Overalls vs. Bib — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
Overalls are full-body garments with attached bib and brace, ideal for protective or work wear, while a bib typically refers to a separate piece that covers the chest and is often used for infants or during meals.
Difference Between Overalls and Bib
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Overalls are typically worn as protective clothing in various manual labor industries, covering most of the body and incorporating a front bib with straps that go over the shoulders. Whereas, a bib is usually smaller, designed to cover only the chest and sometimes the abdomen, primarily to protect the underlying clothing from spills.
Overalls are made from durable materials like denim or heavy cotton to withstand rough conditions. On the other hand, bibs are often made from softer materials like terry cloth, silicone, or plastic, depending on their use (e.g., for babies, for eating, or for crafting).
Overalls include a connected trouser and chest piece, usually with multiple pockets and sometimes additional loops or tool holders for functionality. In contrast, bibs are primarily a single piece of material with minimal features, intended just to catch spills or drool.
Overalls are secured with straps over the shoulders and often have adjustable buckles to fit different body sizes. Conversely, bibs typically have simpler fastenings, such as snap buttons, Velcro, or ties at the back of the neck.
Overalls can be worn as a complete outfit in themselves, suitable for both casual settings and professional environments depending on their style and material. However, bibs are generally not considered clothing but rather an accessory that is temporarily worn over other garments.
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Comparison Chart
Coverage
Full-body (legs, chest, sometimes arms)
Only covers the chest and abdomen
Material
Denim, heavy cotton, sometimes waterproof
Terry cloth, silicone, plastic
Design
Integrated trousers and chest piece
Simple, chest-covering piece
Functionality
Multiple pockets, tool holders
Primarily to catch spills
Fastenings
Shoulder straps with buckles
Snap buttons, Velcro, ties
Compare with Definitions
Overalls
Full-body garment often used for labor or protection.
He wore sturdy overalls to protect his clothes while painting.
Bib
Made from various materials like silicone for easy cleaning.
Her silicone bib washed off easily under the tap.
Overalls
Often made from durable materials like denim.
Denim overalls are a fashion staple in casual wardrobes.
Bib
A protective garment worn on the chest.
He used a plastic bib to avoid food stains during lunch.
Overalls
Clothing item with attached bib and brace design.
Overalls are popular among toddlers for their durability and ease of wear.
Bib
Typically smaller and covers less body area.
The bib provided just enough coverage to catch dropped food.
Overalls
Designed with functionality in mind, including pockets.
The overalls had several pockets, making them perfect for carrying tools.
Bib
Secured with ties or Velcro at the back of the neck.
The bib’s Velcro fastener made it simple to put on and take off.
Overalls
Worn with straps over the shoulders.
She adjusted the straps of her overalls for a better fit.
Bib
Often used for infants or during meals.
The baby's bib was adorned with cute cartoons.
Overalls
Overalls, also called bib-and-brace overalls or dungarees, are a type of garment usually used as protective clothing when working. The garments are commonly referred to as a "pair of overalls" by analogy with "pair of trousers".Overalls were originally made of denim, but they can also be made of corduroy or chino cloth.
Bib
A piece of cloth or plastic secured under the chin and worn, especially by small children, to protect the clothing while eating.
Overalls
From one end to the other
The overall length of the house.
Bib
The part of an apron or pair of overalls worn over the chest
"The day my son Laurie started kindergarten he renounced corduroy overalls with bibs and began wearing blue jeans with a belt" (Shirley Jackson).
Overalls
Including everything; comprehensive
The overall costs of medical care.
Bib
Bibbed overalls worn while skiing.
Overalls
Regarded as a whole; general
My overall impression was favorable.
Bib
A piece of cloth or plastic bearing a number, usually worn over the chest or back, identifying a competitor in a race.
Overalls
On the whole; generally
Enjoyed the performance overall.
Bib
A patch of differently colored feathers or fur on the throat or chest of a bird or mammal.
Overalls
Chiefly British A loose-fitting protective outer garment; a smock.
Bib
To drink or indulge in drinking.
Overalls
Overalls Loose-fitting pants, usually of strong fabric, with a bib front and shoulder straps, often worn over regular clothing as protection from dirt.
Bib
An item of clothing for people (especially babies) tied around their neck to protect their clothes from getting dirty when eating.
Overalls
A loose-fitting garment worn over regular clothes to protect them.
Bib
Similar items of clothing such as the Chinese dudou and Vietnamese yem.
Overalls
Loose-fitting pants with supporting cross-straps and a panel of material in the chest (called a bib), often associated with farm work.
Bib
(sports) A rectangular piece of material, carrying a bib number, worn as identification by entrants in a race.
Overalls
Traditionally worn by cavalry.
Bib
(sports) A colourful polyester or plastic vest worn over one's clothes, usually to mark one's team during group activities.
Overalls
Plural of overall
Bib
The upper part of an apron or overalls.
Overalls
A kind of loose trousers worn over others to protect them from soiling.
Bib
(cycling) Shorts which are held up by suspenders.
Overalls
Waterproof leggings.
Bib
A patch of colour around an animal's upper breast and throat.
Bib
A north Atlantic fish (Trisopterus luscus), allied to the cod.
Bib
A bibb (bibcock).
Bib
(transitive) To dress (somebody) in a bib.
Bib
To drink heartily; to tipple.
Bib
A small piece of cloth worn by children over the breast, to protect the clothes.
Bib
An arctic fish (Gadus luscus), allied to the cod; - called also pout and whiting pout.
Bib
A bibcock.
Bib
To drink; to tipple.
This miller hath . . . bibbed ale.
Bib
To drink; to sip; to tipple.
He was constantly bibbing.
Bib
Top part of an apron; covering the chest
Bib
A napkin tied under the chin a child while eating
Bib
Drink moderately but regularly;
We tippled the cognac
Common Curiosities
Are overalls considered fashionable?
Yes, overalls can be fashionable depending on the design and how they are styled.
What is the primary function of a bib?
The primary function of a bib is to protect underlying clothes from spills.
What are overalls used for?
Overalls are used primarily for protective purposes in manual labor or as casual wear.
What is the main material of overalls?
Overalls are usually made from durable materials like denim or heavy cotton.
Are there different types of bibs?
Yes, there are various types of bibs including cloth, plastic, and silicone, each suitable for different uses.
Can overalls be worn in professional settings?
Yes, overalls can be worn in professional settings, especially in industries like construction or painting.
Do overalls have safety features?
Some overalls come with safety features like reflective strips or fire-resistant materials.
Can bibs be used for adults?
Yes, adults may use bibs for certain activities like eating certain foods to prevent spills.
Do overalls cover the arms?
Some overalls cover the arms, but most commonly they cover just the legs and chest.
How do the fastenings on overalls work?
Overalls typically have adjustable shoulder straps with buckles for securing them in place.
What types of activities are bibs most used for?
Bibs are commonly used for eating, especially by infants and toddlers, or by adults in certain dining scenarios to avoid spills.
How are bibs cleaned?
Bibs are generally easy to clean, often just requiring a simple wipe down or machine wash depending on the material.
Are overalls suitable for all weather conditions?
Overalls can be suitable for various weather conditions, especially if made from appropriate materials like waterproof fabrics.
Can bibs be considered a fashion statement?
While typically not a fashion statement, some designer bibs for babies and toddlers can be quite stylish.
Are there overalls for different age groups?
Yes, overalls are available for all age groups, from infants to adults.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
