Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

Overalls and work pants are an essential part of the equipment for every craftsman, mechanic, or builder. They provide protection, comfort, and durability even during demanding physical work. How do we categorize work pants and how to choose the best overalls?

Overalls and work pants protect during every physical task

Overalls are essential workwear that provides protection during manual and demanding physical labor. Whether it's for builders, mechanics, welders, or craftsmen, quality overalls protect from dirt, abrasion, and minor injuries. Thanks to durable materials, reinforced seams, and practical pockets, they are the perfect solution for daily work tasks.

How did the first overalls come about?

The history of overalls dates back to the 19th century when, during the industrial revolution, work footwear and clothing began to change significantly. The first overalls appeared in factories and on construction sites, where workers needed durable and practical pants to protect against dirt, oil, and mechanical damage.

One of the first manufacturers of workwear was Levi Strauss, who, in 1873, together with Jacob Davis, patented the first work pants with riveted pockets – the predecessor of today's overalls. Over time, other durable materials like cotton and polyester were added to denim, making overalls even more durable and comfortable.

Today, overalls are an essential part of the equipment for many professions, with their design and materials constantly improving to provide maximum comfort and protection at work.

Main advantages of overalls and work pants

Protection during work, mainly from abrasion, scratches, dirt, sparks, or chemicals

Long lifespan thanks to high-quality materials

High versatility, plenty of pockets and storage space

Modern materials, continuous development, and progress, trendy colors

Increased safety due to protective elements and reflective stripes

Overalls
Suspenders overalls

Overalls last longer than regular pants

Casual pants are designed for everyday wear, but during physical work, they would quickly wear out. Overalls are designed to withstand tough conditions – they have reinforced seams, durable materials, and strengthened areas that prevent tearing. Additionally, they are equipped with practical pockets and accessories that make work easier and increase comfort while wearing them.

Overalls and work pants contain cotton and polyester, weight is important

The material of the overalls plays a key role in their durability, comfort, and longevity. The most common combination is cotton and polyester, with each of these materials having its own advantages:

  • Cotton is naturally breathable, comfortable to wear, and absorbs moisture well, ensuring comfort even during long periods of use
  • Polyester gives the overalls higher abrasion resistance, tear strength, and ensures quicker drying and lower wrinkling

Why is the weight of overalls important?

The fabric weight (g/m²) indicates its density and thickness, which directly affects the durability and use of the pants:

  • Lower weight (190 – 240 g/m²) – suitable for lightweight work pants and summer overalls, which are more breathable and comfortable in warmer weather
  • Medium weight (250 – 300 g/m²) – ideal for versatile overalls for year-round use, combining good durability and comfort
  • High weight (310 g/m² and more) – the most durable overalls for tough conditions, suitable for construction workers, mechanics, and people working in extreme environments

Reinforced knees, strengthened seams, and stretch parts – why are overalls so durable?

Overalls must withstand tough conditions, which is why they are designed with various reinforcements and adjustments that extend their lifespan and increase comfort at work.

Reinforced knees – essential protection for long-lasting durability

  • The most stressed part of the overalls is the knees, which is why they are often strengthened with an extra layer of material or CORDURA® reinforcement, which is abrasion- and tear-resistant
  • Many models have pockets for knee pads, providing additional protection during long periods of kneeling – ideal for mechanics, floor installers, and assemblers

Reinforced seams – strength and tear resistance

  • Regular pants have standard stitching, but overalls use triple stitching in the most stressed areas, reducing the risk of tearing
  • Reinforced stitching is also used in critical areas such as the crotch, hips, and knees, where the most strain occurs

Stretch panels – maximum freedom of movement

  • Modern overalls are equipped with elastic panels, most commonly in the knee, crotch, or lower back areas
  • 4-way stretch materials allow the pants to stretch in multiple directions, providing greater flexibility during work
  • Stretch panels also reduce stress on the seams, extending the lifespan of the pants

Where are overalls and work pants used? Mechanics, builders, and painters

Overalls and work pants are an essential part of the equipment for many professions that require protection from dirt, mechanical damage, or harsh conditions. Thanks to their durability, practical pockets, and reinforced parts, they are used by workers in various industries:

  • Mechanics and automotive technicians – protection from oil, grease, and dirt from working in the workshop
  • Construction workers – resistance to dust, abrasion, and mechanical damage
  • Painters and decorators – lightweight yet durable overalls protect from paint and chemicals
  • Electricians and plumbers – flexibility and plenty of pockets for tools
  • Agricultural workers and foresters – protection when working outdoors and against bad weather
  • Welders and metalworkers – special overalls with flame-retardant treatments for maximum safety
  • Maintenance workers and installers – comfortable pants with high resistance to damage
  • Industrial and warehouse workers – strong overalls resistant to tearing when handling goods
  • Truck drivers and logistics – work pants provide comfort during long shifts

What types of overalls exist? Reflective, denim, and popular stretch and slim styles

Overalls are made in various variants to suit different working conditions and requirements for comfort or safety. When choosing overalls, it's important to consider not only the material but also the fit, functional features, and special properties.

