Housewife pillowcase

52 replies

CandyLeBonBon · 26/11/2020 23:36

I've just changed my bedsheets. Putting new bedding on, I've just noticed the name of the inexpensive, plain white pillowcases I bough to cope with the fact that I have three teens who don't care if they mix and match.

Why the fuck are they called 'housewife pillowcases'?

In this day and age? Am I missing something?

OP posts:

ErrolTheDragon · 26/11/2020 23:48

Why the fuck are they called 'housewife pillowcases'?

That may possibly have a more interesting answer than anticipated...

^ Throughout history, specifically during the 19th Century, pillowcases had a simple opening at the end which would make the pillow fall out of the case.
In the 1880s the “Housewives Co-operative” originating in Bolton adapted a standard pillowcase to include an inside flap at the end, this flap would keep the pillowcase in its place. They became known as “Housewife” pillowcases to honour them.^

(I can't find any background on what exactly the Housewives Cooperative was, so this may be an Internet myth)

ForestDad · 26/11/2020 23:48

Aren't they the normal ones? With no border (which I think are called Oxfords or something).
Despite the name they can be used by anyone, even teenagers who can cope with their pillow cases not matching!
Agree that it's not the most equal opportunities term though.

Unflip

1 2 3

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.