To the uninitiated, boiler suits represent nothing more than a piece of utilitarian uniform, likely worn when engaging in menial tasks for all-round comfort and protection. Oh, how wrong you would be in thinking so lowly of the women’s boilersuit, for its historical sartorial significance is simply unrivalled.
The history of the boilersuit traces back to 18th-century coal workers during the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. However, the uniform was quickly adopted by female munitions workers during the Second World War when they took to factories to manage the workforce shortage due to the ongoing draft.
The infamous Rosie the Riveter campaign depicted the indefatigable female wartime heroes who rolled up their sleeves and took to manual labour to meet wartime demand.
Yet it wasn’t until the 1980s that contemporary fashion brands would draw on the concept of the boilersuit to create socially liberating, practical and sumptuously comfortable coveralls for women to wear on a quotidian basis.
The early 2010s saw a slight girl-boss-ifiacation of the boilersuit, which left a sour taste in some Gen-Z’ers mouths. We’re talking acid-wash denim from a bygone moment in the 80s paired with doughnut buns, matte red lips and a statement high-waisted belt. We hate to say it, but those days are so very gone. The irony that the 2017 series Girlboss starring Britt Robertson as Nasty Gal's founder Sophia Amoruso brought back the denim boilersuit is not lost on us. That figure-hugging 70s denim dream is burned into our brains.
The historical fashion faux pas of the 2010s boiler suit was further remedied by the masters over at Glossier, who in 2019 decided to dress the entirety of the staff working the shop floor of any Glossier branch in a millennial pink boilersuit. The instantly covetable, yet entirely inaccessible garment arguably served as another catalyst for the trend, which we’re seeing pick up again in 2024.
As such, we’ve curated a selection of the best contemporary and vintage-inspired boilersuits on the market. Keep scrolling to make fashion history.
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Peachy Den The Kernel Velvet
Cult favourite London-based brand Peachy Den has built a reputation for its figure-hugging jumpsuits that can take you from day to night in an instant. In navy velvet with sporty front pocket detailing, it’s the staple all-in-one addition to your closet you never knew you needed.
Buy now £125.00, Peachy Den
Western Denim Jumpsuit
Howdy, partner. This western denim jumpsuit from Whistles makes for a brilliant autumn/winter uniform. Pair it with a cosy cashmere scarf in a statement colour for a look that will turn heads on any city street. Available in petite and regular sizes.
Buy now £65.00, Whistles
Cassidy Denim Jumpsuit
When it comes to replicating the iconic denim boilersuit from Girlboss, you’ll come no closer to the real thing than with Reformation’s Cassidy Denim Jumpsuit. Crafted from 80 per cent organically grown cotton and designed to have a slightly more relaxed fit, this will be a year-round wardrobe staple for years to come.
Buy now £198.00, Reformation
Dickies Vale Coveralls
When it comes to traditional workwear-inspired garments, look no further than Dickies. This slouchy yet sophisticated noir jumpsuit can be dressed-up or down for any occasion.
Buy now £95.00, Dickies
L.F. Markey Long Sleeve Danny Boilersuit
L.F. Markey’s cobalt blue boilersuit is the perfect piece for subtle statement. As much of an oxymoron as that statement seems, we’re simply praising an effortlessly stylish piece that will make heads turn for all the right reasons.
Buy now £179.00, END
Good American Fit For Success Palazzo Jumpsuit
Paint the town with this figure-hugging palazzo jumpsuit from Khloe Kardashian’s denim brand, Good American. Featuring a hidden front-zipper closure for a seamless silhouette, as well as an ultra-flattering wide flare finish – you simply can’t go wrong.
Buy now £150.00, Good American
Finisterre Women's Moffat Boilersuit
Perfect for those with a predisposition for being in the great outdoors, this boilersuit by Finisterre was inspired by Gwen Moffat, the first female mountain guide. We’re head over heels for the rose quartz hue, which reminds us of a certain makeup brand’s shopfloor uniform…
Buy now £111.00, Finisterre
Wide Leg Organic Cord Jumpsuit
Looking for the ultimate, sumptuously soft all-in-one to throw on at a moment’s notice? Toast has got you covered with this wonderfully slouchy, dropped-sleeve, wide-legged boilersuit crafted from organic cotton cord.
Buy now £185.00, TOAST
River Island long sleeve cargo denim boilersuit in dark denim
Offering a delightful combination of comfortable cargo denim and the practicality of a boilersuit, this option from River Island will be a welcome addition to your transitional wardrobe. Pair with your favourite trainers and a chunky-knit beanie.
Buy now £65.00, River Island
