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A GUIDE TO BIB OVERALLS
Fabrics & Features Behind the Green Zipper
Do you remember the first time you pulled on a pair of overalls? Giving you a sense of comfort coupled with a get-things-done attitude? Learn what’s behind the green zipper of Liberty®️ Bibs as we explore the history, fabrics, and distinctive features that have made them iconic.
Do you remember the first time you pulled on a pair of overalls? Giving you a sense of comfort coupled with a get-things-done attitude? Learn what’s behind the green zipper of Liberty®️ Bibs as we explore the history, fabrics, and distinctive features that have made them iconic.
THE HISTORY OF OVERALLS
Overalls, or bib overalls as they are commonly known, are a type of garment originally designed (and still used) for manual labor. They consist of trousers with a bib attached and held up by straps over the shoulders. They are a one-piece wonder that unites comfort, functionality, and durability.
Being directly tied to farming or heavy-duty work, overalls have a rich history that dates back to the late 18th century. Today, Liberty overalls are loved by farmers, mechanics, artists, and more.
Did You Know?
Liberty Bibs has been in business since 1912. Yep, that’s right. You can learn more about our heritage here.
THE RESILIENT FABRIC BEHIND THE GREEN ZIPPER
When you're picking out a pair of overalls, the fabric is a major player in the decision-making process. It's the deciding factor that sets apart overalls you put on from those that remain dependable until the job is done. Let's take a closer look at the two most common fabrics in the overall game: Denim and Duck.
DENIM: THE WORKHORSE WARDROBE STAPLE
Denim: a tried & true partner for those who enjoy getting their hands dirty. It's made by a process called twill weaving, resulting in a sturdy cotton warp-faced textile where the weft goes under two or more warp threads. The result is a rugged yet comfortable material that's a popular choice for overalls.
STONEWASHED DENIM:
Stonewashed denim has a distinctive, worn appearance. The fading is achieved through a laundering process involving abrasive stones, giving each piece a unique, weathered look. Stonewashed denim is soft to the touch while still remaining durable.
STONEWASHED DENIM:
Stonewashed denim has a distinctive, worn appearance. The fading is achieved through a laundering process involving abrasive stones, giving each piece a unique, weathered look. Stonewashed denim is soft to the touch while still remaining durable.
RIGID DENIM:
A 100% cotton bib that's built to last and conquer your daily tasks with ease. Unlike stonewashed denim, rigid denim remains unwashed. This fabrication maintains the fabric’s stiffness, while breaking in the denim slightly with wear and tear, resulting in a sturdy yet comfortable bib.
RIGID DENIM:
A 100% cotton bib that's built to last and conquer your daily tasks with ease. Unlike stonewashed denim, rigid denim remains unwashed. This fabrication maintains the fabric’s stiffness, while breaking in the denim slightly with wear and tear, resulting in a sturdy yet comfortable bib.
HICKORY STRIPE DENIM:
Hickory stripe overalls are a great choice for hardworking people who have an appreciation for the classics. Characterized by white and indigo vertical stripes, hickory stripe denim goes back to traditional railroad worker uniforms. Made from 100% cotton yarn dye twill, this bib offers a classic look with a durable and comfortable feel.
HICKORY STRIPE DENIM:
Hickory stripe overalls are a great choice for hardworking people who have an appreciation for the classics. Characterized by white and indigo vertical stripes, hickory stripe denim goes back to traditional railroad worker uniforms. Made from 100% cotton yarn dye twill, this bib offers a classic look with a durable and comfortable feel.
BENEFITS:
Denim is strong, built to take a beating. It's comfy and only gets better with time, making it a go-to for people who work hard day in and day out.
BENEFITS:
Denim is strong, built to take a beating. It's comfy and only gets better with time, making it a go-to for people who work hard day in and day out.
BEST USES FOR DENIM OVERALLS:
Denim overalls are a smart choice for tackling chores around your acreage, perfect for anything from tending your garden, fixing up the barn, DIY projects, to those easygoing days just tending to the homestead.
BEST USES FOR DENIM OVERALLS:
Denim overalls are a smart choice for tackling chores around your acreage, perfect for anything from tending your garden, fixing up the barn, DIY projects, to those easygoing days just tending to the homestead.
DUCK: THE HEAVY-DUTY CHAMP
Next up is Duck - a canvas material that's basically the heavyweight champion of the overall world.
BENEFITS:
Duck fabric, characterized by a tight weave, offers notable durability and wind resistance, surpassing denim for tough jobs. Its robust structure ensures it can withstand heavy labor and harsh conditions, providing superior tear and scrape resistance. Ideal for challenging environments, duck fabric delivers ultimate protection and comfort.
Added bonus: Liberty duck fabric comes in a variety of colors, like Rose Brown, Pecan, Frosted Sage, Midnight Black, Bright White, and Grape Leaf (to name a few.)
