When did overalls originate?

Once reserved as utilitarian work clothes for farmers, miners, and fishermen, overalls have since evolved to become wardrobe staples for everybody, offering both durability and comfort. And despite being around since the mid-18th century, they’re still (somehow!) on-trend.

What are some ways to style overalls?

It all depends on the season, but hoodies, sweaters , and turtlenecks all look great under overalls during the fall and winter months, especially when paired with chunky combat boots or hiking boots. For summer, go for a basic tee or tank paired with sandals or sneakers. “I love a white denim overall with a crop band tee and tennis sneakers," says Osemwenkhae. It’s a look that's easy casual, but also playful."

Where should I not wear overalls?

“Overalls have a casual flair and are best styled in relaxed ways. I’d avoid wearing them in more elevated work scenarios,” says Brown. But Osemwenkhae says that you may be able to get away with making them business casual depending on how you style it. “If it’s a fabric like a silk polyester paired with a puff sleeve button-down blouse and heels then it can work. If you want a more traditional look, you can also pair overalls with a boyfriend blazer, pumps, and white tee,” adds Osemwenkhae.

The 14 Best Overalls of 2024

Collage of overalls we recommend on a gray background — Byrdie / Kevin Liang

If you’re looking for an outfit to wear on your WFH days (with a little yard work in between) and then out to meet a friend, look no further than the classic overall. They’re chic, unfussy, and easy to style, pairing well with everything from a simple white T-shirt and sneakers to a roll-neck sweater and casual heels. Also, any outfit that has several built-in pockets is worth the hype.

Overalls hold up well over time and are generally wearable all season. “Retailers are stocking overalls as an easy piece for casual, daily wear,” says stylist Samantha Brown. “The key is to find the right fit, where they’re loose enough to feel relaxed, but tailored enough to give some shape.” So, if you’re on the hunt for a pair, we’ve selected the best overalls, ranging from sturdy, organic cotton options to breezy linen fabrics in a plethora of colors.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Wildfang The Essential Overall at Wildfang.com (See Price)

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Best Budget:

YESNO Casual Cropped Bib Pant Overalls at Amazon ($35)

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Best Splurge:

Reformation River Relaxed Denim Overalls at Reformation ($218)

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Best Plus-Size:

Old Navy Slouchy Straight Ankle-Length Jean Overalls at Gap.com (See Price)

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Best Organic Cotton:

Cos Wrap-Back Wide-Leg Overalls at Cos.com (See Price)

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Best Dressy:

Maeve The Portside Button-Front Jumpsuit at Anthropologie ($110)

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Best Boho:

Uaneo Bib Overalls Jumpsuits with Pockets at Amazon ($25)

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Best Classic:

Levi’s Vintage Overalls at Amazon ($95)

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Best High-Waist:

Free People We the Free Ziggy Denim Overalls at Nordstrom ($98)

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Best for Travel:

YESNO Women’s Casual Overalls with Pockets at Amazon ($36)

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Best Overall

Wildfang The Essential Overall

PHOTO:

Wildfang

View on Wildfang.com

Size: XS—3X | Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | Colors: 6

The Portland-based, gender-neutral brand Wildfang has created a near-perfect overall to suit everybody. Made with soft, high-quality cotton, the Essential Overall features a relaxed fit with just a touch of stretch, as well as deep pockets and adjustable straps. Since they’re a Climate Neutral-certified company, these bestselling overalls are also a more eco-conscious buy, plus they get rave reviews.

Best Budget

YESNO Casual Cropped Bib Pant Overalls

PHOTO:

Amazon

$35 at Amazon

Size: XS—5X | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 27

For a free-flowing look, these cropped wide-leg overalls will do the trick. Not only can you select from 20 shades (ranging from Rust, Teal, and Ginger hues, as well as Hemp, Black, and Light Khaki), but they also come in a wide size range. Airy and casual, with an ankle-length crop and two side splits on the legs, these overalls would look great with a white T-shirt or black tank and strappy sandals.

Best Splurge

Reformation River Relaxed Denim Overalls

PHOTO:

Reformation

$218 at Reformation

Size: 0—14 | Material: 80% Regeneratively Grown Cotton, 20% Recycled Cotton | Colors: Galway, Fior Di Latte

If you’re down to spend just over $200 on a pair of denim overalls, look no further than these ones from Reformation. We’re big time fans of the sustainable brand for many reasons, with the biggest being that their pieces are always crafted with amazing quality, and these overalls—crafted from regeneratively and recycled cotton—are no different! From the relaxed fit to the retro vibe it gives off, you truly can’t go wrong.

