Overalls get searched 11,000 times a month in the UK with almost no ranking competition — and right now there's no dedicated page for them on the site. This guide covers how to choose, the different styles, and sizing.
How to Choose Work Overalls
- Fabric weight — lighter (200–245gsm) cotton/polycotton suits warmer months and light work; heavier (280gsm+) holds up better for farm, mechanical or outdoor winter use.
- Closure — a full front zip is fastest on and off over clothes; a two-way zip lets you kneel or crouch without the fabric pulling at the chest.
- Weather protection — unlined cotton is fine for workshop/indoor use; a waterproof or showerproof outer (taped seams, storm flap) matters for farm and yard work in the wet.
- Pockets and reinforcement — look for a chest pocket for essentials and reinforced knees if you'll be kneeling regularly.
- Hi-vis or plain — hi-vis strips matter on a working farm with vehicle traffic; plain is fine for workshop-only use.
Overalls vs Boiler Suit vs Bib & Brace
The terms overlap, but there's a practical difference:
| Style | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Overalls / Coverall | Full one-piece, covers arms and body, usually zip front | General farm, workshop and mechanical work — full coverage |
| Boiler suit | Another name for the same one-piece coverall (UK usage) | Same as above — interchangeable term |
| Bib & Brace | Dungaree-style trousers with a bib front, no sleeves | Layering over a jumper or jacket in cold/wet conditions, more freedom of movement up top |
If you're often changing layers through the day, bib & brace is more practical. For maximum protection in one go, a full coverall wins.
Best Overalls & Bib & Brace by Job
| Job | Look for | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Farm & yard work | Heavyweight, reinforced knees, hi-vis optional | Work Overalls & Boiler Suits |
| Wet weather / layering | Waterproof bib & brace over a jacket or jumper | Waterproof Bib & Brace |
| General workwear & safety | Browse the full range by weight, colour and brand | Workwear & Safety |
Hoggs of Fife's waterproof trousers and bib & brace range is the deepest stocked option if full waterproofing matters more than a one-piece fit.
Sizing Overalls Correctly
- Size up for layering — if you'll wear a jumper or jacket underneath in winter, go one size up from your normal clothing size.
- Check chest and inside leg together — overalls are sized on both; a good chest fit with a too-short inside leg will restrict movement when crouching.
- Arm and leg length — too short limits reach and bending; too long is a trip and snag hazard around machinery — check against your own measurements, not just a size label.
- Elasticated waist/cuffs — these forgive a slightly looser fit and keep draughts out at the wrists and ankles.
Shop Work Overalls & Boiler Suits
We stock the Hoggs of Fife WorkHogg Coverall, a fully zip-front boiler suit with reinforced knees, in sizes Small to XX-Large. It's a single product line but well stocked across sizes — a solid pick if you want one-piece coverage rather than a bib & brace.
