I’m sure you’re keen to know a potted history of the amazingly adaptable jumpsuit. It began life as a practical piece of flying garb; designer Thayat created the first ever no-nonsense jumpsuit in 1919 for parachuters and sky divers - hence the name jumpsuit (not that we’re gonna have to leap outta planes these days to get away with donning one thankfully).
It was transformed into high fashion in the ‘30s by Elsa Schiaparelli shaking up the Paris couture scene with her war-time fashionable but practical pieces (a matching gas mask was also available!) Style icon Hepburn piled on more glamour in Stage Door (1937) when she worked with the costume designer to create a monogramed silk jumpsuit - her passion was comfort and style, clothes she could move in freely.
The jumpsuit swung back to war-time practicalities in ’42 when Vera Maxwell designed a jumpsuit for the millions of women working in factories. The poster “We Can Do It!” of Rosie the Riverter in her jumpsuit and polka dot headscarf is still recognisable as a symbol of empowered women.
Fashion, full of swings and roundabouts, saw the jumpsuit hit the catwalks again in the 60’s and 70’s. Musicians like Abba, Cher, and Dianna Ross carried it on clad in stylish jumpsuits, and it’s hung on through the years! Remember Madonna, Britney Spears and the Spice Girls wearing various shapes, fabrics and patterns in their jumpsuits? And it's still here - on the red carpets of today - Bollywood and Hollywood stars all rocking the jumping-hot jumpsuit with plunged back or neck lines, accessorised with beautiful belts nipping in their waists, heels and classy clutches.
Jumpsuits are über versatile - the ultimate combo of comfort and class. An eclectic mix of ease and sass. Great throughout the seasons as you can layer them up with vests and roll necks or wear them unadulterated! I’ve gathered a few ethical and sustainable choice jumpsuits for you to choose from - depending on what your priority is.
Jump around and get down! Check out my faves: eight ethical, elegant and practical jumpsuits.
Flower Power - V&A Floral Print
You got the power - this cropped leg jumpsuit is just the ticket as we head into the delights of spring. Inspired by traditional kimono held in the V&A’s extensive collection, it's a V&A People Tree collaboration piece for the art lovers amongst us. This print features a 19th century floral pattern reimagined in delicate modern colours of peonies, chrysanthemums and hollyhocks is characteristic of kimono worn by women of samurai families. You can go cas’ with trainers or dress it up with heels and a cool clutch.
Vegan and made from organic cotton that’s grown using methods that have a low impact on the environment with systems in place to replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilisers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.
Comfort Cas' Rules
A classic sporty style and the ultimate in relaxed tailoring, once you’ve donned this delight you’re gonna find yourself living in this long sleeved jumpsuit from Ninety Percent. Sumptuously soft organic cotton and EcoVero is made spectacularly sharp by the twill jacquard textile. The way the fabric hangs will emphasise your elegant silhouette.
Like all jumpsuits the option to play with the end look is there with loose hanging delight - bung a chunky belt and some big bling and high heels on and you’re good to trot out on the town. Comfy and cool to boot.
Even more flower power
Lookin' for minimum effort and maximum style? This Agnetha floral print jumpsuit in comfy jersey fabric is just the ticket.
With practical pockets, an adjustable tie waist and super wide legs that swish at the calves, this will definitely be a firm fave in your wardobe. All you need now are some rose tinted sunglasses.
Beautiful Black Bamboo
This black beaut made of bamboo is fabulously flexible. You can layer up with a roll neck (check out our blog post on roll necks here), and a chunky knit cardie to keep you warm and cosy on cold crisp days. Or wear it solo with sandals to stay cool and breezy when the sunny warm weather hits.
Super soft the Hoshi Bamboo Jumpsuit from Komodo can be dressed up with heels and a bit of classic jewellery or enjoyed as is loose and baggy for ultimate cas’ comfort.
Perfect Print
This gorgeous Hope jumpsuit from Mayamiko is a head turner. The autumn leaf print is bold and striking, the cut is clean and classic with a stunning neck line - so you can enjoy wearing your jumpsuit both ways: cas’ with trainers or dressed up with heels and a bit of bling for heading out on the town.
Layer up on cooler days or sans layer on warm. Made in Malawi by the talented artisans team in the lovely Mayamiko fair trade workshop.
Sleeveless Stunner
A classic cut, the Estela-Maria Modal Jumpsuit from Beaumont Organic can carry your from workday into evening out with the girls with grace and ease. You can layer up for work matching with ballet pumps or snazzy socks and brogues.
When it’s time to head out with the girls in the eve, ditch the flats for heels, swap out the tie waist band for a belt and strut your stuff in this chic effortless style with confidence.
Jem: it’s a Gem of a Jumpsuit
Psychedelic to inject some fab fun and courageous colour into your wardrobe. The 'Jem' Limited Edition Organic Cotton Boilersuit in Blub Print is Lucy & Yaks first ever printed boilersuit is inspired by the inside of squishy shapes such as fruit, eggs and earlobes, which @sophmoly_iiish designs into abstract simple forms.
These beauts are made from a super soft cotton twill in the classic Rosie the Riverter jumpsuit shape, with an elasticated waist. Super special and super limited with only 150 pieces - so if you're as obsessed as us, act fast! Chunky boots will help you rock this fun and funky look.
Fabulously Feminine
This timeless Isabella Paisley jumpsuit from People Tree is cut from the softest organic cotton jersey. With an elasticated waist that draws in the cross-over front, and draped top to create a more defined shape around the hips. Featuring feminine cap sleeves in bold red shade with intricate paisley motifs. Comfy and cool - rock this look with a bright ethical bag as you head out and about.
Are you jumping for joy yet?
There are more than 40 different jumpsuits on Baobab Ave you can choose from!
We look forward to seeing you jumping for joy (via Insta) in your sustainable and ethical jumpsuit. It's sooooooo inspiring to see how individuals work their über versatile jumpsuits into a unique look for everyday wear, as well as blinging them up for a night out on the town! Tag us in your pics so we can check out your cool look and share your style guides with our other ethical slow fashion friends.
Peace out (and keep jumping for joy)
The Baobab Team x