Best Plus-Size

Old Navy Slouchy Straight Ankle-Length Jean Overalls

PHOTO:

Old Navy

View on Gap.com

Size: 00—30 Regular, Tall, Petite | Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Recycled Cotton | Colors: Medium Wash, Light Wash, and Dark Wash

Not only does Old Navy come through with reasonable prices, but reviewers love the comfortability of these jean overalls. “This classic overall has a cropped leg, working well on petite body types, and has an extensive size run, making it my pick for curvy sizes,” says Brown.

Best Organic Cotton

Cos Wrap-Back Wide-Leg Overalls

PHOTO:

Cos

View on Cos.com

Size: XS—L | Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Colors: Black, Navy

Who knew overalls could look so fancy? While we don’t recommend you tackle gardening work or a long hike in these organic cotton overalls, they’re one of the rare looks that you can, however, wear to the office or fancy restaurant. Featuring a relaxed fit and wide, full-length legs, it’s the sleek, V-shaped wrap-back that makes this pair stand out. They’re “a comfortable, great alternative if you don't want to wear a denim overall,” says fashion stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae.

Best Dressy

Maeve The Portside Button-Front Jumpsuit

$110 at Anthropologie

Size: 00—26 Tall, Petite | Material: Viscose, Linen, Cotton, Elastane | Colors: Black, Green, Mango

One thing we love to look for in overalls is a vast size range, and this pair of overalls from Anthropologie does just that! With multiple sizes available in standard, tall, petite, and plus, you can find the perfect fit and length for your body. This specific style gives off more of a dressy vibe thanks to the fabric blend and fit, with thicker straps and a few buttons going down the front. This would look fab in the office or going out to drinks with friends.

Best Boho

Uaneo Bib Overalls Jumpsuits with Pockets

PHOTO:

Amazon

$25 at Amazon

Size: S—XXL | Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Linen | Colors: 10

Made with breathable, lightweight cotton (ideal for the warmer months), these overalls feature a relaxed silhouette and baggy mid-rise waist. The straps only have three buttonholes, so they’re not as adjustable as other denim overalls, but we love the color options (10 to be exact).

Best Classic

Levi’s Vintage Overalls

PHOTO:

Revolve

$82 at Amazon $138 at Revolve View on Levi.com

Size: XS—XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: Light Wash

Trust us when we say you can never go wrong with a classic pair of overalls, and this pair from Levi’s really is that girl. It’s giving ‘90s mom in the best way possible, and we’re obsessed with the perfect vintage wash. With pockets galore and side buttons, this is a pair of overalls you can keep in your wardrobe for years and years.

Best High-Waist

Free People We the Free Ziggy Denim Overalls

PHOTO:

Zappos

$98 at Nordstrom $98 at Lulus $98 at Zappos

Size: XS—XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 4

Osemwenkhae loves the slouchy, relaxed style of these Free People Ziggy Overalls. These racerback overalls come in several shades, but we’re partial to the black and white options. They’re easy to style and great to throw on for any manner of occasions.

Best for Travel

YESNO Women’s Casual Overalls with Pockets

PHOTO:

Amazon

$36 at Amazon

Size: X—3X | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 10

You want to make sure you’re comfortable before any long-haul flight. These cotton overalls are a great alternative to yoga pants or sweats and feature a tapered leg and drawstring waist. Tapered cuts work well for petite figures since you can roll up the bottoms if the pants are a tad too long without the bulk.

Best Corduroy

Patagonia Stand Up Cropped Corduroy Overalls

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Patagonia

View on Patagonia.com

Size: 0—18 | Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex | Colors: Pitch Blue, Nest Brown, Pumice

We certainly love a good corduroy, especially with the fall season approaching. Perfect to pair with a long-sleeved shirt or a thin sweater, these Patagonia overalls come in three neutral shades and are great for exploring the great outdoors or getting dirty in the backyard. They’re crafted in a Fair Trade Certified factory using “cotton in conversion,” meaning it’s a sustainable, organic option, and features a unique, half-moon pocket design.

