I typically wear painters shorts and a regular shirt, so this will be a bit of a change for me. During the one or two days of winter Central Florida experiences, I will even wear pants. But given all the pockets and tool‑holding solutions—and what feels right away to be light fabric—I am cautiously optimistic. The Dickies Painters Bib Overall is built around a 100% cotton drill fabric, and the term drill refers not to a brand name but to a specific weaving technique in which the threads are positioned diagonally. The diagonal weave creates a fabric that is thin and light yet remarkably strong. It resists tearing, drapes comfortably over the body, and—critically for a painter—can be bleached to remove stains without damaging the fabric. The adjustable shoulder straps are made from elastic, a deliberate choice that prioritizes comfort over the absolute durability of a non‑elastic cotton strap. The gold buckles are light, unobtrusive, and hook around the gold buttons in front of the shoulders. Triple‑stitched seams reinforce the cotton drill's durability and hold it all together.
There is no shortage of tool storage around the Dickies Painters Bib Overall. Two large front pockets and two large back pockets are augmented by loops on the back right pocket and under the left front pocket. Below the right front pocket are two skinny, nested pockets. One of these skinny pockets is also below the loop on the left side. And of course, the large, namesake bib pocket is on the chest with a skinny pocket on the left side fit for a carpenter's pencil. The pockets are not merely numerous; they are thoughtfully placed and sized. The front and back pockets are large enough to hold a smartphone, a wallet, a set of keys, or a folded set of plans. The skinny pockets accommodate a 5‑in‑1 painter's tool, a putty knife, a nail set, a razor knife, a pen, or anything of similar dimensions. The two hammer loops—one under the left front pocket and one on the back right pocket—provide options for carrying a hammer in whichever position is most comfortable for the user. The bib pocket on the chest is large enough to hold a notepad, a smartphone, or a small parts container, and it is positioned for easy access even when the wearer is kneeling or bending.
I put on the Dickies Painters Bib Overall and found that they are comfortable. I might sound surprised, especially given the rave reviews I read, though I always imagined a garment that covers so much of the body would be unpleasant to wear. But I did not feel any restrictions in the light overall as they have a fairly generous fit. They also look pretty sharp—even my wife approved. Although there is no doubt they will come in contact with paint, it is nice to know that I can bleach the white cotton drill to keep them looking clean. The real question came at the end of the first day: do I want to wear these again tomorrow? And the answer is yes. The elastic shoulder straps are a great choice for comfort. It will be your neck and shoulders that bear the burden of the overall as you add tools, a cell phone, keys, and a wallet to the pockets. As you might imagine, the elastic cushions the movement. The buckles also slide easily over the strap when you need to make an adjustment. Time will tell if the elastic can hold up like straps made out of the cotton drill. I would be willing to bet they will not, but I cannot say for sure. I am sure that the comfort tradeoff in the meantime is worth it.
Any tradesman who has forgotten his tool belt at home knows what a pain it is when his tools are not immediately at hand. It is much easier to deal with the extra bulk around your waist than to pick up tools from the ground or walk around trying to find them. The benefit of the Dickies Painters Bib Overall is that your "tool belt" is more evenly distributed around your body. And because it is tailored for painters, I stayed more organized than I was with my regular garb. There are skinny pockets to accommodate a 5‑in‑1, scrapers, a nail set, a razor knife, a pen, or whatever you need. The generously sized front and back pockets hold bigger stuff, while the two hammer loop options are a nice touch. The bib pocket is a great place to hold a pencil or pen as well as anything you will need to access if you are in a tight space or working alone. The coverage that the bib overall provides is another significant advantage over painter's shorts or pants. The bib covers the chest and stomach, protecting the shirt underneath from paint drips, splatters, and the inevitable contact with a freshly painted surface. For a painter who works with oil‑based paints, stains, or solvents, the bib overall keeps those chemicals off the skin and off the clothing underneath. The overall can be removed at the end of the day, leaving the wearer's street clothes clean and presentable. For the professional who moves between the job site and the supply house, or who stops for lunch at a restaurant, the ability to shed the paint‑covered outer layer and reveal clean clothes underneath is a significant quality‑of‑life improvement.
With pockets full of comfort and convenience, the Dickies Painters Bib Overall is an excellent apparel choice for the trade. It can be difficult to convince guys who—like me—have been doing it a while to change. But the Dickies light yet strong fabric, multiple pockets and loops, and overall comfort make me more productive and keep me cleaner during the day. The only point of concern at this point is whether the elastic shoulder straps trade comfort now for stretched‑out straps later. Time will tell. If you know Dickies, you know they are about quality clothing at a price that is easy on your wallet. The new overalls range from $35.99 to $37.99, depending on size—an excellent price for what you get. For the painter, the drywall finisher, the plasterer, or any professional whose work involves materials that splash, drip, and stain, the Dickies Painters Bib Overall is not merely a garment. It is a tool that protects the person wearing it, organizes the tools they need, and projects the image of a professional who takes their craft seriously. It is a worthy addition to any painter's kit, and it is a product that lives up to the Dickies reputation for quality, durability, and value.
Dickies Painters Bib Overall Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item Number | 8953 |
| Material | 100% Cotton Drill |
| Shoulder Straps | Elastic, adjustable with gold‑tone buckles |
| Pockets | 8 total: 2 large front, 2 large back, 2 nested skinny (right front), 1 skinny (left front), 1 chest bib |
| Hammer Loops | 2 (left front, right back) |
| Stitching | Triple‑stitched seams |
| Fit | Generous, cross‑over high‑back style |
| Care | Bleachable; machine wash |
| Price | $35.99 – $37.99 |
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