Universal Standard Brooks Overalls
Images courtesy of Universal Standard.
I have a tough time finding overalls. I have a notoriously (gloriously) big butt and a weirdly long torso for my 5’4” frame. And frankly, I stay hydrated so I have to pee like every twenty minutes. All of which is to say, I wasn’t super motivated to hop on the overalls train given all the barriers to entry, and the few times I tried, I didn’t find a viable candidate. So you can imagine my surprise when I tried on the Universal Standard Brooks Overalls and was met with *literal* applause from my friends.
A word about the Universal Standard shopping experience: the online shop is great, just what you would expect for both product and customer service. But if by some miracle you live near a showroom, go to it. Go right now. Make an appointment and they’ll probably give you all the bubbly water - and actual bubbles - that your cold dead heart desires.
That’s how I discovered these overalls - because I never would have taken the plunge to order them online. I went up to the Seattle showroom with a couple girlfriends (before they had the Portland showroom!) and between the three of us, we probably tried on every garment in the place. These overalls looked great layered over my vintage tee and red lip, and the showroom rep styled them with a killer black pump that left me stunned (and left my friends giving a slow clap to my butt in these overalls). Perfect amount of stretch? Check. Plenty of room for thighs and bum? Check check. My only disclaimer is that for us shorties, they definitely require either a cuffed leg or a trip to the tailor for a quick hem job.
The Bottom Line: These overalls weren’t cheap. Ringing in at $120, they were definitely a commitment. And did I mention they’re no longer in stock? Sorry.
But Universal Standard’s commitment to sustainability makes me feel really good about this purchase, and about any future purchases I make. First, they are size inclusive - in fact, they describe themselves as “the world’s most inclusive fashion brand” with sizes from 00-40. Second, they source durable materials. While not every garment is made from recycled materials or eco-friendly dyes, their goal is to make garments that will stand up to the tests of time and laundry so that you’re not blowing through fast fashion at a shocking pace. Plus, they offer the revolutionary Fit Liberty program - meaning that if your size fluctuates within a year of purchasing a garment (hi!), they’ll replace that garment in your new size and donate the used garment to nonprofit organizations like Dress for Success - no landfill necessary. Finally, they don’t shy away from addressing sustainable labor practices: “We believe in ethical working conditions and wages, and choose to work with factories that are able to present certifications from internationally recognized agencies such as Bureau Veritas, WRAP, and Intertek. In addition, our founders personally visit the factories we work with. As Universal Standard continues to grow, so will our ability to engage with factories around the world to ensure safe working conditions and compensation for workers. Global citizenship, and the role organizations play within it, is a responsibility we take seriously.”
Universal Standard is setting a new standard, and I’m here for it.