Many people mistakenly view the “bib” on a pair of Key Imperial Bib Overalls as simply a way to protect the shirt from dirt and wear & tear. Although the bib does provide this protection, it offers the wearer much more!
If one takes a good look at the bib itself, you will see a variety of features that add great utility to the garment and are appreciated by the wearer:
The “Watch” Fob
If you carry a pocket watch and have a safety strap or chain attached to the watch — this is where you would attach the chain to the bib. Other items with a strap, chain or secure clip may be attached here.
Just below the snap on one of the bib pockets is a vertical opening into a pocket. This is the pocket where you would store your watch or other item.
A lot of people use this pocket for a small tape measure, standard ball point pen, small calibration tool or screwdriver, and even pieces of hard candy!
The Pencil Stalls
The two horizontal button holes are specifically designed to hold Pencils, Pens or other objects of a similar shape.
The top pencil stall is rather obvious, but the bottom Pencil Stall seems rather low to be functional… until you understand that some carpenters use their pencils right down to the very end!
The Imperial “Bib” Pockets
Two large bib pockets. One with Snap Closure (on right) and the other (on left) with a Security Flap with Snap Closure to protect and secure your valuables.
The security flap is a great feature found exclusively on Key Imperial Bib Overalls (at least I am not aware of other major brands that provide this valuable feature). If you have valuable items that need to be with you on the job and you can’t tolerate them falling out of your pocket, this is the secure place for them!
The Coin Pocket
A Coin Pocket, or alternative Watch Pocket, is located just below the bib and on right side at the entry to the right pocket.
This is the traditional location for storage of a pocket watch on pants or dungarees.
Since bib overalls provide another place for pocket watches, many folks use this small pocket for a few coins or other small items used frequently on the job.
The Side Button Closures
Located just below the bib at the waistband and below, these closures open easily for your overalls on and off, and stay closed to keep dirt out.
Many folks also use them as Ventilators: open in hot weather to stay cooler and closed in cool weather to stay warmer. Another frequent use is to attach a sturdy metal ring thru the button hole to use as a key chain attachment.
When laundering your overalls we recommend attaching the wire loop ends of the suspender straps to the bottom buttons on each side of the overall, then closing the side buttons to secure and protect the wire loops in the washer and dryer.
To learn more about Key Imperial Bib Overalls, visit:
www.keyworkclothes.com