The most common types of overalls:

  • Classic overalls – traditional work pants with straight legs, reinforced knees, and plenty of pockets
  • Reflective overalls – equipped with reflective elements for better visibility in low light conditions, ideal for road workers or workers in transportation
  • Denim overalls – durable denim combined with work elements for a robust look and high durability
  • Stretch overalls – elastic panels for maximum freedom of movement, suitable for assemblers or electricians
  • Slim overalls – modern slim fit for those who prefer more form-fitting pants with work features
  • Insulated overalls – winter version with lining or membrane for work in cold environments
  • Waterproof overalls – water-resistant materials suitable for outdoor work in rain and wet environments

How to choose the right overalls?

The choice of the right overalls depends on the type of work, environment, and personal preferences. Important factors include materials, fit, functional features, and resistance to mechanical stress. When purchasing, it's also worth considering the brand, price, and available sizes to ensure the overalls provide maximum comfort and protection throughout the day.

Basic division of overalls

Overalls are most commonly divided by design, such as classic waist overalls, bib overalls, or overall shorts. We also use a deeper division based on individual features, materials, or price.

Waist overalls

Classic overalls, also known as waist overalls, are the most common part of every work outfit. Classic work pants are practical and known for their comfort and functionality. Their main advantage is the adjustable waistband, allowing them to be perfectly fitted as needed. Waist overalls are ideal for various work activities where freedom of movement is required while still providing protection and practical use.

Classic waist overalls

Various materials, cuts, features

Work pants and overalls

Bib & Braces

Suspenders overalls are stylish and practical workwear that combine comfort with functionality. Their distinctive feature is the suspenders, which allow for comfortable and secure wear. These pants are ideal for various work activities where freedom of movement is needed, while also offering protection. Suspenders overalls are also popular for their chest pocket.

Comfortable and elastic suspenders

Additional chest pocket

Cover the lower back and waist area

Work shorts

Work shorts, also known as suspenders work shorts or work bermuda shorts, are ideal for summer work or even year-round in workplaces where shorts are suitable. They are usually a shortened version of long overalls and come in either classic shorts or 3/4 shorts, which also have knee pads.

Work shorts for leisure as well

Ideal for summer or indoor work

Knee-length or 3/4 length below the knee

Choose overalls based on materials, features, and design

When choosing overalls, it is crucial to focus on the material, functional features, and design to meet the requirements of the work environment. Cotton is breathable, soft, and comfortable to wear, while polyester increases durability, dries faster, and wrinkles less. Their combination is most commonly used, blending comfort and long-lasting wear. An important factor is also the fabric weight – lighter overalls (190 – 240 g/m²) are suitable for warmer months, medium weight (250 – 300 g/m²) offers versatile use, and the heaviest weight (310 g/m² and above) is ideal for tough conditions where maximum abrasion resistance is needed.

In addition to the material, other functional features play a significant role. Reinforced knees protect the pants from damage and allow for knee protectors to be inserted for added comfort when working in a kneeling position. Stretch panels in the knee, crotch, or hip areas ensure freedom of movement and higher resistance to tearing. Overalls are available in various designs – classic pants are versatile, models with straps fit better and provide more storage space, while overall shorts are ideal for hot days. Special types also include denim overalls, combining durability with a modern look, and reflective models that enhance visibility in challenging conditions. The right choice of overalls will ensure not only comfort during work but also long-lasting durability and functionality.

On our site, we go into great detail about our products, and besides basic parameters such as materials and fabric weight, we also provide a list of features or special advantages that the pants offer.

Choose overalls by color

A fairly common search is overalls by color. Whether you have a favorite color, need to match with others, or are looking for a color closest to your company colors, we have a quick classification of overalls by color. These colors are available:

Overalls by price: from the cheapest to the most expensive

Looking for quality overalls but choosing based on price? Browse our categories and pick what appeals to you the most. We've created basic price ranges:

  • Overalls under 20€ - Cheap overalls under 20€ is the perfect place for those looking for affordable and good quality overalls. In this category, you will find a wide selection of overalls in various sizes, colors, and styles, all available at reasonable prices under 20€.
  • Overalls under 40€ - Cheap overalls under 40€ is ideal for those seeking affordable and quality overalls. This category features a wide selection of overalls in various sizes, colors, and styles, all available at reasonable prices under 40€.
  • Overalls under 50€ - Good overalls under 50€ is the perfect place for those looking for quality overalls at a great price. In this category, you will find a wide range of overalls in various sizes, colors, and styles, available at reasonable prices under 50€.
  • Overalls under 70€ - Quality overalls under 70€ offer an excellent selection of high-quality overalls at affordable prices under 70€. These overalls are designed with a focus on durability, comfort, and functionality.
  • Overalls under 100€ - Premium overalls under 100€ are top-quality overalls for those seeking the absolute best in quality and performance. These overalls are made from the highest-quality materials.
  • Overalls over 100€ - High-quality overalls over 100€ are professional-grade overalls designed for demanding customers who seek the absolute best in quality and performance. These overalls are made from premium materials.

