Dovetail Workwear Freshley Overalls – Perfect Fall Overalls

Kate Agathon

The Dovetail Workwear Freshley overalls are the perfect overalls to transition from summer to fall.

Available in a variety of fabrics (ripstop, denim, canvas, and thermal denim), sizes (000 to 18) and four inseams (28 to 34), Dovetail Workwear’s Freshley overalls are made with every woman in mind.

 

I opted to try out the Dovetail Workwear Freshley overalls in Black Heathered Denim in a size 4 28-inch inseam because they seemed to be the most versatile for seasonal transition (trust me, I wanted to try them all).

Dovetail Workwear Freshley Overalls Review

Fit

When they arrived, I was absolutely delighted to discover that the overall fit (pun intended) was  perfect- no hemming required! Most petite women know that a “short” or “petite” size to most companies is a 30-inch inseam, which is still too damn long. I found that the size 28-inch inseam was perfect for a 5’0” woman.

 

I was a bit concerned about the midsection (looking down, I felt like my middle aged stomach was not only protruding, but accentuated), but after looking at photos of me actually wearing them (and assurances from my partner), my concerns were unfounded.

 

Because the Freshley overalls fit like a glove and are not as roomy as other overalls (i.e. REI Trailsmith Overalls) that I have worn, I have to be careful to make sure shirts are tucked in, or they will bunch up.

 

Construction and features

Designed for work, Dovetail Workwear’s Freshley overalls are loaded with features that you thought you needed and features that you didn’t know you wanted. An accurate description of their toolbox design in one word: ingenious.

 

Key features include:

 

• Flex suspenders

• Twine Hole

• Hip Slot

• Zip Pocket

• Crotch gusset

• Reinforced knees

• Knee slots (to accommodate pads)

 

I found these features incredibly useful when I was working in the warehouse pulling and shipping items during my weekend job. I could stash sharpies, highlighters, pens, multitools, fishbones, tape, scissors, my handheld, walkie, and more and keep them within reach.

 

My favorite feature was the hidden pocket neatly tucked inside the outer pocket on the bib. This is perfect to keep cabinet keys within reach and secure. The useful flapped snap pocket kept my chapstick and some candy stashed away.

 

The crotch gusset was a mystery to me. Initially, I thought it was like a snap or some kind of hidden drop seat (there actually are Freshley drop seat overalls). I searched in vain looking for a button or fold or something that would indicate something for a crotch.

 

Apparently, I was looking in the wrong place. After a few inquiries, I learned that the purpose of the crotch gusset is to reinforce the most vulnerable part of the overalls- the inner leg/crotch area, and that the Freshley’s crotch gusset is actually sewn into the thigh (I never would have figured this out on my own).

 

The Freshley’s crotch gusset (actually 3 gussets) is best explained as double stitched diamond-shaped fabric sewn into the thigh where the leg seams, front seams, and back seams intersect and helps with mobility. From someone who has experienced more than a couple of pairs of jeans with split crotches and whose job includes a lot of bending and squatting, I totally understand the need for this feature.

Interestingly, I did talk to my manager about the crotch gusset and she thought the same thing as I did initially- that it would be some kind of snap or button to pee. She was as puzzled as I was. After that exchange, my initial thought is that perhaps it should not be named “crotch gusset” because clearly other things come to mind. Maybe renamed as “reinforced paneling” where you need it the most?

 

Things I learned the first day wearing them: If you have stuff in the top pockets of the bibs that are not zippered or snapped in, and you go to the bathroom- they will fall out.

 

Secondly, the deep rear pockets are placed higher than you’d expect. When I instinctively reached around to put my phone in my rear pocket, I nearly dropped it because I could not find the entry point to the pocket. Once I realized they were placed higher than I am used to- no problem.

 

What I didn’t like about the Freshley overalls is that when I had to stretch and lift above my head to grab something on a high shelf or the topmost fixture, I felt like I was giving myself a crotch wedgy.

 

Also, I would have liked it if the bib was somewhat wider and provided more coverage. I noticed that the part of my undershirt that wasn’t protected by the bib was dusty after hauling boxes around all afternoon and that my boobs protruded out more than I would have liked.

 

Finally, (and it is probably just me) the straps somehow got twisted every time I went to the bathroom. I haven’t had this issue with other overalls before- but it was only a minor inconvenience.

When you work in a physically demanding job like the warehouse, you need practical pants (in this case overalls) that are durable and can withstand abrasive box corners and splinters from wood pallets. The Dovetail Workwear Freshley overall helps me to take on the toughest work environment in style.

 

Comfort

Well constructed, the denim is stretchy and heavy- not the ill-fitting Gap jean overalls that I remember owning in college. Clearly, these functional overalls were designed for work.

 

Because they fit so closely to my body, I was surprised at the range of motion they offered. I could squat, bend down, and move SUPs and bike boxes across the building without limitation.

 

They also did not chafe. I have had problems in the past with certain fabrics (including some denims) where my skin got irritated. I was relieved that I did not have this problem with the Dovetail Workwear Freshley overalls.

 

Style

In the small mountain town where I live, everyone wears overalls all year round, regardless of age or gender. It’s just part of the unofficial uniform where people prize functionality over fashion.

 

I received compliments from every single one of my co-workers and also some strangers when I wore them- they liked the material and overall design. They got even more interested when I showed off the various pockets and features.

 

My co-workers remarked on the number of pockets, asked where I found overalls that fit me so well (another petite co-worker), and admired the denim material and details such as the Dovetail Workwear logo buttons.

 

The Dovetail Workwear Freshley overalls generated so much interest during my shift, that I felt like I was a teenager wearing my new back-to-school outfit. The fact that the Freshley overalls generated so much excitement and feedback from women who work in outdoor recreation clothing retail where we see hundreds of pieces of clothing every day definitely means that Dovetail Workwear is doing something right.

 

Overall (pun intended), I like the Dovetail Workwear Freshley overalls for their sleeker design (making them a tad more sophisticated than other brands if you can imagine overalls being elevated) and ultra functionality. It is a great addition to my work wardrobe and for everyday casual wear.

 

The variety of styles and sizes that are offered demonstrate that the brand has considered all women in its signature overall. Try a pair, you’ll love them. Then encourage your friend, your sister, mother or grandmother to try them too. There’s a size and style for everyone!

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.