Coveralls Vs. Overalls: What’s The Difference?

Remember that post about using the right words for the right products? Well… There’s a common misconception that the only difference between coveralls and overalls is regional – British versus American terminology. If only it were that simple.

In the British workwear industry, the terms often seem interchangeable. A search on many workwear websites for either term will typically lead to the definition of ‘overall’—a garment that covers the torso, arms, and legs.

For instance, “engineer’s overalls” are generally coveralls because they protect against hazards like oils and swarf in engineering. At Suresafe, we strive to use the correct terminology for overalls and coveralls because precision matters.

So what is an overall? And how exactly (or not) does it differ from a coverall? Quite simply, they can be defined as follows:

• Overalls: Trousers with a bib, holder, and loose straps, worn over regular clothes. They do not cover the arms.
• Coveralls: A one-piece protective garment worn for heavy, manual work.

You might think the terminology doesn’t matter as long as you get the garment you need for your work. However, incorrect terminology can lead to ordering the wrong workwear, especially when placing orders over the phone.

Using the dictionary definitions doesn’t help. Far from it. It makes it even more confusing (not least of all because it makes an overall sound like a pair of dungarees!)

• Coverall: A full-body suit.
• Overall: A garment that clips over the shoulders.

Overalls have a history of being associated with farmers and railway workers in the US. Today, they are worn by painters, farmers, factory workers, train engineers, carpenters, and other tradesmen. Overalls became fashion statements in the 60s and 70s, moving beyond traditional denim to various colours and embellishments. They resurfaced as a fashion trend in the 90s. However, our focus here is on their practical use in workwear.

“Bib & Brace” overalls are gaining popularity in the UK, leading manufacturers to include them in nearly every workwear range. Portwest offers a wide selection of overalls across their innovative ranges, including WX3, KX3, and DX4. They even feature flame-retardant Hi-Vis overalls in their PW3 range.

Overalls are especially useful in trades like carpentry and joinery. They offer unrestricted upper-body movement, making them ideal for hands-on trades. However, they provide no more protection to the upper body than an apron. For full-body coverage, consider coveralls.

Coveralls protect workers from various hazards or dirt. Depending on industry needs, they can be designed for warmth, breathability, and protection (e.g., water resistance, thermal insulation, hazmat, fire/flame/heat retardancy).

Coveralls are used by workers in engineering, fabrication, factories, medical fields, and firefighting. Factory coveralls are often designed to be breathable, comfortable, and durable, protecting the body and clothing from harm in heated, cold, or dirty conditions.

Regardless of whether you call them ‘overalls’ or ‘coveralls,’ these garments have a rich history. Ensure you choose the one that provides the right protection for your specific job.

• Material: Consider the fabric based on your work environment. Cotton is breathable, while synthetic blends offer more durability and protection.
• Fit: Ensure the garment fits well to avoid any movement restrictions or safety hazards.
• Industry requirements: Different jobs have specific needs. For example, flame-retardant coveralls are crucial for welding jobs, while waterproof overalls might be necessary for outdoor work.

• Washing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain the integrity of the garment.
• Repairs: Patch up small tears promptly to prevent them from becoming larger.
• Storage: Store in a dry, cool place to prevent mould and mildew.

Ensure your workwear meets relevant safety standards, such as EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility clothing or EN ISO 11612 for flame retardancy.

Look for manufacturers who use sustainable practices and materials. Some brands offer recycled or eco-friendly workwear options.

We don’t have all of the answers at Suresafe but there are questions that come up time and again. With that in mind…

It depends on your job. Overalls are great for mobility but don’t offer full-body protection like coveralls.

Yes, there are coveralls with thermal insulation for cold environments and breathable materials for warmer climates.

Check for certifications like EN ISO 11612 on the label, which indicate flame-retardant properties.