Branded overalls or choose overalls by brand

Do you have a favorite brand? Or do you already own some clothing from a particular brand and want to complete your outfit? Browse the complete selection of overalls by brand.

Size chart for overalls and work pants

The size of overalls is most commonly stated in their own format, where numbers are used to indicate size. You may encounter sizes such as 48, 50, 52, or 54. The standard size range is from 40 to 66, but of course, this varies by manufacturer. Some pants use letter sizes like M, L, XL, and so on, which makes size selection much easier. But how do you navigate these sizes?

In the attached chart, you can see the typical EU size in which overalls are commonly sold, as well as the UK equivalent, which is also known as jeans and trousers size. We have also expanded the table to include the international size using letters, and if you know your measurements, you can check everything by simply measuring your waist.

EU UK INT. Waist
40 32 / 34 XS 68 - 70 cm
42 70 - 74 cm
44 34 / 36 S 74 - 78 cm
46 78 - 82 cm
48 36 / 38 M 82 - 86 cm
50 86 - 90 cm
52 38 - 40 L 90 - 94 cm
54 94 - 98 cm
56 40 / 42 XL 98 - 102 cm
58 102 - 106 cm
60 42 / 44 2XL 106 - 111 cm
62 111 - 117 cm
64 46 3XL 117 - 123 cm
66 48 4XL 123 - 129 cm

Maintenance and care for overalls

Proper care of overalls extends their lifespan and maintains their functional properties. By following the recommended procedures for washing, drying, and storing, you ensure that your workwear will reliably serve you even in demanding conditions.

How to wash overalls to make them last as long as possible?

Before washing overalls, it's advisable to remove any heavy dirt such as sawdust or mud to prevent damaging the washing machine. For stubborn stains, such as oil, you can use technical gasoline or dishwashing liquid, apply it directly to the stain, and then rinse it off.

When washing, follow the symbols on the clothing label. In general, it is recommended to wash overalls at 40°C, but for heavily soiled items, you can increase the temperature to 60°C, as long as the material allows it.

Washing by material – what to watch out for?

Each material that overalls are made from requires specific care to maintain its functionality and long lifespan. In addition to cotton and polyester, special materials such as nylon, CORDURA®, polyamide, or elastane are often used in work pants to ensure durability, flexibility, and protection.

  • Cotton – the most durable material, capable of being washed at higher temperatures (60°C and above), which removes even tough dirt. However, it is prone to wrinkling and may shrink slightly at higher temperatures
  • Polyester and blended fabrics (cotton + polyester) – it is recommended to wash at 40°C to prevent fiber damage. Polyester dries faster than cotton and is less prone to wrinkling
  • Nylon and polyamide – synthetic materials with high abrasion resistance, but sensitive to high temperatures. Washing at a maximum of 30-40°C and low spin speeds prevents fiber damage and loss of strength
  • CORDURA® – extremely durable fabric used for reinforcing the knees and other stressed areas of overalls. Suitable for washing at low temperatures (30-40°C) without using harsh detergents that could weaken its protective properties. Tumble drying is not recommended as it could damage the fiber structure
  • Elastane (spandex, Lycra®) – elastic material that provides stretch to overalls. Wash at 30-40°C without harsh chemicals to prevent loss of elasticity and material damage. Tumble drying and ironing are not recommended
  • Waterproof and softshell materials – these materials have water-repellent treatments that can be damaged by aggressive washing. It is recommended to wash at 30°C using special detergents for membrane fabrics and without fabric softener. Regular re-impregnation helps restore the protective layer

Drying and storing overalls

After washing, thoroughly hang your overalls and let them dry in the air. Avoid drying them in a tumble dryer unless the label specifically allows it, to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fabric.

Store overalls in a dry, dark place to prevent fading of colors and damage to the material.

Work jacket, sweatshirt, or t-shirt also complement the pants

Overalls are the foundation of workwear, but for maximum comfort and protection, it is important to complement them with a suitable work jacket, sweatshirt, or t-shirt. Work jackets protect against cold, wind, and rain, while sweatshirts provide warmth and comfort in milder conditions. A quality work t-shirt made of moisture-wicking material ensures sweat is drawn away, offering comfort throughout the day. The right combination of layers ensures optimal protection and comfort for any type of work.

What's more important than overalls? Quality work footwear

While overalls provide protection and comfort during work, without quality work footwear, safety would not be complete. Work footwear protects the feet from injuries, chemicals, slips, and sharp objects, while also providing stability during long periods of wear. Properly chosen footwear with a steel toe cap, anti-slip sole, and breathable materials is essential for anyone working in demanding conditions. Comfortable and safe footwear can reduce fatigue and prevent injuries, making it the most important accessory for workwear.

Best-selling products in this category

Italian work trousers Payper

Discover top quality and design at a great price

Show more

Cerva Emerton Stretch

New collection of work trousers with elastic properties

Show more