While there's certainly a case to be made against the jumpsuit – you need someone on hand to help do up the damn thing, toilet situations are problematic, and don't get us started on festival scenarios – there's just something so liberating about a one-piece. Perhaps it reminds us of the all-in-ones our parents put us in when we were toddlers... In any case, gone are preoccupations with rising hemlines or fussy shirt tucks: you can just throw it on and you're good to go.
The original style, designed by Florentine Thayat in 1919, was a functional outfit worn by skydivers and parachuters to jump out of aeroplanes (hence the name) but came to be worn by Formula One drivers, skiers, astronauts, car mechanics and plumbers alike. However, the jumpsuit soon evolved from its utilitarian beginnings to become a fashion statement in its own right. When wartime threats of air raids introduced the need for easy and quick clothing, legendary Italian surrealist designer Elsa Schiaparelli produced jumpsuits with matching velvet headwear (just look at Rosie the Riveter's navy one-piece in the "We Can Do It!" poster).
It was the '70s that really breathed sartorial life into the jumpsuit. The hangover from Woodstock saw long-haired lovers don matching crocheted one-pieces, while Studio 54 legends like Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger and Cher brought the house down in their embellished, fringed, satin, and glitter-ball jumpsuits. The '80s brought powerhouse boiler suits to the forefront of women's wardrobes, all sharp shoulders and electric hues, and today, jumpsuits are a favourite for chic but practical workwear and easy-breezy summer get-ups.
There's no denying the power of a good jumpsuit – click through to see our pick of the best.
This minimalist number from COS is summer workwear perfection. The oversized shape balances out the bare shoulders but if you don't want to reveal too much skin, wear over a plain white T-shirt.
COS Strapless Jumpsuit, £115, available at COS
Monki's asymmetric ribbed jumpsuit is the ideal throw-it-on-and-go piece for strolling round the city come warmer weather.
Monki One-Shoulder Ribbed Jumpsuit, £35, available at Monki
We love a jumpsuit that could be mistaken for a dress. The billowy sleeves and print of Sportmax's offering are standout.
Sportmax Bondone Jumpsuit, £930, available at Matches Fashion
M.i.h Jeans can do no wrong when it comes to a cut of denim. This rodeo-style boiler suit is super-cute when paired with a neckerchief.
M.i.h Jeans Uta Denim Jumpsuit, £295, available at Matches Fashion
Now this is a showstopper. Draping? White? Cut-out? Top marks all round for this springtime staple.
ASOS White Drape Side Jumpsuit, £90, available at ASOS
This will look equally at home at your friend's BBQ or in the Med. Just add sliders and statement earrings.
H&M Strapless Jumpsuit, £39.99, available at H&M
Trust Diane von Furstenberg to create a chic evening jumpsuit. Layer this over a white silk shirt, or go bare-shouldered and add your favourite heels.
Diane von Furstenberg Printed Jumpsuit, £210, available at Net-A-Porter
So '80s! This waist tie will suit all shapes, plus red is your go-to spring colour.
Topshop Matte Plisse Batwing Jumpsuit, £42, available at Topshop
Who said workwear had to be dull? Jacquemus' reimagining of the classic pinstripe suit is pure genius. That bustier, those flares...
Jacquemus Pinstriped Linen Jumpsuit, £550, available at Net-A-Porter
This simple bow-topped navy number is a nice wardrobe addition come spring.
Mango Bow Linen Jumpsuit, £49.99, available at Mango
Whistles impressed with their jumpsuit drop this season, but this tangerine dream floral piece is the star of the show.
Whistles Tangerine Dream Jumpsuit, £245, available at Whistles
This is city festival cool: wear with your freshest kicks, sunnies, and layered silver and gold jewellery.
Topshop Pinspot Block Jumpsuit, £52, available at Topshop
Staying true to the original jumpsuit design, Isabel Marant's floral wonder looks as great with heels as with brogues.
Isabel Marant Laney Jumpsuit, £915, available at Net-A-Porter
Another pinstripe, this time more casual, from Ganni.
Ganni Oakwood Jumpsuit, £180, available at Net-A-Porter
This breezy all-in-one is perfect for layering – over shirts, your Breton top, or a band tee.
LF Markey Benji Jumpsuit, £178, available at Goodhood
Tried shirting every which way? Time to take your extravagant sleeves to your one-piece.
Zara Open Back Poplin Jumpsuit, £29.99, available at Zara
OTT eyelets were everywhere this season, and the utilitarian vibe of Mango's piece is a nice nod to the practicality of the jumpsuit.
Mango Buckled Jumpsuit, £49.99, available at Mango
Warehouse's safari-inspired number is so flattering – the wide leg taps into culottes territory and belts are everywhere this spring.
Warehouse Cotton D Ring Jumpsuit, £65, available at Warehouse
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