Boiler Suit or Jumpsuit? Which One-Piece Are You?
Boiler suit or jumpsuit, call it what you like, it’s all one-piece dressing. One piece, one decision, and you’re done. The same reason I love a dress, no thinking about what goes with what, just throw it on and go.
I choose a boiler suit for its workwear roots, pockets, structure, and its bit of attitude. A jumpsuit leans softer and more fluid, though a boiler suit can come in more fluid fabrics too, it’s not always workwear-stiff. Whichever one you gravitate to, here are a few tips to help you on your way.
Worker Bee
I’m a practical dresser, it’s one of my fashion fingerprint words. A boiler suit with pockets means I’m always at the ready, hands-free support for getting stuff done. A home for my mobile, my keys and, more importantly, my lip gloss. Perfect if I’m popping to the shops and I don’t want to take a bag.
Up or Down
A reliable wardrobe piece with the ability to service different looks. Paired with kitten heels and a structured bag for a more formal affair. Loafers, trainers or boots for that day-to-day, running-errands, keeping-it-casual feel. I switch out the footwear if I want to go from day to night. You can layer underneath, I sometimes wear a t-shirt and unbutton to give it a different look. And I have been known to tie the arms around my waist so it looks like trousers and a top.
Belt Up
Not all boiler suits are structured, they can have all the styling of one in a drapey soft fabric. A belt is the single easiest way to change the shape. A cinched waist creates a tailored, feminine look, rather than a straight-up-and-down off-duty, borrowed-from-the-workshop silhouette. The style and thickness of the belt can really change it up too and some will come with a self fabric one.
Weight and Weave
A heavier drill or brushed cotton gives structure. If you choose a lighter weight silk or twill, the drape will allow flexibility and fluidity, it will feel more comfortable as it moves with your body, and it’s easier to add a belt to define your chosen silhouette. The weight and the weave you choose will allow you to style and wear accordingly.
Small Talk
People say to me, you’re quite tall you can wear them. Kylie wears them and she’s pint-sized, and she always has hers waisted or belted. If you’re petite, look for a boiler suit with a waist seam or the option to belt it, without one, the fabric can swamp a smaller frame. Rolling the sleeves and cuffs helps too, and a slightly cropped or tailored leg keeps proportions in check rather than drowning you. If you’ve found the right one but the fit’s not quite there, a good tailor can shorten the arms and legs too, don’t rule something out just because the proportions aren’t perfect off the rail. Wear with a heel. Spend time trying a few to see which one is right for you and your frame and experiment with sizing, your usual size may not be the right one here.
The Great Undoing
Let me address the toilet saga. Don’t let this be the reason you don’t wear them. It’s an art and I’ve perfected it. You roll the body and sleeves to the waist so they are compact and out of the way, there’s no arms to get caught up in, or landing where they shouldn’t be. Factor in a bit more time to unbutton and unzip, or you will have to do the jiggle dance. It’s all worth it for the enjoyment of wearing these one-pieces.
Finding Yours
My boiler suits all happen to be vintage, usually found in the men’s section, Beyond Retro is a good bet. They can be fitted to start as the cotton is quite stiff, make sure you do some crouching and sitting, this helps ease the fabric and gives you the best idea of how it’s going to go after a few hours’ wear. If you’re looking for one, here are a selection, my choice would be the Margarita from Free People.
M&S Denim Long Sleeve Wide Leg Jumpsuit, £55 100% cotton, half-button and zip fastening. One reviewer called it the best-fitting boiler suit she’s tried.
Zara Trench Jumpsuit, £59.99 cotton-poly blend, belt loops, front zip.
Next Khaki Green Funnel Neck Jumpsuit, £65 TENCEL lyocell, available in petite, regular, and tall.
Free People We The Free Margarita Jumpsuit, £118 rigid cotton denim, wide-leg, side pouch pockets, selection of colours to choose from.
COS Belted Modal Boilersuit, Terracotta, £119 modal blend, relaxed fit, comes belted.
Hush Evelyn Short Sleeve Denim Jumpsuit, Ecru, £120 cotton-lyocell blend, cropped wide legs, defined waist.
TOAST Wide Leg Cotton Poplin Jumpsuit, Navy, £205 organic cotton, garment-dyed, drawcord waist.
Isabel Marant Kellen Jumpsuit, Black, £595 embroidered washed cotton, broderie anglaise panels, elasticated waist with removable tie belt.
One piece. Maximum impact.