Overalls

About Overalls

Overalls, also known as coveralls or boiler suits, provide comprehensive full-body protection for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts working in demanding environments. These one-piece garments shield clothing from dirt, dust, chemicals, sparks and general wear whilst offering comfort and unrestricted movement during physical tasks. Modern overalls have evolved far beyond basic workwear, incorporating advanced fabric technologies including flame-resistant materials, high-visibility features, antistatic properties and weatherproof coatings to meet specific industry standards and workplace safety requirements.

Tooled-Up.com stocks an extensive selection of overalls from leading manufacturers including Portwest, Bizflame, Araflame, Bizweld, Dickies and Modaflame. The range encompasses specialist flame-resistant coveralls meeting EN ISO 11612 standards for welding and hot work environments, hi-vis options compliant with EN ISO 20471 for roadside and low-light conditions, insulated winter overalls for cold weather working, and lightweight breathable designs for year-round comfort. Many professional overalls feature practical enhancements such as multiple pockets including rule pockets, reinforced knees, brass zips that resist corrosion, and adjustable cuffs secured with hook-and-loop fastenings.

Whether you're a welder requiring flame-resistant protection, an engineer needing antistatic properties, a painter wanting disposable lightweight coverage, or a mechanic seeking durable everyday workwear, selecting the appropriate overall type ensures both safety compliance and working comfort throughout long shifts on site or in the workshop.

Jargon Buster

• Flame Resistant (FR): Fabrics treated or inherently manufactured to self-extinguish when exposed to flames, preventing continued burning. Inherent FR properties won't diminish with repeated washing, unlike topical treatments which can degrade over time.
• Multi-Norm: Overalls certified to multiple safety standards simultaneously, such as flame resistance, antistatic protection, arc flash defence and chemical resistance, providing comprehensive protection for complex work environments.
• EN ISO 20471: European standard for high-visibility warning clothing, specifying minimum areas of fluorescent background material and retro-reflective tape to ensure wearer visibility in hazardous situations and low-light conditions.
• Antistatic: Garments designed to prevent the build-up of static electricity, essential when working with flammable substances, in explosive atmospheres, or around sensitive electronic equipment that could be damaged by electrostatic discharge.
• 300D Oxford Weave: A basketweave fabric construction measured in denier (D), indicating thread thickness. 300D represents a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant material ideal for industrial applications requiring long-lasting durability.
• Brass Zip: Non-sparking metal fasteners preferred in flame-resistant workwear as they resist corrosion, won't melt under heat exposure, and maintain functionality in harsh environments better than plastic alternatives.

Who Uses Overalls?

Overalls serve professionals and enthusiasts across numerous industries and applications:

• Welders and fabricators requiring flame-resistant and spark-proof protection during hot work
• Mechanics and automotive technicians needing oil and grease-resistant coverage in workshops and garages
• Engineers and maintenance personnel working with machinery in manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Electricians and sparkies requiring antistatic properties and secure pockets for tools
• Painters and decorators protecting clothing from splashes, spills and overspray
• Carpenters and joiners wanting durable workwear with multiple pockets for fixings and hand tools
• Agricultural workers and farmers needing tough, washable protection for outdoor tasks
• Warehouse operatives and logistics staff benefiting from hi-vis options for fork truck environments
• Construction workers and site labourers requiring weather-resistant and high-visibility garments
• Chemical industry workers needing specialist fabric protection against hazardous substances
• Pest control technicians benefiting from insect-repellent treated fabrics
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners protecting clothing during messy renovation and maintenance projects

How to Choose the Right Overalls

Assess Your Hazard Requirements: Identify specific workplace risks including flames, sparks, chemicals, arc flash, weather exposure or visibility concerns. Select overalls certified to appropriate EN or ISO standards such as EN ISO 11612 for flame resistance, EN ISO 20471 for high visibility, or EN 1149 for antistatic protection. Multi-norm options provide comprehensive coverage when multiple hazards exist simultaneously.

Consider Fabric Weight and Breathability: Heavier fabrics (typically 300-350gsm) offer superior durability and abrasion resistance for heavy industrial work, whilst lightweight options (180-260gsm) provide greater comfort in warmer conditions or for less demanding applications. Super-lightweight coveralls suit summer working or disposable applications, whereas insulated winter overalls incorporate thermal linings for cold weather site work.

Evaluate Practical Features: Look for functional details including sufficient pocket configurations (chest, side access, rule pockets, back pockets), knee pad pockets if working at low levels, adjustable cuffs and ankles for secure fitting, and quality fastenings such as brass zips that won't corrode or melt. Two-way zips offer convenience for toilet breaks without complete removal.

