Overalls, coveralls, dungarees, bibs, and boiler suits are types of personal protective (PPE) workwear. Their main function is to keep the wearer clean and provide some protection from liquids and other elements in the workplace.

What are the main features of Overalls?

Depending on the applications they are used for, they can incorporate a variety of different features, making them suitable for a wide range of jobs and can be made from fabric or disposable material. The main features that overalls and coveralls can provide as protective workwear are:

• Protects the wearer's body – Overalls cover most of the wearer's body which is why in some industries they are considered an essential part of a personal protective uniform. They are incredibly versatile and can be worn anywhere from research or medical laboratories to automotive workshops or construction sites. It is important to ensure that the overall protects the wearer sufficiently based on the application they are being used for, for example wearing a fire-resistant overall when working with potentially flammable products or liquids.
• Visibility – Some overalls feature hi-vis panels to ensure they are seen while at work as an additional safety measure. These can be worn by road workers, refuse collectors, fishermen or those working outdoors with large machinery or vehicles.
• Additional warmth and protection against the elements – Overalls and coveralls are ideal for when working in colder conditions as they can provide an additional layer of warmth, as well as protect against the elements. Some overalls can even be purchased with a built-in thermal lining and waterproof material when working in cold environments for extended periods of time to allow for additional protection against the elements.
• Keeps the wearer clean – For those that work outdoors or in environments that are dirty, overalls and coveralls are easy to wear over normal clothing to keep them clean. Such items of protective workwear are normally ideal for farmers, painters and decorators, vehicle technicians and more.
• Disposable - Disposable coveralls are generally made from a lightweight, breathable material and often have elasticated cuffs on the arms, legs and waist to form a secure and comfortable fit.
• Available in a wide range of sizes - Overalls and coveralls generally have sizes allocated from XS to XXXL to them to ensure that that the wearer has the correct size and is correctly, rather than utilising a one-size-fits-all method that could contribute to an uncomfortable and unprotective fit.

What is the difference between an overall and a coverall?

The main difference is that a Coverall is a loose-fitting protective suit that covers the whole body and an overall is a trouser with an attached bib and shoulder straps. An Overall often does not cover the full body of the wearer, only legs and torso, and is ideal for wearing a workwear jacket over.