Why do railroad workers really wear overalls?....?

Question

i was stopped at train tracks yesterday and two workers jumped out and they were wearing overalls...i know in like the nursery rhyme they wear em, but whats the purpose?

Answer 1

Yes, I too like the pocket space and like the cover they provide.  But, my two primary reasons are summer and winter.

In summer time, I wear shorts most of the time off duty.  I keep bibs (bib overalls) in my locker with my boots.  When I get to work I can slip them on over my shorts- just as someone else mentioned wearing them over street clothes.  Also, if the heat is really really tough- and there's no company officials in sight, I can slip them off and on pretty easily.  

In the winter time I can wear a pair of sweat pants and a heavy sweatshirt underneath for more insulation.  

The breast pocket or "bib" keeps my cell phone, ink pen and other items close.  The wide pockets make carrying paper work in my hip pocket easy.  And the watch pockets are a safe place to store my wedding ring while I'm on duty.  The pocket space is much better than jeans.  

Conductors just wear them to be cool like their engineers.  lol

Answer 2

Well I'd say for alot of the reasons already said here on a few answers ... lotsa pockets .. plus they can be loose fittin' in the summer time so your bod can get some air and breathe babe! I like wearin'em to just because they are usually pretty comfy .... plus ya know theres some guys that look pretty darn s**y in'em toooo!  ;  )

Answer 3

Because that's all they wear.

Answer 4

Now it is probably more for novelty purpses . But a few years ago I'm sure it was for practical reasons , you could hold more items like tools and such .

Answer 5

I wear them because they have a lot of pockets to hold my radio, switchlist, air gauge, and anything else that I may need during my workday.  Plus, they are pretty comfortable.

Answer 6

They are garments designed for work  They have many pockets which are always handy, usually cotton, so they breathe well, and they are very comfortable.  They can also be worn over your street clothes.

I wore them nearly 85% of the time for the above reasons.

Answer 7

It's primarily for all the pocket space. And it's been the preferred work wear on the railroad for over 100 years.

Answer 8

coincidence that was it.

Answer 9

Well, they are worn becuz they work.

In the winter they are warm, and with over the road workers, when we arrive at our away form home terminal, we still have clean clothes on beneath the overalls.

IN the summer, you can get away with just wearing shorts underneath and it is not quite so hot.

They are a good value, they offer good protection.

and yes, a little bit of tradition.

As for the "s**y" part, woo hooo, I didnt know that, now I feel sooo much better, thank you hehe.

Answer 10

Overalls or Coveralls are worn because they are sturdy and cover most of the body. When you are working in dirt and grease it is important to cover your skin as much as possible. Things like belts and pockets can get in the way with some tools. Immagine lifting something heavy but small and having it slide down the front of your pants.