Basic, Better, Best – Overalls

A couple of weeks ago we talked about creepers and how they are brilliant at keeping us off of the cold, dirty ground when working underneath our classics. But as good as they are they cannot protect us from whatever detritus comes from the car itself; the fluid leaks, the road grime, the flaking rust. Death from above. Which is why a decent set of overalls is a must. We have thrown away countless T-shirts because we thought we’d just quickly take a look at where that annoying rattle is coming from, or tighten that loose bolt we had forgotten about, only for it to then turn into a proper tinkering session. Before we know it we’re rolling around on the floor again, covered in filth, ruining our favourite band shirt when it would have taken five seconds to chuck on a pair of overalls and save those precious threads.

A good pair of overalls gives you the peace of mind to dive head first (sometimes quite literally) into whatever job requires you to get on the floor underneath your pride and joy and will protect you and your clothes from all of that crud we just mentioned. They are also essential for those that don’t have the luxury of a smooth surface to work on, thereby negating the use of a creeper. Coming in all shapes and sizes, from basic coveralls to ones with pockets, padding and extra protection, there is a set of overalls to suit everyone. So, let’s take a look at three options to keep you clean and dry when the fettling fairies take hold.

Basic

A basic set just to keep the grime off is all most of us will likely need and these Roadmaster overalls will do the job. Made of a mix of polyester and cotton they are durable and come with plenty of pockets. Handy for those 10mm sockets, oily rags and your phone for when you’re taking pictures of how everything goes back together. A decent, basic set of overalls, and at under £20 they won’t break the bank either. The fit is described as running large so order a size down from your usual, unless you’re planning on wearing a few layers underneath. Will also double up as a Michael Myers Halloween costume should you require.

Better

A more versatile option is this bib and brace/jacket set from KB Tools. Perfect for those warmer days or when lighter duties are required. Go for the full ensemble when crawling around on the floor and then simply remove the jacket when you move on to other areas of the car. Like the basic option above these come with plenty of pockets but they also have the additional bonus of removable knee pads which can be a godsend. Rugged in construction and easier to get on and off than conventional, full-body overalls.

Best

We’re pretty sure everyone has heard of JCB. Well, aside from making awesome diggers and such they also produce workwear and these JCB Trade Coveralls are a quality option. They’re well made from heavyweight fabric with both zip and press stud fastening, as well as some nice touches like an elasticated waste band and tapered cuffs. They also feature reinforced fabric on the hems and knees. Speaking of which, these come with foam knee pads like the KB Tools above. A great set of quality overalls from a trusted brand. You can’t really go wrong here and they’re a bit of a bargain at around £40.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of good overalls is comfort. A decent fit is imperative so make sure to scrutinise any measurements or fitment guides before ordering and go for a size or two up if you’re going to be wearing clothes underneath. There’s nothing worse that not being able to move freely when working underneath your car and with frustration already mounting when you can’t quite get to that hard to reach bolt, the last thing you need is ill-fitting clothing to exacerbate the situation. Tools will fly.