Time is precious. In a world that moves at a frenzied pace, sometimes there just isn’t enough time for buttoning, zipping and buckling multiple items of clothing. And that’s where the jumpsuit found its niche - sheer simplicity that was fit for a king.

Think of a jumpsuit and your first thought might be of the grease-laden chap who fixes your car. Or, taken to the other extreme, perhaps your mind wanders to the king of Rock and Roll himself, taking the stage in front of millions of rabid fans in all his white, bejeweled jumpsuit glory. But these two examples only reflect a small slice of jumpsuit history. For almost a hundred years, folks have been zipping up and heading out the door in these one-piece garments that making dressing oneself the simplest of chores.

Jumpsuits were first introduced around 1913 by the H.D. Lee Mercantile Company and primarily sold as military uniforms or flightsuits during WWI. Other industries soon caught on to the simple duds and soon they were showing up everywhere from farms to factories. Initially designed for men, it wouldn’t be until an industrious icon named Rosie the Riveter starting showing up in her jumpsuit that women recognized the utility of wearing a garment that wouldn’t get caught in machinery as they took to the factories in WWII.

As the war wound down, the jumpsuit found its way into the wardrobes of children. Dubbed playsuits or coveralls, they were a practically indestructible wardrobe choice for parents, perfect for the rigors of afterschool play. And during the 60s, they could even imagine they were junior handymen, pilots, or even space commanders, thanks to the popular costumed versions that were sold at Sears outlets.

Up until this point, jumpsuits generally ranked high in utility and low in fashion. But the groovy flower power generation would soon embrace them and make them their own. Soon, they were adorned with floral and psychedelic prints and made from fabrics such as nylon and polyester. Into the 70s, these wide-legged, sleeveless fashion statements were adorned with jewels, oversized belts and accentuated with turtlenecks, able to offer leasurely comfort, but stylish enough for evening attire as well.

But perhaps none ever looked more stylish in a jumpsuit than Elvis Presley, all zipped up in bejeweled glory and bringing millions of fans to their knees with swiveling hips and karate kicks. From that point forward, they left the realm of utility behind and were forever a fashion icon all their own, one that was literally fit for a king.