Salopette

French word which is used to describe a pair of wide, comfortable pants that extend over the chest in a bib-like apron, which is held up with braces that cross behind the back. A work garment that was also worn by women during the two world wars, it became fashionable in the 1960s when popular forms of clothing were transposed into ready-to-wear. Made in denim, with small and large pockets, it was worn as leisure wear and on holiday, and also became a favorite garment for maternity wear — in light wool for winter or in cotton with little floral motifs for the warmer seasons. The version in silk is intriguing in its lively contradiction of a popular form and very fine fabric. In France, it is one of Adolphe Lafont’s pièces de résistance.