Did you know your favorite dungarees (overalls) actually trace their roots back to Dongri, a neighborhood in Mumbai? Surprising but true!

In the 17th century, Dongri was famous for producing a thick cotton fabric called dungri. This strong, durable cloth was exported to England, where the name slowly transformed into “dungaree.” What started as a fabric for sails, work clothes, and miners eventually became the rugged material for overalls and jeans that we see today.

By the 19th century, dungarees had become the ultimate workwear in Europe and America. Even Levi Strauss, the denim pioneer, used this fabric to create riveted overalls. Over time, they moved from docks and factories to becoming a fashion staple on runways.

From the narrow lanes of Dongri to global wardrobes, dungarees have travelled centuries and continents. Next time you slip into a pair, remember - it all began in Mumbai’s Dongri!