop on left leg dual tool pocket on right leg
- Traditional dual watch fob openings
- Large bib with practical pockets pencil division
- Triple-stitched seams that hold
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This comfy overall does provide a more rougher and tougher look and protection with its sturdy and durable design.
3.) Dickies womens Duck Double Front Bib Overalls
- Double Front Duck Bib Overalls with knee pad openings and straight fit
- Stretch fabric for comfort and mobility
- 9 multi-use pockets
- Hammer loop
- 31.5 inseam
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These comfortable and stretchable overalls do provide one with boundless freedom to walk and work without any restrictions.
