OVERALLS: FUNCTIONAL, POLITICAL, FASHIONABLE
This book chapter focuses on overalls, and the wide range of both practical uses and fashionable trends for which their design has been adapted and applied. From the Eastern European desexualized and gender-neutral socialist uniform, to the similarly practical and androgynus American wartime garment, to the eventual design of the skisuit, spacesuit, and the disco-chic jumpsuit. It mainly covers the versatility of the design, from both aesthetic perspectives as well as functional ones.
I’ve personally always been quite fascinated by the overall, as the pre-coordinated outfit has a seemingly limitless realm of possibility. Its was fascinating to read about the very specific cultural significance that different versions of this garment have had in the past, and how incredibly varied that history has been. One quote that stuck with me especially was that overalls can be seen”in utopia as an ideal outfit, and in dystopia as a cursed one.”. They contain both the strength to completely empower the wearer and simultaneously to completely strip them of their originality and personal style. So much of the culture of the garment comes from the culture of the specific design or even the greater context of the environment within which it is worn.