Workwear - specifically overalls/bibs

[tronstein]

Is anyone familiar with workwear brands that are forthright with their place of manufacture AND that place matches the origin of the company? Meaning an American brand that's manufactured in America or a German brand that's manufactured in Germany?
Like many people, I like to know where my tools come from, and that sometimes extends to my clothing. I'm familiar with some brands here in the states like Pointer, but I'm generally not into the denim, duck, and hickory stripe stuff. I'm looking for overalls that are a little more "technical", à la Uvex or something similar.
If anyone knows any brands that manufacture in the country where they're based, I'd appreciate some recommendations. Thanks!

 

[redwrench60]

Bib overalls not made from denim or duck? You lost me. I didn’t know there were any other options

 

[tronstein]

Bib overalls not made from denim or duck? You lost me. I didn’t know there were any other options

Right? I feel like that's what we mostly see here in the states. I've been browsing some euro brands and they seem to have more options. But again, I like to know where my stuff is coming from.

 

[redwrench60]

I’ll be damned. But softer alternative material bibs take all the fun out of life. I mean...how am I supposed to get home from work and prop my Carhartt duck bibs up in the corner like a walking stick?

 

[old_smokey]

Local to me there is Tough Duck, and it’s sister company Work King. Made in Winnipeg, Canada. Comparable to Carhartt stuff but smaller product offering. It’s pretty good stuff


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[Mohawk Dave]

When I visited Germany I fell in love with the Engelbert-Strauss work wear store. That's what everyone wears out there...I don't know where every piece is made etc, but here's a website that can get you started on research...

https://www.engelbert-strauss.de/en/workwear-safetywear/

 

[Negen]

https://www.round-house.com/product...sa-classic-blue-denim-button-fly-bib-overalls

https://www.themanstoreonline.com/AmeriFire-AR-ArcticB-p/arcticb.htm

https://www.themanstoreonline.com/Saf-Tech-IBO16-p/ibo16.htm


Here are some bibs

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[tronstein]

Cool, thanks for the tips so far!

 

[matt_i]

Universal Overall. THe classic cotton coverall is still made in USA last I checked. Have several pairs of them.

 

[Chucktin]

Does anyone make a "tropical weight" bib overalls?
That may be a contradiction but I've yet to find something I could use, here in Florida, that I can stand 8 months out of the year.

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[richfinn]

Snickers are massive in Europe (they may use another name in the USA because of the chocolate bar)

I think they are a Swedish brand (Hultafors)

No Idea where its made but it is awesome stuff and they do make lighter summer/insulated winter versions of some items

https://www.snickersworkwear.com/products/91

 

[tronstein]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. The Engelbert-Strauss and Snicker's stuff is pretty spot on as far as what I had in mind. Now if I could figure out how to get my hands on some here in Ohio, I'll be in business.

 

[richfinn]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. The Engelbert-Strauss and Snicker's stuff is pretty spot on as far as what I had in mind. Now if I could figure out how to get my hands on some here in Ohio, I'll be in business.

These guys are near me in the UK, I have used them a few times successfully

They will ship to USA and have pricing in $$$

It's expensive stuff but it's absolutely the best I have used and it washes well and is ultra durable

Follow the size conversion charts carefully they use a Swedish system that make no sense (it uses one double digit number for waist and length combined)

http://www.snickersdirect.com/

 

[mobiledynamics]

I just checked my Snickers stuff....it's got like 4 tags but zero of COO.
I cannot recall but if memory is correct, it's not made anywhere in the EU

Their KneePads /pockers+kneepads are great and do not ride up/down and always is in the right position FWIW!

 

[richfinn]

Apparently in the USA Snickers workwear is called "Skillers" because of the chocolate bar and trademark issues, in the UK we used to call the chocolate bar "Marathon"

Snickers appears to be mostly made in Latvia (Europe)

 

[AmericanMechanic]

Not sure if the have overalls but 1620 looks good? Don't own any but am window shopping. Made in USA.

 

[Qualitytools]

I had a Swedish finish carpenter work for me for a few months over a decade ago and he wore these unusual work pants made by BLAKLADER made in Sweden, they were very innovative. I am not sure if they made overalls or not but very well thought out as far as work clothing.

 

[mobiledynamics]

The Snickers IMO are 2X the quality of the Blakladers, in material , stitching. The Blakladers I had - the cut on them was very wide. Maybe for a fat dude with -fat- legs, but it felt like I was was wearing Jinco Widebottom Jeans. Material was similar in weight to other brands but I was never of fan of them from day 1

 

[Dave455]

I find that Country of origin is more important with regard to clothing than many other items. A lot of imported items just don’t seem to have the right fit, and lack consistency from garment to garment.

I don’t know if it’s any good to you but there are many firms in the U.K. who manufacture workwear in the U.K. Many of them do offer a selection, and often the better stuff is British made, but the cheapest is imported.

I’ve worn stuff by Wearwell in the past, which certainly was U.K. made, and quite decent. I mention this because I know that MSC in the U.K. keep some of their stuff, so that might be an easy way to get it in the U.S.

There, is, however, a huge range, and relatively similar items are available in cotton duck, poly / cotton, or polyester. The former are great to wear, the latter are not. There are also more modern fabrics, such as shown below.

The other problem is the style of workwear. In the U.K. overalls are common, as are one piece suits, and two piece suits with jacket and trousers. The ‘bib and trousers’ are almost unknown here, but I have seen this style more often in Europe, so am sure it’s available there.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Between Carharrt, Blaklader and Snickers knee pockets styles, the snickers knee pockets / pads are the best I've ever had. It does not shift, it fits in the pocket as designed and most important of all, when kneeling, it lands where it needs to be, which is the - knee-. YMMV

It does have alot of -branding- on it, if that matters so if you're not into all that -flash-, I generally opt for the Carhartts which are a bit more discrete. The kneepads are not even close though. The shift, knees don't land on them when kneeling, etc !

 

[tronstein]

These are all great insights, everyone. Thanks!

 

[My Old Tools]

Does anyone make a "tropical weight" bib overalls?
That may be a contradiction but I've yet to find something I could use, here in Florida, that I can stand 8 months out of the year.

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Redneck summer wear---combat, overalls, and side buttons open. no shirt...

 

[Bad Mojo]

Not sure if the have overalls but 1620 looks good? Don't own any but am window shopping. Made in USA.

No overalls at this time, but my favorite pants of all time. The double front wear like single fronts.

 

[StrongArm100]

I had a Swedish finish carpenter work for me for a few months over a decade ago and he wore these unusual work pants made by BLAKLADER made in Sweden, they were very innovative. I am not sure if they made overalls or not but very well thought out as far as work clothing.

Yes they do. they have a bunch of overalls and coveralls.
Look great but not cheat. I have told their bottoms, overalls and coveralls are really great but jackets just average