Boys Overalls

By Michele Wanke

Michele Wanke

Michele has over two decades worth of professional writing experience.

Boys overalls are not only fashionable and functional, but they are also surprisingly affordable if you factor in how long they last.

History of Overalls

When overalls were first introduced in the 1800s, they were used as protective clothing for industrial workers. Technical students started wearing overalls to jobs in the early 1900s, and later the practice spread to all students. A short time later the one-piece work overall arrived. It was made from tough cotton or linen, and fit over a shirt or vest. As the years passed, overalls became the standard uniform for auto mechanics in the United States. It wasn't until the 1960s that overalls became fashionable for the general public. By the early 1970s top clothing designers began selling one-piece overalls in different colors and patterns as high-quality leisure wear. Less than a decade later, young people helped create a fashion frenzy by wearing overalls with one of the straps loose or unfastened along the side and under the arm.

Little Boys and Overalls

Overalls have long been associated with rural men and boys in the Southern and Midwestern portions of the United States, especially:

Farmers
Railroad workers
Factory workers
Painters
Train conductors
Carpenters

For this reason it's no surprise that little boys, who want to emulate their fathers, uncles and brothers, feel at home in overalls, which are typically made of comfortable fabric, such as denim, corduroy and cotton, and feature numerous pockets.

Popular Boys Overalls

Boys overalls are easy to find. They are available at department stores, discount retailers, and thrift stores. Some of the most popular brands include:

OshKosh B'Gosh

OshKosh B'Gosh is a quintessential brand when it comes to boy's overalls. Their overalls for boys are extremely durable and come with fun features such as:

Hammer loop
Ruler pocket
Bib pocket
Multiple side pockets
Brass buttons

Oshkosh B'Gosh's overalls for boys also come with adjustable shoulder straps and offer a roomy fit around the waist for easy movement.

Old Navy

Old Navy's overalls for boys are made from stylish denim and feature adjustable straps attached to a bib with a large center pocket. The fully functional cotton overalls are machine washable and come with:

Belt loops
Front slant pockets
Back patch pockets
Hammer loop
Multiple utility pockets

Levi's

Levi's is a world leader in denim manufacturing. What's more, their overalls for boys are among the company's top sellers, and for good reason. The denim overalls are made from superior craftsmanship and feature Levi's trademark leather-like back patch. The 100 percent cotton overalls also feature Levi's logo snaps and hardware and come in a variety of washes, including faded-wash and acid-wash.

The Children's Place

The Children's Place stonewashed cotton denim overalls for boys are sure to please your mini engineers. The overalls' combed cotton jersey lining is ideal for young children's delicate skin. They are also styled with practical room-to-grow features, such as shoulder straps with two buttons, so you can easily adjust it to fit your little guy. In addition, the cute chest pocket, two side pockets, one with a coin welt and two back pockets with signature stitching for an authentic look, are designed to fit all of your son's treasures.

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart's Child of Mine by Carter's - Newborn Boys' Short-Sleeve Tee and Overalls are affordable and functional. The cotton denim overalls look great and are easy to care for. They include: