M101S(001) WAIST OVERALL SEA ISLAND

Before the word “jeans” existed. BIG JOHN brings the roots of workwear back to the present.

Inspired by the workwear worn around the 1880s, this model reimagines the WAISTOVERALL — a garment that predates the modern idea of jeans.

At a time when the words “jeans” and “jipang” had not yet come into use, work trousers derived from overalls, worn without the bib and held up with suspenders, were known as waist overalls.

This new model revives that early workwear spirit through the BIG JOHN perspective, combining a classic presence with a balance that feels natural in modern styling.

■ Concept — The origin of jeans, redefined by BIG JOHN
Rugged, honest, and deeply rooted in utility, the WAISTOVERALL represents one of the earliest forms of denim workwear.

BIG JOHN has reconstructed that historical garment with refined materials, careful detailing, and a silhouette designed for today. The result is not simply nostalgic. It is a new classic, made to be worn now and aged over time.

■ Fabric — American Sea Island Cotton
The material uses rare American Sea Island Cotton, a premium cotton harvested in extremely limited quantities worldwide.

Sea Island Cotton is known for its exceptional fiber length and fine texture, giving the fabric a smooth, supple, and refined hand feel rarely found in standard denim.

Its history reaches far back. Once cultivated only in the West Indies, the Caribbean region, Sea Island Cotton was so highly valued that it was said to have been reserved for the British Royal Family from the late 16th century, with export to other countries restricted.

Later, in the 18th century, it was brought to the Sea Islands of the United States, where it came to be known as Sea Island Cotton.

After devastating damage caused by pests, cultivation came to an end in 1922. Nearly a century later, in 2017, American Sea Island Cotton was revived.

The cotton used for this model is grown in BCI-member fields, with consideration given to traceability through to the final product.

■ Denim — 14oz selvedge with early workwear character
To express the neppy, uneven, and raw character found in denim from the 1880s, this fabric makes generous use of Sea Island Cotton waste fibers.

Woven slowly on vintage shuttle looms, the denim combines a distinctive irregular surface with the supple quality of premium cotton.

Color 001 is finished as a one-wash 14oz selvedge denim.

The deep indigo tone offers a powerful appearance from the start, while wear and washing will bring out fading, whiskers, puckering, and the natural aging character unique to selvedge denim.

■ Details — Classic waist overall construction
The waist is equipped with suspender buttons, allowing the garment to be worn in a traditional workwear style.

The construction carries the atmosphere of early labor clothing while keeping the overall balance clean and wearable for everyday use.

■ Styling — Rugged, refined, and made for modern wear
Pair it with a simple T-shirt, chambray shirt, work jacket, or denim jacket for a straightforward vintage-inspired look.

Rolling the hem to reveal the selvedge edge also adds a classic denim detail to the styling. Rugged in origin yet refined in texture, this is a piece that reflects BIG JOHN’s approach to craftsmanship.

■ Product Details
• Style No.: M101S
• Product Name: WAISTOVERALL SEA ISLAND
• Color: 001
• Finish: One wash
• Material: 100% cotton
• Fabric: 14oz selvedge denim

*Suspenders are sold separately. Please choose your preferred color from here.

■ Key Features
• BIG JOHN’s modern interpretation of the original waist overall
• Inspired by workwear from around the 1880s
• Made with rare American Sea Island Cotton
• 14oz one-wash selvedge denim
• Woven on vintage shuttle looms
• Neppy, uneven denim surface inspired by early workwear fabrics
• Suspender buttons for classic styling
• 100% cotton fabric designed to age with wear
• A new classic that connects denim history with modern craftsmanship

■ Size Guide (cm)

■ Size Guide (inches)

■ Measuring Guide
For details on how to measure, please refer to the size guide.

■ Notes
Measurements are taken flat. Slight variations may occur.
As this is a denim product, fading and color transfer may occur with wear and washing.
Please be careful of color transfer from dark indigo areas to light-colored garments, bags, chairs, car seats, or furniture.
Please wash separately.
Shrinkage may occur after washing.
Please avoid tumble drying.
Due to the nature of the fabric, neps and weaving irregularities may be visible. Please enjoy them as part of the natural character of the material.
The leather label and attached parts may fade, transfer color, or change in texture with wear and washing.
Please check the care label before washing.

■ Out of Stock Items
For sizes currently out of stock, inventory may still be available at our directly managed stores.
Please feel free to contact us for availability or future restock information.
*When contacting us, please include the product style number, color, and size.
Contact us here

• WAISTOVERALL inspired by early 1880s workwear
• BIG JOHN’s modern reconstruction of the roots of jeans
• Made with rare American Sea Island Cotton
• 14oz one-wash selvedge denim
• Woven slowly on vintage shuttle looms
• Neppy and irregular fabric surface inspired by early denim
• Suspender buttons for classic waist overall styling
• 100% cotton denim designed to fade and age with wear
• Suspenders sold separately
• A rugged yet refined new classic from BIG JOHN

Before jeans had a name.
Before denim became a symbol.
A BIG JOHN waist overall made from rare Sea Island Cotton, built to be worn, aged, and remembered.