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How to Wash Overalls
Wash overalls inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, with the straps fastened and the buckles closed, and air dry them when you can. Cold water protects the colour and the fit, and air drying avoids the shrinkage that high heat causes in denim. Wash them only when they need it, spot clean small marks, and skip the dryer for rigid denim and stretch denim alike.
Before the first wash
Before the first wash, fasten the straps and close the buckles so the metal does not bang against the drum or catch on other clothes. Turn the overalls inside out to protect the outer colour, and empty the pockets. Check the care label for the exact temperature and drying advice, because some denim has its own instructions.
New denim can bleed colour in the first wash, especially dark indigo. Wash new overalls alone or with other dark clothes the first time, and use cold water. That first wash sets the colour and gives you a sense of how much the denim will change.
Washing: cold, gentle, inside out
Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Cold water protects the colour, the fit and the stretch, while hot water can shrink rigid denim and wear out the elastane in stretch denim. Use a small amount of detergent, because excess detergent leaves marks on denim.
Wash overalls only when they need it. Denim does not need washing after every wear, and frequent washing fades the colour and wears the fabric faster. Air them between wears, spot clean small marks with a damp cloth, and wash when they are truly dirty or smell.
Drying without shrinking
Air drying is the safest choice. Hang the overalls by the waist or lay them flat, and keep them out of direct sun so the colour does not fade unevenly. Air drying avoids the shrinkage that high heat causes, which matters most for rigid denim.
If you must use a dryer, use low heat and take the overalls out while they are still slightly damp, then let them finish air drying. High heat shrinks denim, wears out stretch, and can damage buckles. Never put overalls in a hot dryer after a hot wash, because that combination shrinks them the most.
Keeping the fit and the straps
Washing and drying change the fit slightly, so check the straps after each wash. Straps can shift in the wash, and the bib may sit differently until you reset them. Put the overalls on, adjust both straps evenly, and check the bib, waist and hem before you wear them out.
Store overalls hung by the straps or folded, not crumpled in a drawer. Hanging keeps the legs straight and the bib flat, while folding is fine if you smooth the legs first. Keep the buckles closed in storage so they do not scratch other clothes.
Overalls sizing tool
Use the Overalls Size Calculator
Enter waist, hips, inseam and height measurements to estimate a starting overalls size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash overalls?
Only when they need it. Air them between wears and spot clean small marks. Frequent washing fades denim and wears the fabric faster.
Should I wash overalls in cold water?
Yes. Cold water protects the colour, the fit and the stretch. Hot water can shrink rigid denim and wear out stretch denim.
Can I put overalls in the dryer?
Low heat only, and take them out while slightly damp. High heat shrinks denim and damages buckles, so air drying is safer.
Why turn overalls inside out to wash?
It protects the outer colour from fading and rubbing in the drum, and it keeps the buckles from catching on other clothes.
Do overalls shrink in the wash?
Rigid denim can shrink slightly, especially in hot water and high heat. Wash cold and air dry to keep the fit.