How to Size Overalls | Get the Right Fit First Time

One wrong measurement means overalls that either pinch across the shoulders or pool around the ankles. The fix is straightforward: take three body measurements correctly, ignore guesswork, and match them to the manufacturer’s own chart. Here is how to nail each measurement and what to do when you land between sizes.

What You Need to Measure

Every brand’s chart uses a slightly different combination of points, but the three core measurements are always the same. Write these numbers down before you open any size guide.

• Chest: Wrap the tape under your arms and across the fullest part of your chest and shoulder blades. Keep the tape level, snug but not tight.
• Waist: Find your natural waist — bend to one side and the crease that forms is the spot. Measure around that line, typically near or just above the belly button.
• Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam down the inner leg to where you want the hem to land (usually the top of your shoe or the ankle). For a shortcut, measure the inseam of a favorite pair of pants laid flat.

Women’s overalls and bib styles often add hip measurement and torso length. Hips are taken around the fullest part of the buttocks, about 8–10 inches below the natural waist. Torso length — used for strap fit on bibs and coveralls — varies by brand, so check each chart’s definition before measuring.

Compare to the Right Size Chart

There is no universal standard for overalls sizing. A size chart from one brand may call a 38-inch chest “Large” while another calls it “Medium.” The only reliable approach is to take your three measurements and match them to the exact chart of the garment you are buying.

If you are between sizes — say your chest fits a Large but your waist fits a Medium — most workwear brands recommend sizing up for comfort and layering. Carhartt’s guide advises choosing the larger size when measurements fall between two options. Round House suggests adding 2–6 inches to your belly measurement for room to move. Several guides also note that overalls are often worn over shirts or light jackets, so some extra space is normal rather than a mistake.

The chart you use also matters by style. Bib overalls, work overalls, and coveralls may use different dimensions. For example, Dickies’ coveralls chart includes sleeve length measured from the center back collar, while a traditional waist-overall chart does not. Stick to the chart for the exact product line you are buying — mixing men’s and women’s charts or coverall and bib charts will give you the wrong size.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Most sizing errors come from three habits people carry from fitting regular pants. Here is what to watch for:

• Measuring over bulky clothes. A thick sweatshirt adds two inches to your chest measurement and guarantees loose overalls. Wear the thinnest layer you plan to use under the garment, or measure in just undergarments. Several guides, including Silver Needle’s, emphasize this directly.
• Pulling the tape too tight or letting it tilt. Snug and level is the rule. A tilted tape adds inches to one side and subtracts from the other.
• Ignoring the brand’s style category. Sleeve length matters for coveralls but not for waist-overalls; hip width matters for bib overalls but rarely for standard pants. Read the chart’s description, not just the numbers.
• Not accounting for real-world use. Work overalls get worn over layers. A too-tight fit restricts bending and reaching, while a slightly generous fit improves mobility and safety on the job.

Once you have your measurements and a brand’s chart in front of you, the match is usually clear. If you are buying for a child who will need room to grow, or for heavy layering during cold months, the same principles apply — size up one step and check the rise and strap length for bib styles. For a carefully tested selection of playtime-ready options, our roundup of durable kids overalls covers the best choices for active children.