Coveralls vs overalls vs bodysuits

[tegeus-Cromis]

Yeah, this is what "overalls" means in the States. I don't think this is what you have in mind. Signature Overalls, Denim at L.L. Bean

 

[tegeus-Cromis]

And why is it one-piece? I agree with Venusian Broon here. Not spills only, but tears or any other damage either unslightly or pragmatic. In every case, the entire kit has to be replaced. Wear shirts and pants, and you need only replace the one. That goes even for mandated clothing--just look at the soldiers of any army.

Also, you need a crotch flap to go to the bathroom.

 

[Star-child]

On the Venture Brothers, short sleeved jumpsuits are called "Speed Suits", not to be confused with one piece lycra garments for sprinters.

In the US, I would say that a one piece garment that is not worn as a protective over suit (coveralls) is going to be called a "jump suit", regardless of whether anyone is jumping and is now a fashion term: Jumpsuit - Wikipedia

The term comes from parachutists, but is now a term like "cargo pants" or "fatigues" that has a much less specific meaning. Garments for flyers are 'flight suits', and are sometimes referred to by pilots as "bags".

Also, you need a crotch flap to go to the bathroom.

In the future, the scientists that broke the speed of light barrier next turned their attention to replacing the zipper. Thus, jumpsuits that are easy to use the toilet with were born, removing the need for sf authors to worry about such practical matters in their stories.

 

[Phyrebrat]

Hey Boss,

Make your own up; this is far too small an issue to get tied up on

pH

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I may be showing my age as well as my nationality, but "overalls" is indelibly fixed in my mind as another name for dungarees. Coveralls would be something you wear over your other clothes while working to keep them from being soiled.

However, I do try to make adjustments when reading something not by a US author--when I know what the term in question means. Like jumpers instead of sweaters. But I don't always know the term in question.

But sometimes it doesn't matter. For instance I was reading something ... oh, about a year ago ... where the main character was a man who at certain points did manual labor on a space ship, and it made sense to me that he would put on something resembling dungarees over his other clothing to reduce wear and tear, since dungarees would be tougher than what he might be already wearing. Now I know that was not what the author intended, but it didn't cause me any puzzlement or distraction at the time I was reading, so I don't think it was important.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Overalls are trousers with an attached bib and shoulder straps; I believe they are dungarees in UK.
Coveralls are one piece protective wear. Astronauts wear coveralls.
In US there are definite historic cultural implications attached to each.

I may be showing my age as well as my nationality, but "overalls" is indelibly fixed in my mind as another name for dungarees. Coveralls would be something you wear over your other clothes while working to keep them from being soiled.

Yes, this.

Overalls are what farmers wear. Coveralls are what mechanics wear. Bodysuits are spandex, with or without (sorry, HB and Richard Simmons) sequins.

Jumpsuit would be more what I'd go for, as it's far more flexible a term. On the other hand, what everyone else said about one-piece outfits in general.

And make up your own word is good too.

 

[Parson]

For my money TDZ got the whole American side of the discussion down perfectly. Perhaps with the addition that here on the Plains if you say "coveralls" it also implies clothes covering your other clothes for warmth as much as protection.

 

[Robert Zwilling]

I could believe overalls in the future would be stain resistant. The picture I have is open tops with shoulder straps and back then no one was wearing shirts.

 

[Karn's Return]

I'm not a fan of all in one body wear, not something I'd wear, never a fan of dungarees or the jumpsuit. As for onesies I always think why are adults wearing baby grows?

I think boiler suit would work better than overall or coverall.

It has to do with agility and safety. Tight-fitting one-piece clothes are less likely to snag or get in the way of escaping from enemies is the thing, Nix.

 

[Juliana]

It has to do with agility and safety. Tight-fitting one-piece clothes are less likely to snag or get in the way of escaping from enemies is the thing, Nix.

Like those close-fitting flame-retardant jammies they sell for small kids...

 

[Karn's Return]

You mean they're meant to be flame-retardant. I don't really think they do all that great a job...