Check Sizing and Fit: Overalls at Tooled-Up come in regular, tall and stout fitting options to accommodate different body shapes. Ensure adequate room for layering underneath in winter whilst avoiding excess fabric that could snag on machinery or create trip hazards. Many professional ranges offer tailored fits specifically designed for male or female wearers.

Maintenance and Longevity: Consider washing requirements, particularly for flame-resistant garments where improper laundering can compromise protective properties. Inherent FR fabrics maintain protection throughout the garment's life, whereas treated fabrics may require specific detergents and wash temperatures to preserve effectiveness.

Popular Accessories

• Knee pads and knee pad inserts providing cushioning and protection when kneeling on hard surfaces
• Tool belts and work braces for carrying additional equipment without overloading overall pockets
• Hi-vis vests and jackets for layering over standard overalls when visibility requirements change
• Safety boots and work footwear completing head-to-toe protection with steel toe caps and slip-resistant soles
• Gloves in various materials including leather riggers, mechanics' gloves and flame-resistant options
• Hard hats and bump caps protecting against head injuries on construction sites and industrial environments
• Safety glasses and face shields essential for eye protection during grinding, cutting or chemical handling
• Ear defenders and hearing protection reducing noise exposure in loud workshop environments
• Respirators and dust masks filtering harmful particles, fumes and vapours
• Work shirts and base layers for comfortable wearing beneath overalls in varying temperatures

Safety Information

Certification Compliance: Always verify that flame-resistant and protective overalls display appropriate CE marking and certification labels confirming compliance with relevant British and European standards. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) requires employers to provide suitable PPE for identified workplace hazards, and overalls must meet minimum standards for the specific risks encountered.

Proper Maintenance: Follow manufacturer washing instructions meticulously, particularly for flame-resistant garments where incorrect detergents, fabric softeners or excessive temperatures can degrade protective properties. Inspect overalls regularly for damage including tears, worn areas, compromised seams or faulty fastenings, and replace garments when protection is compromised.

Correct Usage: Ensure overalls fit properly without excess loose fabric that could catch in machinery or create entanglement hazards. Fasten all closures securely and tuck in any drawstrings. Never modify protective garments by removing reflective tape, altering seams or adding non-compliant embellishments that could compromise safety certification.

Combination Protection: Remember that overalls form just one element of complete PPE systems. Combine with appropriate safety footwear, head protection, eye protection, hearing protection and respiratory equipment as your risk assessment dictates. High-visibility overalls don't eliminate the need for additional precautions in traffic management situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between inherent and treated flame-resistant fabrics?

Inherent flame-resistant fabrics have fire-retardant properties woven into the fibre structure itself, meaning the protection lasts the lifetime of the garment and won't wash out. Treated fabrics receive a topical chemical application that provides flame resistance but may gradually diminish with repeated washing and wear. Inherent FR fabrics like those used in Bizflame and Araflame ranges offer superior long-term protection and reliability, though they typically command higher initial prices.

How should I size overalls for wearing over regular clothing?

Order one or two sizes larger than your normal clothing size to accommodate comfortable layering, particularly if you'll wear the overalls over work trousers and jumpers during winter months. Consider chest and waist measurements rather than relying solely on standard sizing, and check manufacturer sizing charts as dimensions vary between brands. Adjustable features including elastic waists, cuff tabs and multiple closure points help fine-tune the fit.

Can I have company logos embroidered on flame-resistant overalls?

Yes, but embroidery must be performed using flame-resistant threads and positioned away from critical protection areas. Embellishment can potentially compromise certification if non-compliant materials are used or if stitching weakens fabric integrity. Always consult the manufacturer's guidelines and use specialist workwear embroidery services familiar with FR garment requirements to maintain safety standards and compliance.

How often should I replace work overalls?

Replace overalls when they show visible wear including thinning fabric, holes, compromised seams, non-functioning zips, faded high-visibility colours or damaged reflective tape. For flame-resistant garments, follow manufacturer guidance on maximum wash cycles and inspect regularly for signs of degradation. Even without obvious damage, overalls subjected to heavy industrial use typically require replacement every 12-18 months to maintain adequate protection levels.

What's the difference between overalls and coveralls?

The terms are largely interchangeable in the UK, both describing one-piece full-body garments. "Coveralls" is more commonly used in industrial and safety contexts, whilst "overalls" is the traditional British term. Some professionals distinguish "overalls" as bib-and-brace style garments worn over trousers, but in the workwear industry, both terms typically refer to the same full-body protective garments available from Tooled-Up.