As a garment originally worn by blue-collar workers maintaining coal-fired boilers to protect themselves from dirt and soot, it is only natural that the boilersuit would be a popular seasonal choice among us diligent Bristol University students; the fetishization of working-class culture does not end at puffer jackets, sportswear logos (I am personally more likely to channel Nike’s slogan ‘Just Do It’ in the anxious build-up to pressing ‘send’ on an email, rather than on any sports field), and hoop earrings.
As someone who was not completely certain of where the boiler was situated in our flat until fairly recently, and who – despite now having mastered the thermostat – is no less humbled by its mystical power, I feel nevertheless the draw of a garment I am utterly unqualified to be associated with.
Yet I believe the appeal of the boilersuit transcends aesthetics and quantity of pockets. Despite 75% of 18-24-year olds voting Remain in the 2016 EU Referendum, there is an undeniable nostalgia associated with the all-in-one garment. The boilersuit is reminiscent of a time of job security – a time when young people were not suddenly engulfed by existential terror during the sobering interlude between Netflix episodes. Doesn’t the sense of the looming Hunger Game-esque dystopia of the postgraduate job market and its inevitable parental disappointment, debt, and fruitless job applications make you just want to shroud yourself safely within overalls? The boiler-repair man does not know how easy he has it!
Yet Churchill’s ‘siren suit’ also has a particularly feminine history: the women’s romper was popularised around the second world war, worn by women in munitions factories. Its practicality and plentiful pockets glare defiantly back at the male gaze, so that we all can counter the post-university job market with the confidence of a man named John.
Want to invest in this utilitarian trend? Here are my top five favourite boilersuits for all different occasions:
1. For when your serotonin levels are getting a bit low and you need something fun and fancy yet functional for your big night on the town, buy this sequined festival slim short boilersuit.
2. For if you are literally a qualified boiler technician looking to strike fear into all those clients who were expecting you to identify by the male pronoun, get this polycotton protective boilersuit. Also available in other colours.
3. For when attending your 9am which you refuse to let dampen your festive spirit invest in this glorious Zara Dark pink sequinned jumpsuit .
4. For when en route to exercise your right to vote on 12 December (purple in honour of Emily Pankhurst, pair with extravagant hat for full effect)
5. For if you’re channelling a 90’s Kate Moss in Versace slip dress kind of vibe.
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