World's largest overalls expand to Japan

By Christian Price, News9.com INsite Team

SHAWNEE, Okla. -- Round House manufacturing made the world's largest pair of overalls to celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2002. Now, their sturdy, denim trousers are a fashion craze in Japan.

"The new niche for us is Japan," said Jim Antosh, president of Round House. "Japan really likes made in the USA products and we supply them with quite a few overalls and jeans."

 Antosh has worked at the plant for 30 years.

"We had one major customer in Japan, which I was amazed," Antosh said. "Their initial order was for like a 160 pair of 32 inch waist by 31inch all the same size. I said, ‘Oh, surely that's a mistake. No one orders all that many pair of the same size,' but no, they were right."

This isn't the first time Round House overalls had so much attention. The company made the world's largest pair of overalls to celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2002. The workers at the Shawnee plant range from all cultures and ages. They also consider themselves more than just co-workers.

Elaine Brown, is getting ready to retire after 23 years.

"It's like a big family here," Brown said. "We all know each other. We know when we have babies. We know when we buy homes. We know when we have trouble. We just try to help each other."

The Oklahoma plant originated out of local necessity, Antosh said.

"They started making for the railroad workers," Antosh said. "Of course, that's a very small part of the business now compared to now."

If you are new to overall wearing, Antosh has a tip for you to keep in mind.

"Just remember if you're a little bigger gentleman, sometimes I would add two or four inches to the waist," Antosh said. "All that because of the stomach over hang, trying to be as politely as possible."

There is also certain etiquette to wearing overalls.

"You got to know the overall dress code somewhat," Antosh said. "Blue is your work day overall, and then stripe is your dress overall. So if you're at church or a special meeting, you wear your striped overall."