Portwest C813 Liverpool Work Overalls – Navy, L, 65/35 Polycotton Boiler Suit
Product description
What it is and what it solves
The Portwest C813 Liverpool work overalls are a polycotton boiler suit designed for trades on the move. They combine durability with everyday practicality, attempting to balance protection for mechanics and painters with enough comfort for a full shift on site. If you’re after a single garment that can handle bending, reaching and tool-carrying without constant readjustment, this suit aims to cover that need.
Key features
These overalls use a 65% polyester and 35% cotton blend at 245gsm, described as pre-shrunk to offer a consistent fit across multiple wash cycles. A notable design detail is the action back, which is intended to reduce shoulder pull when you bend or stretch. The two-way front zip is convenient for quick on-and-off over boots, while side access openings let you reach clothing worn underneath without undoing the whole suit.
Who it suits
Ideal for automotive workshops, garages, painting and decorating jobs, warehouses and general labouring. The eight pockets provide practical storage: two zipped chest pockets, a rear hip pocket, a dedicated mobile phone pocket, plus pen and rule pockets on the legs. If your day involves frequent tool snatching from a belt or an under-layer, this layout aims to keep essentials accessible.
How it performs in use
On the move, the Liverpool suit aims to strike a balance between protection and freedom of movement. The material blend is chosen for durability and relative comfort, and the sizing is pitched as true to standard coverall sizes, with a wide range from XS to 6XL. For those who work with paint and solvents or dusty environments, the weight and texture appear to offer reasonable resistance to everyday wear and tear, while the machine wash at 60 degrees Celsius and low tumble dry simplify care routines.
What to watch for (pros and cons)
Pros: robust mid-weight fabric, practical pocket configuration, accessible side openings, and a back designed for freedom of movement. The multi-pocket layout keeps daily necessities close at hand, which can save time spent searching for tools mid-shift. Cons: as with many mixed-fibre garments, fit and comfort can depend on body shape and layering. The 245gsm spec is middle-weight rather than heavy-duty, so it may not suit extremely harsh environments where heavier protective gear is standard. Also, the sizing is reported as true to size, but if you’re between sizes or plan to layer heavily underneath, you might want to consider up-sizing.
How to decide if it’s right for you
If you prioritise a practical work suit with convenient access and a broad pocket set, this Portwest model offers a straightforward option. It’s less about premium tactile comfort and more about reliable, everyday utility. It may not be the best choice if you require high-visibility features, extra insulation, or heavyweight abrasion resistance for rough industrial work.
What to review before buying
Check that the size you usually wear corresponds to the six-colour range (navy, black, graphite grey, dark blue, orange, red) and confirm you’re comfortable with a mid-weight 245gsm fabric. Consider whether you’ll routinely use the side openings with boots on, and whether the eight-pocket layout aligns with your typical tool set. If you’re shopping for layering undergarments or extra warmth, note that fit can influence comfort when worn over bulky base layers.
A practical usage snapshot
Imagine a morning in a busy workshop: you slip into the Liverpool overalls, zip up the front, and turn to your first task with a pocket for your pen and a secure spot for your phone within easy reach. You bend to reach a tool on a lower shelf, and the action back helps you move without pulling at the shoulders. By mid-shift, a quick machine wash at 60C and a low tumble dry keeps them looking functional rather than crumpled—a small but meaningful edge on a long day.
Technical overview
- Name: Portwest C813 Liverpool Work Overalls
- Type: Boiler suit / coveralls
- Format: Polycotton blend (65% polyester, 35% cotton) 245gsm
- Size range: XS to 6XL
- Colour options: navy, black, graphite grey, dark blue, orange, red
- Closure: Two-way front zip
- Fit: Action back for freedom of movement
- Pockets: Eight pockets including two zipped chest pockets, rear hip pocket, mobile phone pocket, pen pocket, and leg ruler pocket
- Care: Machine wash 60 degrees Celsius, tumble dry low
Final verdict
Final verdict: Worth considering if you need a practical, mid-weight work suit with ample pockets and straightforward care. It isn’t a premium option, but it offers dependable daily performance for mechanics, painters and general site work. You’ll likely benefit from the true-to-size fit and the convenience of side access openings for layering beneath. If you require higher durability for heavy abrasive work or high-visibility features, you may want to review other options.
FAQ
- How does the sizing run? Users report that sizing is typically true to standard coverall sizes, upsize if you plan to layer underneath.
- Is it machine washable at home? Yes, it’s designed for machine washing at 60 degrees Celsius and low tumble drying.
- How many pockets are there and what are they for? There are eight pockets in total, including two zipped chest pockets, a rear hip pocket, a dedicated mobile phone pocket, a pen pocket and a leg pocket with a ruler slot.