CarryField Guide

Vintage 50s Denim Coveralls vs. 1970s Dickies Coveralls: Which Distressed Workwear Pick Is Right for You?

A head-to-head look at two original vintage coveralls: a 1950s herringbone denim option and a 1970s Dickies canvas option, with condition, fabric, and era compared.

Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Choosing vintage coveralls for workwear means weighing the charm of original age against the practical realities of a decades-old garment. This head-to-head pairs two very different options: a 1950s herringbone denim coverall with a fair amount of wear, and a 1970s Dickies canvas coverall in listed good condition. One leans on price and denim texture; the other leans on brand and canvas toughness.

Quick Verdict

The 1970s Dickies coveralls offer a more familiar workwear label and a cotton canvas build with Talon zippers. The 1950s coveralls are the lower-priced choice for someone who wants a long-sleeve denim workwear piece and is comfortable with visible flaws. If the faded, holey charm matters more than a pristine finish, the 1950s pair is the one.

Comparison Snapshot

Detail1950s Herringbone Denim1970s Dickies Canvas
Listed PriceUSD 55.99USD 100.00
Price Bar
Era1950s1970s
MaterialDenimCotton canvas
Listed ConditionPre-owned - FairPre-owned - Good
Original/ReproductionOriginalOriginal
Size TypeRegularRegular

Where Each One Wins

For the 1950s coveralls, the wins are the herringbone stripe worked into a denim fabric and a long-sleeve layout. For the 1970s coveralls, the wins are the Dickies label, the Talon zippers, and the cotton canvas material. Neither has an advantage on original/repro, since both are listed as Original; both also come in Regular size type.

Product Notes

Vintage 50s/60s Denim Herringbone Striped Workwear Coveralls

The 1950s coveralls bring a rare herringbone stripe to a denim workwear silhouette, and the long-sleeve regular fit makes them easy to picture as a layering piece or a shop-ready top. The fabric is original denim, listed as Pre-owned - Fair, and the piece shows stains, holes, and heavy wear, so this is not a garment that will hide its history. It is an original, pre-owned piece in a regular size and leans into a wear-to-work occasion. If you want a true original piece with character and can accept the flaws as part of the package, these coveralls are a distinctive buy.

1970s Dickies Coveralls

The 1970s coveralls carry the Dickies label and a cotton canvas fabric that fits the era, with Talon zippers as a period-appropriate detail. The size label is faded, with the note 'crazy one size' and measurements including a 24-inch pit-to-pit, 21.5-inch waist, and 29.5-inch inseam. The faded blue color and distressed look give it a naturally worn appearance. Assuming those dimensions suit you, this is the stronger candidate for actual workwear use, thanks to the canvas build and the Dickies name. If not, the sizing quirk makes it a difficult fit.

Final Choice by Use Case

Choose the 1950s herringbone denim coveralls when you want original 1950s denim character and a long-sleeve fit. Choose the 1970s Dickies coveralls when you'd rather have a branded Dickies canvas coverall with Talon zippers, and when the provided measurements line up with your frame.

Products in this article
Vintage 50s 60s Denim Herringbone Striped Workwear Coveralls 38S Distressed FLAWUSD 55.99View on eBayVINTAGE 1970s DICKIES COVERALLS TALON ZIPPERS DISTRESSED AND FADED WORKWEARUSD 100.00View on eBay
Vintage 50s 60s Denim Herringbone Striped Workwear Coveralls 38S Distressed FLAWUSD 55.99View on eBayVINTAGE 1970s DICKIES COVERALLS TALON ZIPPERS DISTRESSED AND FADED WORKWEARUSD 100.00View on eBay

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