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I first spotted Rosie’s Workwear overalls at the Heirloom Expo several years ago. The company has a great concept: work overalls made for women in the spirit of Rosie the Riveter. The display rack featured feminine colors, stylish overalls and coveralls in durable fabrics. I talked myself out of buying a pair every year. I’m really good at that.

Fast forward to April 2016, when Rosie’s contacted me to ask if I would review their newest product, the professional-grade overall. I’m leery about reviewing products because if I don’t like the product, rather than write a negative review, I just won’t review it, period. But this was Rosie’s offering to send me free stuff.

“What if I don’t like them?” That was my first thought. I’m nothing if not practical, so these overalls better function like a well-oiled machine. Guess what. They do. Here are the highlights:

First – These overalls were designed with function in mind. Sturdy materials usually mean an uncomfortable fit, but not in this case. They fit easily over clothing, have elastic shoulder straps, and feature useful pockets everywhere: 2 on the bib, 6 (yes!) in the front, 2 on the sides (plus 2 loops), and 2 in the back.

Rosie’s Workwear professional overalls also feature a double layer of fabric over the knees. Upon further investigation, there are pockets to insert knee pads if one so desires. This is genius.

You can add knee pads to your order for $4.

Second – Let’s talk about color and style. No offense, Rosie, but I hate pink. Most pastels, in fact. Therefore, it’s a huge plus that these professional overalls come in Smoke. Charcoal gray is about as sexy as you can get, in my opinion. The husband thinks so, too.

The 40s-influenced design of these overalls is delightful. There are two buttons on each side to adjust for a svelte fit in the waist, if so desired. They fit well, like I could wear them all day. That said, they slip on and off easily.

The point of overalls is to protect your nice clothes while gardening, so you can wear nice clothes. Around here, we wear gardening jeans and t-shirts every single day because we’re always gardening. These overalls afford one the option to dress like a girl on occasion. What a novel idea.

Cons – I only have two cons about the design, and both I can work with: flaps on the back pockets, and Velcro on the inside of the bib pocket. I constantly put shears and other items in my back pockets, so they need to be completely accessible at all times. Flaps prevent that. Granted, they are stylish, but I’ll tuck them in to make the pockets usable. The outer bib pocket has a small Velcro enclosure that I’m certain will catch on my fabric garden gloves every time. It also scratches bare hands. I’ll tape over that Velcro to prevent interference. There is a zippered pocket right behind it, so if I need to trap something in there, that second pocket will do the job.

Overall…(pun intended), I’m impressed with these professional overalls. They have a price tag that indicates they will last a long time, and survive brutal treatment. Like a good pair of shears, they’re an investment that will last. We’ll put them to the test here at Gardenerd HQ and we’ll enjoy the process. Check out Rosie’s Workwear for more styles and colors.

Thanks, Rosie’s, for sending these overalls. They fulfill a long-time wish for something to throw on over regular clothes for a quick trip out to the garden. It’s nice to have something thoughtfully made for gardenerds everywhere.