Sporty, anti-bourgeois, and even haute couture: the many lives of the Jumpsuit

An unconventional garment with an origin far from the catwalks

The jumpsuit is one of the most iconic garments of the last century. It is a common opinion that it offers the best of two worlds: the comfort of trousers and the lightness of a dress. It should be noted, however, that this goal was only achieved decades after its creation.

The origins of the jumpsuit, far from being fashionable, date back to skydiving: a direct trace of this is the English term "jumpsuit," literally "jump suit," which refers to the typical one-piece garment with sleeves and trousers worn by parachutists both to thermally insulate their bodies during high-altitude jumps and to prevent it from getting caught on important ropes or handles.

Due to its practicality and accessibility, it immediately became an essential item of clothing for the working class, with a specific anti-bourgeois meaning. The jumpsuit's debut in high fashion is owed to Elsa Schiaparelli, in the late 1930s, who made the jumpsuit fitted and elegant, able to adhere to a woman's silhouette without hindering her movements.

These innovations, and the subsequent modifications made, have allowed the jumpsuit to be appreciated in this way: a complete outfit, easily combinable with various jackets and accessories, that suits all women, regardless of size and shape.

A must-have to always have in your wardrobe!