Jumpsuits get their name from their original use as the outfits worn by skydivers and aviators and while they have very practical roots, they're still very stylish.
Jumpsuits are one of the most versatile items in any wardrobe: a tailored one can look as polished as a traditional suit, so can work in a corporate environment, while a slouchy denim boilersuit is ideal for chilled weekends.
They feel liberating to wear, are physically comfortable and their freedom of movement means you can take on any task safe in the knowledge that you won’t end up revealing more than you intended.
They also convey a sense of female empowerment which is why they were a favourite of the original women’s libbers back in the 1970s.
Jumpsuits made their first appearance as fashionable garb on the French Riviera in the 1920s in the guise of beach pyjamas: loose all-in-ones worn over swimsuits.
Then in the 1930s Elsa Schiaparelli began designing jumpsuit for women to be worn off the beach. They were considered very risqué and only a brave few adopted them.
It was during both World Wars that women first widely adopted jumpsuits when they were worn by female workers who were drafted in to replace men in heavy industry.
Rosie the Riveter became an iconic figure rolling up her sleeve to take part in the war effort in her utilitarian boiler suit.
When the wars ended, women went back to more demure and feminine dresses, but the seed of an idea was planted.
In 1964 the first jumpsuit appeared in Vogue - a design by Guy Laroche - which cemented the style’s fashion credentials. By 1965 they had taken off to such an extent that Vogue included two moon-shot style jumpsuits in their pattern collection.
The actual moon landing in 1969 heralded the arrival of the Space Age and jumpsuits were championed by designers including André Courrèges and Yves Saint Laurent.
Soon celebrities including Cher, Elvis and Charlie’s Angels were wearing them, as they reflected the relaxed morals of a more permissive society.
They became the outfit to wear to the discotheques of the ‘70s courtesy of Halston who dressed his muses including Bianca Jagger and Diana Ross in slinky jersey jumpsuits.
In the ‘80s they adapted the power shoulders of the era and combined them with party fabrics like satin and silk in bright jewel colours.
Pop and rock stars loved their anti-establishment undercurrent, and they were worn as stage costumes by Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Debbie Harry and Freddie Mercury.
It is relevant that many female designers have championed jumpsuits including Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, and Donna Karana.
A great jumpsuit suggests confidence and empowerment. Today, in an era when women’s bodies are still objectified, a jumpsuit still says, ‘I will wear what I want, and I don’t care.’
This summer jumpsuits range from Irish designer Helen McAlinden’s ivory Frankie all in one, (€355) to Jigsaw’s contrast stitch jumpsuit, (€225) to a Cos cross over linen iteration in soft green or black (€150) to BoldNSubtle’s slinky scoop back body-con style (€260).
& Other Stories have two in the soft yellow of the season – a wide leg jersey style, (€99) and a cord version, (€129).
Seasalt Cornwall also offers jumpsuits which are ideal for lazy summer days al fresco. Zara fittingly have included a stylish black jumpsuit in their 50th birthday collection.
Cool, comfortable, and chic the jumpsuit is a fashion icon that remains popular for women too busy to worry about adjusting their hemlines.
