The 5 Best Overalls for Men
Just like the denim from which they're made, overalls will never go out of fashion. Their popularity extends to all sorts of work environments, from construction sites to auto shops. And even those that don't need the protection of tight stitching and durable denim still choose overalls for their comfortability and practicality. The perfect pick has ample pocket storage and feels good to wear. Overalls have been around for a long time, so it's no wonder why there are so many different options on the market. That's where we come in. We've whittled down the list and found the best of the best in men's overalls. Here, you'll find our top five favorites, from the inexpensive option to the premium pick.
Dickies Men’s Bib Overall
Full-grown men can still wear bibs
While we won’t focus on the pun too much, Dickies Men’s option wins our Best Overall pair of overalls. When it comes to durable denim, Dickies does it right. With superior craftsmanship and tight triple-stitching, these overalls are designed to protect your legs and torso from snags, pokes, and tears. They’re the ideal choice for those that work in construction or a similar trade, since the high level of toughness doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The pant legs are quite roomy, and the belt-less midriff section allows for optimal breathability. Dickies is a trusted brand that has been around for almost a century, so if you’re in the market for quality overalls that can endure the rigors of the workday, here they are.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Super durable
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Sizing runs narrow around the waste
Carhartt Men’s Zip to Thigh Bib Overall Unlined R37
Premium overalls for a premium price
When Carhartt first started, they quickly grew a reputation for making tough, work-ready clothing. More recently, however, they have become a popular brand in the world of fashion. Now, Carhartt offers clothing options that combine the best of both worlds. These “Zip to Thigh” overalls are the ideal choice for men of all working backgrounds, with an old-school-cool style and an unmatched durability. The material is 12-ounce, firm-hand cotton duck, which means it’s water-resistant, heavy-duty, and rigid. Of course, they start to break in over time and quickly hit that perfect sweetspot between soft and durable. Although most color and size combinations will set you back around a hundred dollars, these Carhartt overalls are a worthwhile investment for those that want the best of the best.
Pros
- Comfortable suspenders
- Zippered front pocket
- Double-front knee pads
Cons
- Pricey
Red Kap Men’s Denim Bib Overall
Put a Kap on your spending
You don’t have to sell the family farm to get a quality pair of overalls. Inexpensive options do exist, so grab your pitchfork and let’s dig in to this budget pick from Red Kap. These dungarees are designed to deliver the optimal functionality for the working man. They feature a rule pocket and hammer loop as well as two front pockets, a bartacked pencil stall, and two backpockets. Best of all, the 100% cotton denim is durable yet surprisingly comfortable. Plus, with Red Kap’s high standard for quality control and American-made fabrics, this pick is guaranteed to feature tight stitching and quality craftsmanship. And with most sizes costing less than thirty-five bucks, you can even get a couple different pairs.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Ample pockets
- Strong stitching
Cons
- Button fly
Walls Men’s Big Smith Rigid Bib Overall
Lookin' clean and gettin' dirty
You don’t have to sacrifice style for work clothes. Walls Men’s offers overalls in four different styles and their Hickory Stripe stands out as particularly eye-catching. You can also elect for their rigid or stonewashed styles to stay in vogue. Unlike most dungarees, these ones fit a bit more like straight-legged jeans than do their competitors, while still allowing enough roominess to accomodate a life in motion. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a pair of overalls based on appearances alone. These dungarees are just as strong and durable as any other, sporting 11.5 ounces of rigid denim and that coveted zippered fly.
Pros
- Stylish
- Durable
- Deep pockets
Cons
- Order a size up for a relaxed fit
Dickies Men’s Painters Bib Overall
Dungarees that project confidence
Dickies has made it onto our list twice, this time with their painters bib overalls. Popularized among some of the first unionists in the United States, all-white denim became a symbol of professionalism among working men. For one, wearing white as a painter was a pretty baller move back in the day, as the starch-white color was proof that the wearer didn’t spill a drop. And if you did spill paints, chemicals, or dyes onto your white overalls, a simple wash with bleach restored that bright white color. These days, painters pants and overalls no longer carry the symbol of professionalism that they did in days of yore, but they do remain a popular choice for those looking for a stylish, comfortable, and work-ready pair of dungarees.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable
- Straight-leg fit
- Super strong
Cons
- Stiff at first but eventually break in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of overalls versus regular jeans?
If you’re undecided on getting overalls, there are a number of advantages worth considering. For one, overalls eliminate the infamous “plumber’s crack”. We aren’t sure why plumbers get the namesake, since butt cracks can be found on display across a wide spectrum of professions. And even if you work alone and out-of-sight, overalls are simply a safer work garb compared to standard jeans. Stooping down, kneeling, and carrying gear in your arms is far easier when your midriff is protected by hardy denim. Plus, heavy fabric sits more comfortably when the weight is dispersed throughout your back and shoulders, rather than your hips. At the end of the day, overalls are just extended jeans that give you greater comfort and protection.
How do I ensure that I get the right fit?
As we all know, getting the perfect fit can be kind of tricky. When it comes to overalls, you should first consider how they will be used. If you plan to wear them doing manual labor, it may be in your best interest to go a size higher than what you would normally wear. Overalls have the advantage of not needing a belt, so going a little wider in the waist department can’t hurt. We recommend researching the particular brand that you’re interested in to see if their sizing run small. For those that want to rock a pair of overalls as a fashion statement, you’re in luck. Most options on our list are true-to-size, so stick with your normal dimensions for a straight-leg fit.
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