From Harry Styles’ bejewelled and bedazzled overalls worn throughout his incredible two-year tour, to Taylor Swift’s casually cool rehearsal attire – it’s safe to say that the dungaree is well and truly à la mode.
With all things retro making a comeback over the last few decades, it’s certainly no surprise that the hard-wearing and stylish ensemble has made a return to the spotlight – as it did in the 80s, 90s and early 00s. Whether paired with turtlenecks and plain white t-shirts, matching denim shirts or – for the daring lot among us – nothing at all, dungarees can be styles to reflect aesthetics from any decade of your choosing.
The history of the dungaree goes much further back than you might think. Originating in 17th century India, the noun ‘dungaree’ is a derivative of the Marathi ‘dongri’ – a special type of coarse calico cloth, which was used to make tough and robust workwear. The material is believed to have been named after Dongri Kapar, a harbour village near Mumbai, credited by historians as the birthplace of the style.
Just when work overalls became entirely synonymous with denim is relatively unclear, though we can assume the association occurred in 1853, when Levi Strauss & Co. combined the tool bib and denim trousers to create the very first modern dungarees.
With denim workwear taking off in the late 40s and early 50s during the war effort, the association between heritage denim from the likes of Lee’s, Dickies and Levi’s was solidified. Indeed, both female and male farmworkers and mechanics were known to sport the comfortable and practical ensemble during the Second World War and beyond.
Since then, dungarees have been fashioned with everything from linen and tweed, to cotton and corduroy. While the late 50s saw structured silhouettes with high, squared necklines, the 60s brought the top of the dungaree drop lower and lower with ever-thinning straps. Meanwhile, the 70s put their own spin on dungarees by adding a flared bottom, and the 80s and 90s made the entire silhouette a whole lot baggier.
No matter what kind of aesthetic you’re searching for when it comes to purchasing your very own dungarees, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best on the market. Keep scrolling for the most stylish and comfortable addition to your wardrobe.
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Denim Classic Hickory Stripe Bib
Made from a hardwearing cotton, these train-conductor style striped dungarees are a summertime staple. Pair with a plain white tee and a pair of casual trainers for the ultimate off-duty artist look.
Buy now £90.00, Dickies
Magnolia Pearl Daphne Overalls
Though the original Magnolia Pearl overalls worn by Taylor Swift during the Era’s Tour rehearsals have entirely sold out, we’re just as obsessed with this ecru and rose adorned design. Perfectly distressed with unique artisanal adornments, you’ll take the summer by storm in these oversized, dreamy ‘rees.
Buy now £448.00, Free People
Ziggy Denim Overalls
Available in a whopping 19 different colourways, the Ziggy Denim Overalls from Free People are a much-loved classic. Fabricated from a rigid non-stretch denim, these hardy dungarees will last a lifetime.
Buy now £88.00, Free People
Women's Check Denim Dungarees
Featuring a retro-inspired checked design, these dungarees from Kickers immediately reminded us of a 70’s colour palette. With a high-waisted and straight leg fit, you can wear these overalls out on the town with some platform boots, or as a comfy yet chic WFH outfit.
Buy now £42.50, Kickers
Twill Loose Fit Dungaree
Most dungarees are made from a rigid, non-stretch denim. Not these dungarees from Nasty Gal. Fabricated from a soft and loose-fitting twill fabric, these wonderfully comfortable overalls come equipped with handy, adjustable Velcro straps and deep pockets.
Buy now £45.50, Nasty Gal
Medium blue denim dungarees
Fashioned as more of a denim jumpsuit, this adorable piece from Monki features perfectly squared pockets on both the front and back, as well as some sweet adjustable tie-up spaghetti straps. A fun and flouncy alternative to hard-wearing bib style dungarees, this pair practically redefines the concept of ‘slipping into something more comfortable’.
Buy now £40.00, Monki
Jessa Organic Denim Dungarees
If its sustainably sourced organic cotton you want, it’s what you’ll get with the Jessa dungarees from TOAST. The UK brand’s spin on the classic silhouette is a perfect investment in year-round comfort enhanced further by the deep indigo denim hue that is suitable for any season.
Buy now £185.00, TOAST
Pull & Bear Denim Dungarees
We’re big fans of the relaxed, rolled-up style of these light denim dungarees from Pull & Bear. With a slightly lower waist than most high-street women’s dungarees, this pair is suited to those who prefer a classic boyfriend-style denim silhouette.
Buy now £39.99, Pull & Bear
American Vintage Women's Dungarees Spywood
A slightly alternative silhouette to your classic bib-style dungaree, we love the extended front zip and middle seam on this pair. Featuring the brand’s newest, vintage-inspired green diamond label and a small button-closure pocket on the front - this cute style reflects a perfect blend of style and comfort.
Buy now £180.00, American Vintage
Levi’s Vintage Denim Overalls
When Levi’s declare a design to be vintage inspired, you know it to be true. Designed with the brand’s iconic heritage in mind, this classic workwear essential is available in both a dark and light indigo.
Buy now £120.00, Levi’s
Vintage Dark Wash Liberty Workwear Dungarees - W38
For a true vintage look, we recommend having a gander on ASOS Marketplace. These stunning 1990s dark wash Liberty Workwear dungarees feature some lovely green accenting – but there’s only one pair on offer, so you’ll have to grab them before they’re gone.
Buy now £55.00, ASOS Marketplace
Easton Dungaree: Organic Denim- Mid Wash Blue
Available in sizes 4-32, in three different washes and two different lengths, we’re obsessed with these versatile relaxed fit dungarees from Lucy & Yak. Just like their classic cotton dungarees, these denim ones have a thick adjustable tie strap.
Buy now £74.00, Lucy & Yak
