Discover the most hard-working all-in-one you’ll ever own
Comfortable, chic and versatile, this staple could be the piece that transforms your wardrobe. Time to get acquainted with the boiler suit…
Utility-inspired pieces have surpassed trend status in fashion. Thanks to their clean lines, functional details and practical colourways, their appeal is constant and they can be relied on not to date. And this is where the wonderfully versatile boiler suit comes in.
‘It’s such a hard-working piece,’ says fashion editor Lucy Reber, referring not only to the boiler suit’s origins as a uniform dating back to the industrial revolution (and pulled on daily by mechanics worldwide) but as a wardrobe hero. ‘It does the job of a dress – it’s the ultimate one-step piece. You can wear it with sandals in summer or layered over a jersey polo neck with boots in winter.’
The Kin utility jumpsuit comes in two colourways (khaki green and navy blue) and is made from a heavy cotton twill. Katie Hughes, Partner & Designer, Kin, pored over vintage versions to create a style brimming with authentic details. ‘We looked at English and Japanese workwear and took references from the stitching, sizing and proportions,’ explains Katie. ‘We might look at the cut of a sleeve or a small feature and apply those details in a contemporary way – it has to feel modern and feminine.’ The boiler suit is cut with dropped shoulders and an elasticated waist for a slouchy fit.
If jumpsuits already feature in your wardrobe, then trying a boiler suit won’t feel so daunting. But if you’ve yet to reap the merits of an all-in-one, Lucy says: ‘Don’t be nervous of this piece. It’s so comfortable to wear – all you need to pull it off is a bit of confidence.’ Quell any labourer connotations by steering clear of anything workwear-inspired, so choose crisp tennis trainers over hiking-style boots, or create a striking contrast with metallic shoes. ‘A boiler suit can work for meetings with heels and a blazer, or off-duty worn slightly open over a Breton top,’ suggests Lucy.
As a designer, Katie is always thinking about the next piece, but she’s resolute that the boiler suit, despite its prevalence for spring, is here to stay. ‘It offers so much versatility – I don’t think this style is going anywhere. The clean fabric makes it casual yet smart, and the workwear detailing is classic in a timeless way.’ Prepare to be converted.
