The advent of disposable coveralls was led by the development of technologies and materials that produced durable, lightweight and filtering or impermeable non-woven fabrics that were comfortable enough to wear and inexpensive enough to discard. The specialized fabrics are widely used for disposable protective clothing or garments such as coveralls, aprons, jumpsuits, and shoe covers that shield against common work place hazards and grime. Disposable coveralls can be used for simple routines when employees don't want to get grease or dirt on their clothes, or they can be used for more serious situations when the use of chemicals or other substances is involved.

For light-duty situations, employees can choose disposable coveralls that are made of lightweight, economical spunbond polypropylene that provides protection against dust as well as direct and incidental aerosol mist. The most common situations in which this type of disposable protective clothing is used is in cleaning, sanding, dirty repair jobs, dusty environments like grain and mill operations, or light painting. The coveralls are worn over a person's clothing and zip up the front. Some coveralls have the added protection of elastic closures at the wrist and ankle, others have open wrists and ankles. Chose the style that is most appropriate for the situation and the best degree of protection.

For applications such as painting, general maintenance, dry chemical applications, construction, automotive, fiberglass, agriculture, food processing, environmental cleanup, and abrasive blasting, industrial users can look to disposable coveralls that provide a higher level of safety protection against dry particulates and light liquid splash. These protective coveralls can't guarantee that something harmful won't come in contact with the skin, but they can be effective at repelling most non-hazardous liquids and particulates. The most widely known version of disposable coveralls is Tyvek, manufactured by DuPont. However, today other companies have produced products that perform very well too. In situations where employees are performing heavy cleaning and using degreasers or other similar chemicals, disposable coveralls with a hood may work best. Used in conjunction with safety goggles, a hard hat, and other safety equipment, the user can perform work in greater comfort and safety.

In processing and manufacturing facilities such as food and chemical processors, petroleum refineries, and pulp and paper mills, a greater level of protection can be found in products as the DuPont Tychem® QC clothing. These coveralls use a polyethylene-coated Tyvek fabric to provide extra resistance and protection against light liquid and chemical splash. The bright yellow color also provides contrast across a wide range of natural backgrounds for high visibility in the workplace. The lightweight fabric is durable and resists tears and abrasion. Boot covers may be an important option in these settings.

Advances in disposable clothing technology have made it possible to give employees an extra layer of comfort and protection for a reasonable cost. It makes sense to take advantage of that technology.