Dungarees

Men's Dungarees: The Workwear Classic That Keeps Making Its Way Back Into Fashion

Dungarees occupy an interesting position in men's fashion — they have their roots entirely in practical workwear, they went through several decades of being primarily associated with either small children or nineties nostalgia, and they keep returning to fashion currency with each generation of menswear that rediscovers workwear as an aesthetic. The current iteration is more considered than previous revivals: the silhouettes are better, the fabrics are more varied, and the styling has moved well beyond the obvious. Worn right, dungarees are one of those pieces that look effortless and slightly unexpected in a wardrobe where everyone else is wearing jeans.

Denim Dungarees

Denim is the natural fabric for dungarees and the version most people picture. The same weight and wash logic that applies to jeans applies here — a medium-weight indigo in a straight or relaxed cut is the most versatile, while lighter washes and stretch denims have a more casual register. Fit in dungarees is slightly different from trousers: the bib adds a visual element that changes how the body reads, and the overall silhouette tends to work better with a more relaxed fit than a very slim one. The adjustable straps mean fit can be customised at the shoulder length and through the torso.

Cotton and Canvas Dungarees

Beyond denim, dungarees in thick cotton canvas or corduroy have a more distinctly workwear quality — closer to the original utilitarian garment than the fashion-inflected denim version. These work well with simple T-shirts, long-sleeved henleys, or a plain sweatshirt. The canvas version in a natural or tan colourway has a classic quality that denim doesn't quite replicate; corduroy adds texture and warmth in a way that works particularly well in autumn and early winter.

Styling Dungarees

The bib pocket and strap hardware of dungarees are distinctive enough that the rest of the outfit should stay simple. A plain T-shirt or thin crewneck sweatshirt, clean trainers or boots, and minimal accessories. Wearing one strap undone and hanging (the 90s styling touchstone) has returned in some quarters; leaving both straps done up and the bib sitting flat looks more considered. Layering a long-sleeve shirt underneath with the collar and cuffs showing adds a detail that works well with the workwear aesthetic.

Occasion

Dungarees sit firmly in casual territory — they are not a piece that crosses into smart-casual convincingly without significant effort, and attempts to push them towards formal contexts usually look forced. Within their lane — weekend wear, creative workplaces, casual social settings — they work very well and have an ease that most casual trousers lack. The all-in-one nature of the garment means there is less to think about in terms of proportion and layering, which gives the outfit a relaxed unity.

For complementary pieces, the jackets section and coats section cover the outerwear that works well layered over dungarees.

Fit and Sizing

Sizing dungarees requires attention to both the waist and the bib. Most brands size dungarees by waist measurement, but the adjustable straps allow significant flexibility in how the bib sits and how the torso fits. A slightly longer strap setting that lets the bib sit low and the seat drop a little has a more relaxed, workwear quality; a tighter setting pulls the garment higher and creates a more fitted silhouette. Try both settings before deciding — the same pair of dungarees reads differently depending entirely on how the straps are adjusted.

Inseam length also varies considerably between brands. A longer inseam can be turned up into a visible cuff, which adds a detail that works well with the workwear aesthetic and also allows more wearing length as the turn-up can be let down. If buying online without trying first, read the sizing guide carefully and check the inseam measurement against a pair of trousers you know fits well.

Care and Longevity

Denim and canvas dungarees are among the most durable casual garments when properly cared for. Denim develops a faded patina with wear that improves the appearance of quality pieces over time — much as with jeans, washing inside out in cold water and line drying preserves both the colour and the structure of the fabric. Canvas versions are even more robust and can be washed at higher temperatures without significant deterioration. Metal bib hardware — clips, rings, buckles — should be checked periodically for wear, particularly on the adjustment mechanism, and any loosening rivets at stress points addressed before they fail entirely. A well-maintained pair of denim or canvas dungarees can be worn for years without losing the qualities that made them worth buying in the first place. Quality is worth prioritising here over quantity — one pair of well-made dungarees in a versatile colourway that fits and holds up over time is considerably more useful than two or three cheaper pairs that deteriorate within a season.

Browse our brands directory for menswear brands offering dungarees across the denim, canvas, and corduroy range. The deals section occasionally features dungarees at reduced prices — worth checking, as quality denim and canvas workwear pieces are among the better-value fashion purchases when discounted.