An Overall View of the Baggy Pants- Bib Look
Overall, You’re Mixed on Overalls: A couple of weeks ago a reader wrote in to give a figurative swift kick in the rear to overalls. She thought them inappropriate and unflattering on “non-farm-working” adults, but noted a few exceptions, including small children, Henry Fonda in “The Grapes of Wrath” and Drew Barrymore. We’re still trying to figure out that last one.
While we agreed that the big, baggy overalls were not the sexiest garments on the planet, we do appreciate them on well-muscled men who wear them without shirts, and we also like the short-alls on gals with good legs.
As we have been known to do, we asked your opinion on the matter. For such unassuming items of clothing, we were a tad surprised at the strong feelings overalls inspire, both positive and negative. Here’s what you said:
* “I am typing this with one hand and getting dressed with the other--get the picture? How else could I do this if I were not wearing overalls? I wear mine with skinny little shirts that accentuate the difference in the bagginess of the overalls and my true body size. I am almost 58 and a landscape designer, and these are the most comfortable clothes ever invented for tramping over hill and dale!”
* “Of course they’re not meant to be sexy. But what you didn’t bring up was the great aggravation they cause when getting in and out of them while using the bathroom--especially in some public restrooms where the floors don’t pass the white-glove test. They are in the same category as jumpsuits and those short rompers. I gave them up long ago, since they’re not worth the bathroom hassle.”
* “I personally love the bib--I’m 5 feet, 6 inches tall, 120 pounds and I look great in them. They are so comfortable. However, I’m my own person and don’t need the fashion police on my beat (smiley face).”
* “I hate overalls on all except babies and toddlers.”
* “I have to agree with ‘Overall.’ They are way down on my list of cute clothes, unless you look like Daisy Mae.”
We also got a fax from L.A.-based designer Ron Finley, who includes overalls in his line, called Drop Dead Collecxions. “I have been designing and making custom overalls in denim, wool, leather and linen since 1995,” he writes, “and every year they continue to increase in sales. I easily sell three times more overalls than any other piece in my line, which ranges from denim jeans to formal wear for both men and women in every shape and size.
“Though I have very prominent clients in the NBA, NFL and WNBA wearing my overalls, I have many, many more private clients that feel overalls are not only easy, comfortable and fun, but definitely a fashion statement.”
We admired Ron’s chutzpah so much that we forgave him this shameless plug (smiley face) and even asked him to model one of his creations. That’s him in the picture on Page E1.
By the way, Ron’s menswear is custom only (call [323] 737-3337), and his women’s wear is available at Nordstrom.
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From the Fashion Police Blotter: We had a letter from “Past the Bikini Age” who lived in an “active senior community,” where there’s a lot of swimming and water aerobics. She lamented the fact she couldn’t find bathing suits that weren’t “cut up to there” and also offered adequate support.
After suggesting she check out the suits in the Lands’ End catalog, we heard from a reader who knew of another company called World Wide Aquatics.
The 25-year-old Tampa, Fla.-based company specializes in one- and two-piece suits for swimmers and water enthusiasts. In other words, don’t come looking for high-fashion designer swimwear. This is serious stuff.
Vice President Lori Rodriguez explained that suits are available with contemporary to conservative leg cuts, including unitards that come down three to five inches on the thigh. There are a variety of solids and prints, with different back styles, and in a number of fabrics. There are also varying kinds of support, from a simple lining to shelf bras and soft-cup bras. Women’s sizes range from 6 to 30, so it sounds like there’s something to suit (pardon the pun) everyone. Prices start at $25.99 and go up to $79.99. They also carry swimwear for men and children.
For a catalog, call (800) 726-1530.
* When reporting or preventing a fashion crime, write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or fax to (213) 237-0732. Submissions cannot be returned. No telephone inquiries, please.
