Why choose overalls for manual labor jobs?
Work overalls are an essential piece of workwear for professionals in manual labor. This garment, emblematic of tradespeople and workers, has stood the test of time without losing its relevance. But why choose work overalls when you work in a manual trade? In this article, we'll explore the many advantages of this versatile garment, as well as its numerous variations for men and women.
Clothing adapted to the demands of manual labor.
Manual labor requires robust and functional clothing. Whether for men or women , workwear is distinguished by its durability. It must be able to protect workers in often demanding environments. Work clothes such as work trousers , work jackets , or coveralls , made from sturdy materials like cotton , offer optimal protection .
Maximum protection
The main advantage of work overalls lies in their ability to protect against cuts, dirt, and minor accidents. This type of clothing is designed to withstand wear and tear and protect workers' skin. Cotton , used in many work garments , is a breathable and comfortable material that allows for efficient work, even for long hours.
Comfort and practicality
In addition to their durability, work overalls are also designed for maximum comfort. Their loose fit allows for a wide range of movement, essential in manual labor. Furthermore, numerous pockets are often featured on work trousers and coveralls. These allow for the easy carrying of tools or other essential everyday items.
Men's work overalls
Men working in manual labor jobs particularly appreciate overalls and work trousers , which offer both protection and comfort. On the Manelli website, you can find men's work overalls in a variety of sizes to suit all body types.
- Men's 100% cotton work overalls LMA – Price: €33.50
Detailed size guide for men's workwear
Choosing the right size ensures freedom of movement, safety, and garment durability. Measure yourself with a tape measure while standing and breathing normally: chest circumference under the armpits, waist circumference at the narrowest point, and hip circumference. Add 4 cm for ease when wearing a thermal t-shirt or fleece.
| Chest measurement (cm) | Jacket size | Waist circumference (cm) | Pants/Overalls Size | Recommended height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 – 96 | 0 / S | 76 – 84 | 38 – 40 | 165 – 172 |
| 96 – 104 | 1 / M | 84 – 92 | 42 – 44 | 170 – 177 |
| 104 – 112 | 2 / L | 92 – 100 | 46 – 48 | 175 – 182 |
| 112 – 120 | 3 / XL | 100 – 108 | 50-52 | 180 – 188 |
| 120 – 128 | 4 / XXL | 108 – 116 | 54 – 56 | 185 – 192 |
| 128 – 136 | 5 / 3XL | 116 – 124 | 58 – 60 | 190 – 198 |
Additional tips:
- If your height exceeds 190 cm, opt for the "Long" version available on certain models.
- The "Athletic" cuts are 2 cm more fitted at the biceps and thigh; ideal for athletic builds.
- After washing at 90°C, cotton can shrink by 2%; anticipate this if you work in an industrial laundry.
Women's work overalls
Women's workwear is designed with the same protection and safety requirements, but with tailored cuts to fit the female form. Women's coveralls , for example, are both practical and stylish, while offering excellent protection in the field.
- Colline women's work overalls by LMA – Price: €45.60
Detailed size guide for women's work overalls
The female morphology often presents a more pronounced difference between the bust, waist, and hips; a precise fit avoids pulling when bending or unsightly excess fabric.
| Chest measurement (cm) | Jumpsuit size | Waist circumference (cm) | Hip circumference (cm) | Pant size |
| 80 – 86 | 34 / XS | 62 – 68 | 88 – 94 | 34 / XS |
| 86 – 92 | 36 / S | 68 – 74 | 94 – 100 | 36 / S |
| 92 – 98 | 38 / M | 74 – 80 | 100 – 106 | 38 / M |
| 98 – 104 | 40 / L | 80 – 86 | 106 – 112 | 40 / L |
| 104 – 110 | 42 / XL | 86 – 92 | 112 – 118 | 42 / XL |
Comfort focus: LMA and Lafont offer blue work overalls in a "Lady-Fit" cut; the back strap forms an X to better distribute the weight without compressing the chest.
Fitting tips
- Squat down: the crotch seam should neither pull nor gape.
- The wrist should cover the wrist bone but not the palm when you extend your arms in front of you.
- If you wear internal knee pads, test them in a kneeling position before purchasing.
The different types of work overalls
Work overalls come in various styles to suit different professions. Among the most popular are:
The work combination
Work overalls are a popular garment among professionals because they cover the entire body, providing complete protection. They are particularly well-suited to jobs involving exposure to dirt or chemicals.
- Dickies work overalls – Price: €59
Work trousers
Work trousers are essential for those who value freedom of movement while benefiting from enhanced knee and thigh protection. Some models feature additional pockets for storing tools.
- Herse LMA work trousers – Price: €30
The work jacket
The work jacket perfectly complements work trousers . It provides an extra layer of protection against the elements and the hazards of the job. Furthermore, some work jackets have insulating linings for working in cold conditions.
The work overalls
Work overalls are another practical and comfortable garment, often chosen for jobs requiring a lot of movement. With their adjustable straps, they provide good support without constricting the waist.
- Lafont blue work overalls – Price: €46.60
The work blouse
The work blouse is an ideal choice for those working in laboratories, the food industry, or the healthcare sector. It offers excellent coverage and is distinguished by its lightness and ease of care.
