As with many garments, dungarees have a both a civilian and military history. In 1901, the US Navy issued denim trousers and jumpers to wear for messy work, such as painting the ship. Although called ‘dungaree trousers’, they did not have the upper ‘bib’ that we would expect today.

During both world wars, the Navy and working classes wore denim because it was so durable. This led to the phrase ‘blue collar worker’, as denim was usually dyed blue.

In modern fashion dungarees can be made from can be made from denim or other fabrics, that are suited for the weather and a fashionable style.