BENEFITS:
Duck fabric, characterized by a tight weave, offers notable durability and wind resistance, surpassing denim for tough jobs. Its robust structure ensures it can withstand heavy labor and harsh conditions, providing superior tear and scrape resistance. Ideal for challenging environments, duck fabric delivers ultimate protection and comfort.
Added bonus: Liberty duck fabric comes in a variety of colors, like Rose Brown, Pecan, Frosted Sage, Midnight Black, Bright White, and Grape Leaf (to name a few.)
BEST USES FOR DUCK OVERALLS:
Duck overalls are a match made in heaven for heavy-duty jobs like construction, carpentry, or any task that demands a tough, long-lasting fabric.
BEST USES FOR DUCK OVERALLS:
Duck overalls are a match made in heaven for heavy-duty jobs like construction, carpentry, or any task that demands a tough, long-lasting fabric.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RABRIC FOR YOUR NEEDS
When deciding between denim and duck, consider the type of work (or play) you'll be doing. If you need overalls for heavy-duty tasks, duck is your best bet. But for casual or light-duty tasks, denim will serve you well. Also, consider your environment and personal comfort. If you're working in chillier conditions, the extra warmth from duck fabric may be beneficial. However, if breathability is a priority, denim's your best bet.
FEATURES: HOW TO PICK OVERALLS THAT GO THE EXTRA MILE
Once you've nailed down your fabric, it's time to dive into the various features of overalls. Liberty overalls have practical features like pockets, button closures, button claps, and adjustable straps all tailored to the needs of hardworking people.
POCKET SCIENCE: THE ART OF STASHING YOUR STUFF
Let's talk pockets - those magical portals where you can stash everything from wrenches to wallets. Overalls are renowned for their generous pocket provision, but not all pockets are created equal.
DIFFERENT POCKET TYPES:
Bib overalls come with an array of pockets, including patch pockets, inset pockets, and the iconic bib pocket. Some overalls even feature nifty hammer loops or ruler pockets for added utility.
DIFFERENT POCKET TYPES:
Bib overalls come with an array of pockets, including patch pockets, inset pockets, and the iconic bib pocket. Some overalls even feature nifty hammer loops or ruler pockets for added utility.
BEST USES FOR EACH TYPE:
Patch pockets are great for quick-access items. Inset pockets offer a sleeker look while still providing utility. The bib pocket is your go-to for items you need close to your chest (quite literally.)
BEST USES FOR EACH TYPE:
Patch pockets are great for quick-access items. Inset pockets offer a sleeker look while still providing utility. The bib pocket is your go-to for items you need close to your chest (quite literally.)
BEHIND THE GREEN ZIPPER:
The bib pocket features our iconic Liberty green zipper, offering a convenient spot for essentials like a cell phone or a pen.
BEHIND THE GREEN ZIPPER:
The bib pocket features our iconic Liberty green zipper, offering a convenient spot for essentials like a cell phone or a pen.
BUTTON CLOSURES & BUTTON CLASPS
When it comes to keeping your overalls snug and secure, there are two main contenders: buttons closures and button clasps.
BUTTON CLOSURES:
Button closures, typically found on the sides of overalls, offer a more traditional look. Liberty bibs feature button closures at the waist. This makes it easy to get the garment on and off.
BUTTON CLOSURES:
Button closures, typically found on the sides of overalls, offer a more traditional look. Liberty bibs feature button closures at the waist. This makes it easy to get the garment on and off.
BUTTON CLASPS:
Button clasps can be found on the straps of Liberty Bibs, providing you with the freedom to make easy adjustments. With the shifter conveniently positioned on the strap linked to the clasp, you can effortlessly customize the fit, granting you the freedom to make it snug or relaxed. Such versatility comes in handy when you decide to switch up the base layer beneath the bib.
BUTTON CLASPS:
Button clasps can be found on the straps of Liberty Bibs, providing you with the freedom to make easy adjustments. With the shifter conveniently positioned on the strap linked to the clasp, you can effortlessly customize the fit, granting you the freedom to make it snug or relaxed. Such versatility comes in handy when you decide to switch up the base layer beneath the bib.
DEPENDABLE AND ADJUSTABLE BIBS:
The best overalls are those that feel like they were made for you. And this is where adjustability comes into play.
SHOULDER STRAPS:
Liberty overalls come with adjustable shoulder straps that allow you to customize the length and fit based on your torso size. This not only impacts comfort but also affects the position of the bib and the crotch of the overalls.
SHOULDER STRAPS:
Liberty overalls come with adjustable shoulder straps that allow you to customize the length and fit based on your torso size. This not only impacts comfort but also affects the position of the bib and the crotch of the overalls.
FABRICS AND FEATURES MAKE THE OVERALLS
Whether you're wearing a pair for work or play, getting to grips with these factors can help you find the perfect pair for your needs. Denim and duck offer unique benefits and cater to different preference and use cases. Similarly, understanding the features like pocket types, fastenings, and adjustability can help you pick a pair that's not only comfortable and practical but also suits your style.