The right pair of overalls can serve you well for years. They are incredibly versatile, serving as a workwear staple in many professional fields including construction, agriculture, mechanics, decoration and building to name a few. Good overalls are durable; resisting scuffs, scratches and use in rough terrain. Overalls are also undeniably iconic, bearing an association with honest work for well over a century.
So which is the right pair of overalls? Or, in other words, which are better; Big Smith or Liberty overalls? These two brands have become synonymous with overalls of the highest quality, and for good reason. Between them, they have over 200 years of experience making and selling some of the nation’s best overalls, and in that time, have come to set the standard for what customers should expect from the best workwear on the market.
When looking for the best overalls, the search is clearly a case of Big Smith vs Liberty. In this article, we’ll work out which is the best brand for you.
From Humble Origins to Overall Success
Though they might be rivals for the top spot, Big Smith and Liberty share a lot by way of roots. The Big Smith Brand started as a family business back in 1916. They began selling their overalls throughout Missouri, and have steadily grown since then. Likewise, Liberty began selling their overalls in Alabama in 1912, and have maintained their emphasis on dependable workwear ever since. Starting small, and refusing to compromise on quality, it is no surprise that both brands grew over the next century and are, to this day, essential companions for so many American workers.
Durability
When you’re looking for the best overalls, durability is an essential consideration. If you’re going to stick it out when the going gets tough, you want to know that your clothing can too.
Big Smith overalls are built to be tough. This is a clear priority. Their Rigid Indigo overalls and Stonewashed Denim overalls are both made of a sturdy 11.05oz, 100% cotton denim, which can easily handle scrapes, abrasion, and a range of varied climates.
The Hickory Stripe overalls are slightly more lightweight, and made of a 10oz cotton twill, which strikes a perfect balance; standing up to all the work you can throw at it, whilst maintaining maximum mobility. In combination with their strong cotton base, Big Smith overalls offer extra reliability due to their triple-needle stitching, and the reinforced bar-tacks placed at stress-points in the material. Big Smith Dungarees are built to ensure that they remain tough whenever you need them.
Liberty overalls are also exceptionally durable, and offer a broad spectrum of material options. The Rigid Indigo overalls, Stonewashed Denim overalls and Hi-Vis overalls are all made of a heavy duty, 11.05oz denim, made entirely from cotton. Their Duck overalls feature a more lightweight 10oz cotton brushed duck, and their Women’s Washed Denim overalls feature a 9.2oz cotton, polyester and spandex blend, for the perfect combination of reliability and flexibility. All of Liberty’s overalls are made with triple-needle stitching for extra security, and bar-tacks to reduce stress on the fabric.
Comfort
Whilst it’s important for overalls to be durable, they also need to be comfortable. A large part of what makes overalls so useful is that you can wear them everyday, in any situation. Yet for the tools we use everyday, we need to feel comfortable in doing so. Of course, comfort is largely subjective, but we have some useful points to guide your decision making.
The Big Smith overall range offers a selection of different materials depending on your comfort needs. The Rigid Indigo Denim is, as the name suggests, made from a hardy, heavyweight denim, which can be quite rigid when it’s new. This is perfect if you’re working in especially rough conditions, and it’s sure to soften over time. In contrast, the Stonewashed Denim overall takes its name from the stone washing process which softens the material in the factory. This is ideal if you want maximum protection, but with a softer-feeling fabric. The Hickory Stripe is the lightest and softest of all the Big Smith overalls, offering maximum mobility and flexibility. Each of these overalls come with double-ply adjustable bib straps, to help you ensure that your overalls fit exactly how you like them.
Liberty overalls also offer a range of materials to meet a range of needs. As with Big Smith, Liberty’s Rigid Indigo is sturdy and tough, whilst their Stonewashed Denim is just as tough but more flexible, and their Hickory is lightweight and flexible. The cotton brushed duck which forms their Duck overalls offer a worn-in, comfortable feeling, and their Women’s Washed Duck overalls and Women‘s Washed Denim are specifically tailored to be more comfortable for women. All Liberty overalls come with adjustable straps so that you can ensure your overalls fit you as you like best.
Versatility
Dungarees are an inherently versatile item of clothing. With their open top, empty sleeves and the ability to protect your clothing, they offer a fantastic workwear solution, supporting practicality in many different circumstances. Let’s see what makes Big Smith and Liberty overalls special.
The versatility of the Big Smith overall range starts with the variety of construction materials found in its different types of overall, ranging between heavy rigid denim, and lightweight cotton twill. Big Smith overalls also come equipped with a collection of pockets to suit a wide number of purposes. These include their 5-piece pocket bib on the chest, 2 front swing pockets, 2 patch hip pockets, a pocket for your cell phone, a twisted hammer loop, and even a specific pocket for rulers and pliers!
Liberty overalls also offer a wide variety of styles and designs to suit a range of needs. As well as their suite of traditionally coloured and styled overalls for both men and women, they sell overalls equipped with Hi-Vis tape, offering the support, reliability and functionality of traditional overalls, combined with increased protection for dark or busy work environments. Liberty overalls also come equipped with their famous Green Stripe; an integral part of their patented pocket design. These include a 5-piece pocket on the front, featuring double zip closure and a flap closure system, a further 2 front wing pockets, 2 patch hip pockets, the essential hammer loop and a pocket for rulers and pliers.
The verdict: which is better – Big Smith or Liberty Overalls?
When it comes to two brands with reputations like Big Smith and Liberty, it can be hard to draw a clear winner. They each have over 100 years of experience making overalls, and to put it simply, you can tell.
What we can conclude is that Big Smith knows what they’re good at, and do it exceptionally well. If you’re looking for a traditional, durable pair of overalls, Big Smith will provide you with what you need.
Likewise, Liberty has the expertise and experience which come with age. They also offer a few varieties that Big Smith does not. If you’re looking for Hi-Vis protection, or for overalls with a female cut, then Liberty is the brand to approach.
Yet whether you decide to buy Big Smith or Liberty overalls, you’re sure to be making a purchase which will offer you protection and comfort for a long time to come.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.