When imagining the traditional farmer, most people see someone wearing denim overalls . Have you ever wondered why they wear this outfit? In today's society, it has become rare to see a farmer in traditional overalls, although they are still very often worn and put forward for these practical aspects. It is often the first image that we have when we evoke the agricultural world but where does the origin of this work overalls come from which gives so much charm to farmers.

1 - The Agricultural World and the Denim Overalls?

Farmers began wearing denim overalls in the United States in the 1700s. They were originally called " slops " and became the standard uniform of the farming class . Overalls were worn as a protective layer over clothing while farmers worked. Overalls, also called bib overalls or dungarees, were originally made from denim, but the fabric varied from canvas to corduroy . They came to be mass-produced by Levi Strauss in the 1890s. Farmers adopted them because of denim's resistance to the elements and daily life of a farmer.

Unlike other fabrics, denim is able to withstand mud or water for long periods of time without breaking down like normal fabric would. The jeans used in overalls were sturdy and inexpensive. This made it easy for farmers and the working class to afford them, and they also got their money's worth. The denim bib overalls were also very adjustable , meaning you didn't have to worry about them getting too tight or too loose.

Not only are La Salopette sturdy , but they are also comfortable . When working their land, they wanted their clothes to be comfortable while still being functional . Overalls not only offered them the necessary protection against mud, dirt, dust and other splashes, but they also met their need for comfort. Overalls are generally a little roomy, allowing the farmer to bend over easily without feeling cramped. They also do not constrain the arms, which allows them a good range of motion. Farmers often bend under machinery or reach into awkward positions. The ability to move their arms freely was a huge plus.

La Salopette don't hang down like traditional pants and because they sit over the shoulder, you don't need a belt. Imagine bending over all day, you would end up getting annoyed from continually adjusting your pants. These suspenders eliminated this inconvenience for farmers.

Another advantage was that La Salopette had an additional chest pocket . These pockets allowed farmers to carry their tools without the need for a separate tool belt. One of the most valuable things for a farmer is his time. Anything that can facilitate the work of a farmer saves useful and judicious time for him. The dungarees' chest pockets allow them to keep their tools on them, so they don't have to go back and forth. In the world of agriculture, saving time means saving money.

There are, however, a few downsides to wearing overalls. First, if you're working in cold weather, they don't provide much warmth, which forces farmers to wear extra jackets and layers. This takes away a lot of benefits, as we mentioned above. If you needed wind protection, overalls weren't much help except for the legs and torso.

Innovation came with all these drawbacks, which is why you see farmers wearing overalls today. Depending on the climate of the region where they are and their work… We also see farmers in overalls which is a work tool similar to overalls.

2 - Difference between Overalls and Jumpsuit?

The wetsuits do what their name suggests, which is to say, they cover the whole body . This means that you don't need any other clothes, like a jacket, since the suit covers both your legs and your torso. Whatever clothes you wear under your coveralls or overalls will protect you from the messy elements you work in, such as rain, oil or mud. However, not all suits are as insulating as dungarees because the fabric is thinner and offers very different adaptations. Some wetsuits are made of lightweight material, which allows them to breathe well. Another benefit of coveralls is the high visibility they provide, as they often have some sort of reflective marking on the garment.

The suits also have leg, arm and chest pockets. Many farmers find themselves carrying around a bunch of small tools, and so adding all that extra storage is considered highly beneficial to their profession.

The main problem with wetsuits is their inability to regulate your heat. The only way to regulate the heat of a suit is to open the zipper, which makes it very impractical to work with. This is where dungarees have an edge over coveralls by giving you the flexibility to layer while maintaining high levels of protection.

3 - What is the Best Tool for Farmers?

As you can see, farmers have many practical and useful reasons for wearing denim overalls instead of coveralls. They offer farmers an essential layer of protection that accompanies their daily work. Denim overalls also give them plenty of storage on the bib , which helps them carry their tools. They stay in place thanks to their adjustable straps , so you don't have to worry, your dungarees will follow you for many years. Another positive point, the denim holds up well to the wear and tear that can be encountered on a farm.

Farmers still favor the traditional denim dungarees for their daily tasks, but this classic outfit will always remain the image we have of them and this authentic style is even making notable appearances in the world of urban fashion.