Overalls

(Free People) 

 (The Schlesinger History of Women in America Collection)

(Unknown)

(Mine)

So I am posting this because it took my a little bit of time, and I figured someone would be interested.

I made my awesome poster board, and tried to research thoroughly, and we didn't even have to turn in a paper :c.

Click if you was to read more.

I have not edited this at all, so bare with me 

Overalls

Toni Lorentzen

Overalls have a long history, which dates as far back as the 1700’s.  Overalls were originally refereed to as slops, and were worn by men while working.   The garment was a symbol of the working class, if you wearing them you were thought to be of lower class.  The wear ability of this garment has change slightly, and is now considered a casual garment.  Overalls are still thought of as the working mans garment, although, mostly portrayed in movies, we see this today with handy men, farmers, and rail road workers. 

Modern day overalls are worn predominately as the main article of clothing, in the 1800’s overalls were worn as a second garment, worn over the wearers clothing.  Overalls were designed with the sole purpose to protect the wearers clothing worn underneath, as well to prevent clothing related work accidents, by containing straps and draping garments from getting caught in machinery or a similar accident.  Spatterdashes are said to be were overalls transformed from, this garment covered from waist to shoe, eventually the look added on the “bib” piece to conceal the chest as well.

The word overalls dates back to 1776, military required American soldiers to wear to cover their other required garments.  Military overalls were often made of linen during the summertime, and switched over to wool, during the colder seasons.  In 1778 the soldiers were enforced upon wearing solely overalls, which is the first indication of wearing them as a main garment, not an over-garment.  In the 1800’s overalls were actually known as pants, by civilians, those not in the military, and were still worn as protective outerwear while working.  Levi’s revolutionized overalls by adding copper rivets.

            During the First World War in American women started taking of jobs of the men in the military, thus adapting overalls as well.  In the 1930’s overalls became a easy garment designed for children’s wear.  Overalls became a fashionable look beginning in the late 60’s.  Overalls have been seen to start up again every so often, which is usually adapted by young trendsetters.  Designers often see this recurrence and well often release an overall look in their collections.  Overalls are constantly popular with children, as well as snow wear, skiing, sledding, etc.  

Works Cited

"A Brief History of Overalls and the Origins of Blue Jeans ." Walton & Taylor. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sep 2011. .

"The History of Overalls." BLAIR MOUNTAIN REENACTMENT SOCIETY. 05/10/2011. Web. 4 Sep 2011. .

"Overalls - Definition of an Overall from the Clothing Definitions Directory." Apparel Search. Apparel Search, n.d. Web. 4 Sep 2011. .