- Cepovett work blouse – price: €27
What fabric should I choose for a work suit?
The choice of fabric influences durability, thermal comfort, and maintenance:
- 300 g/m² cross-woven cotton : breathable, withstands melting temperatures up to 150 °C; perfect for welders and boilermakers.
- Polycotton 245 g/m² : polyester-cotton blend, dries 30% faster, wrinkles less; ideal for the logistics sector with frequent indoor/outdoor traffic.
- Canvas stretch 260 g/m² : 2% elastane integrated into the warp yarn; follows your movements when you climb scaffolding.
- Ripstop 210 g/m² : anti-tear grid; used by rope access technicians who rub the rock.
- 3-layer softshell 320 g/m² : water-repellent, windproof, microfleece interior; recommended for outdoor service teams.
- Flame-retardant twill 350 g/m² : Proban® or Pyrovatex® treatment + antistatic thread; essential in petrochemicals.
- Reinforced denim : vintage look, Cordura® thread inserted, 4 times stronger than classic jeans – leather road and motorcycle garage.
- Eco-designed fabrics : GOTS organic cotton, recycled polyester; CO₂ emissions reduced by 45% compared to conventional.
Workwear: adapting to the specific needs of each profession
| Job | Recommended part | Key features | Manelli example |
| Carpenter | Trousers with floating pockets | Cordura® knee reinforcements, hammer clips, ruler pocket | LMA Herse Trousers |
| Mechanic | Double zip combination | Elasticated ankles, grease-resistant, zipped chest pockets | Dickies Everyday Jumpsuit |
| Landscape gardener | High-back overalls | Water-repellent fabric, khaki green color camouflages grass stains | Lafont Cobalt Overalls |
| Electrician | Antistatic blouse + HV vest | EN 1149-5 fabric, 50 mm retroreflective strip | Cepovett Shield Blouse |
| Agri-food | white polycotton blouse | Plastic snap closure, machine washable at 90°C | Cepovett Food Blouse |
| Welder | Cowhide split leather jacket | Flame resistant, aramid stitching | Portwest KR50 Jacket |
| Tile setter | Trousers with knee pads EN 14404 | Neoprene reinforcements, adjustable leg bottoms | Mascot Advanced Pants |
| After-Sales Service Technician | Softshell jacket | 8000 mm membrane, pre-formed sleeves | U-Power Atom Softshell |
Good to know : our "Industry" and "Function" filters guide you to the product that matches your job description.
Safety and standards: clothing designed for protection
Work clothes are not only durable, they must also meet safety standards to effectively protect workers. For example, some professions require the wearing of safety shoes in addition to workwear . These shoes are reinforced to protect feet against impacts or punctures.
Workwear , like that from the Lafont brand, often meets European standards that guarantee product protection and durability. By investing in Lafont workwear , you are assured of acquiring a quality product, designed to last.
- Lafont work overalls – Price: €20.30
Additional safety: work shoes
High-performance workwear only works effectively when paired with certified footwear. Understanding the standards prevents you from over-equipping (and therefore overspending) or, worse, under-protecting your feet.
| Standard | 200 J nozzle | Anti-perforation plate | Hydrocarbon sole | Water resistance | SRC Membership |
| S1 | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| S1P | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| S2 | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | Water-repellent stem | ✔ |
| S3 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Water-repellent stem | ✔ |
Selection advice
- Composite tip : 50% lighter than steel, non-conductive of cold.
- Dual density PU sole : cushioning + anti-abrasion layer.
- Vibram® cleat profile : grip on mud and gravel.
- ESD : mandatory in electronics; prevents discharge towards sensitive components.
Clothing-shoe co-ownership
- Opt for trousers with tapered bottoms to prevent them from getting caught in the cleats.
- The overalls provide continuity between the pelvis and the shoe; perfect with high S3 ankle boots.
- Consider using fire-resistant shoelaces if you work near flames.
Manelli examples
- Puma Safety Airtwist S1P : €79, 480g, BreathActive mesh, for indoor logistics.
- Safety Jogger X2020 S3 : €94, waterproof leather, SRC anti-slip sole, for outdoor construction sites.
Choosing the right workwear for your job
It is essential to choose work overalls suited to your specific needs. Criteria to consider include size , price , level of protection offered, and comfort.
Size and fit
Choosing the right size workwear for men or women is essential for optimal comfort and safety. Whether you opt for overalls or work trousers , ensure they are loose enough to allow for good freedom of movement without being too baggy, to prevent accidents.
Fast delivery and online options
Order your workwear online at Manelli! Enjoy fast delivery and a wide selection of products at competitive prices . You'll also find outfits suitable for all trades. Sizes vary, and we offer custom options to meet your specific needs.
Workwear is a smart choice for anyone working in manual labor. Whether you're looking for overalls , work trousers , or a work jacket , you'll find a wide selection at Manelli . Furthermore, the variety of sizes and styles available for both men and women ensures that every professional will find what they need. Take advantage of our attractive prices and fast delivery .
If you'd like to learn more about workwear , please visit our website and explore our wide range of products. You'll find everything you need to work safely and comfortably.
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