Best Flared Leg

Show Me Your Mumu Everhart Jumpsuit

PHOTO:

Revolve

$218 at Revolve

Size: XS—XL | Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | Colors: Lunar Blue

If you’re on the hunt for more of an overall-jumpsuit hybrid, we think you’re going to fall head over heels in love with this piece from Show Me Your Mumu. With a perfect flared leg and short sleeve style, this is giving ‘70s energy. Pair it with some chunky jewelry and a pair of white sneakers for a casual, laid-back look.

Best Oversized

Gap '90s Loose Overalls

PHOTO:

Gap

View on Gap.com

Size: XXS—XXL Regular, Tall, Petite | Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Recycled Cotton | Colors: Light Destroy

Not all overalls are created equal. Some are super tight while others are on the more relaxed end. And if you fall into the latter category in regards to what you’re searching for, you need to add this oversized piece from Gap into your shopping cart stat. The silhouette won’t swallow you up, rather, it has a relaxed feel that you can wear in practically any situation.

Best Linen

Lulu’s Drawstring Wide Leg Jumpsuit

PHOTO:

Luluâs

$69 at Lulus

Sizes: XS–XL | Fabric: 80% cotton, 20% linen | Colors: 2

For a linen set that can take you from weekend coffee to cocktails, this functional green jumpsuit from Lulus pairs well with everything from a tank top to a white tee. The sage green shade transitions well from summer to fall (it also comes in black), and you can easily throw a cardigan over the soft, linen-cotton blend fabric in cooler months.

What to Look for in Overalls

Fit: The perfect overall fit depends on your preference and body type, but in general, overalls should have a relaxed fit. They’re designed to be casual, comfortable, work-wear clothes. You should also have enough room in the thigh and knee area to move around comfortably and look for adjustable straps. “A comfortable fit is key—they should hit at the right spots on the body so that you still have a waistline, even if they’re baggy,” says Brown.
Material: Osemwenkhae prefers styles made with 100% cotton (ideally organic or sustainably sourced) or cotton with a touch of spandex. “I would definitely go with a stiff denim versus a denim with stretch, which gives the overalls a better look and shape,” says Osemwenkhae. “Linen is also great for overalls since it's lightweight and looks great in the summer with a strappy sandal or espadrilles.”
Pockets: What’s not to love about pockets? One of the best aspects of wearing overalls isn’t just the comfortability, but the roomy (numerous) pockets. After all, overalls were originally made to be the ultimate work clothes. Expect to have at least four pockets in a denim pair, but you may only get two in some linen-cotton options.

FAQ

When did overalls originate?

Once reserved as utilitarian work clothes for farmers, miners, and fishermen, overalls have since evolved to become wardrobe staples for everybody, offering both durability and comfort. And despite being around since the mid-18th century, they’re still (somehow!) on-trend.
What are some ways to style overalls?

It all depends on the season, but hoodies, sweaters, and turtlenecks all look great under overalls during the fall and winter months, especially when paired with chunky combat boots or hiking boots. For summer, go for a basic tee or tank paired with sandals or sneakers. “I love a white denim overall with a crop band tee and tennis sneakers," says Osemwenkhae. It’s a look that's easy casual, but also playful."
Where should I not wear overalls?

“Overalls have a casual flair and are best styled in relaxed ways. I’d avoid wearing them in more elevated work scenarios,” says Brown. But Osemwenkhae says that you may be able to get away with making them business casual depending on how you style it. “If it’s a fabric like a silk polyester paired with a puff sleeve button-down blouse and heels then it can work. If you want a more traditional look, you can also pair overalls with a boyfriend blazer, pumps, and white tee,” adds Osemwenkhae.

Why Trust Byrdie

Taylor Augustin is a freelance beauty and fashion writer with bylines in Byrdie, Brides, Popsugar, Who What Wear, Teen Vogue, and more. She loves following the latest trends while still maintaining her personal style, and overalls will forever be in her collection. For this article, she researched market trends, looked at customer reviews, and found the best of the best for Byrdie readers.

Amber C. Snider is a New York City-based journalist and editor specializing in culture, design, and lifestyle stories with bylines in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Elle Décor, Town & Country, Atmos, HuffPost, Fodor’s Travel, Lonely Planet, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. To round out her research for this article, she interviewed the below experts:

New York City-based celebrity stylist Samantha Brown has been featured in Nylon Magazine, Badgley Mischka, OK!, Westfield Style, Gold Coast Magazine, Minnie Rose, Newsday, and more.
Beverly Osemwenkhae, also known as Beverly O, is a fashion consultant and founder of the style concierge firm Project Bee Consulting.