Housecoat??

[PeggyBabcockBoot]

I’ve had a request from my MIL (in her 70’s) for a woollen ‘housecoat’ for Christmas. I’m not sure its the same as a dressing gown, and want to maintain some level of surprise so don’t want to dig too deep on discussions with her on description. Any clue? She’s from the Black Country if any help?

They aren't dressing gowns...

They are similar but have buttons down the front and are smart and a bit fitted and roomy enough to wear over your day clothes...

There is a thread somewhere on Mumsnet about them, we were trying to find a sewing pattern for them.

Last sold in the 70s I reckon!

Oh - not so easy to buy then. Ill try and do a search on housecoat. Very specific present! Do they still sell them, and am I likely to find one that is ‘woolley’?

I thought it was a northern word for dressing gown and meant the same thing.

Me too @Groundhogdayzz I'm sure my Grandma called her dressing gown a housecoat 🤔

www.suzannecharles.co.uk/housecoats.html

You’re welcome

Ah I meant house coats last seen for sale in the 70s!! I wonder if they fell out of fashion as central heating became the normal and that more women started working outside the home again?

A button up dressing gown is the closest thing you'll find I think. Wool unlikely but go for "smart" as possible?

Oh I hadnt realised they were their own thing. I'm scottish and dressing gown has always been a "hoose" coat.

Hi Peggy. I've just had a look for you. Google 'retro dressing gowns with buttons'. I think you'll find a few that might be suitable.

My GM used to wear a house coat, they tended to be polyester, floral, with buttons down the front and a collar. She wore them over her regular clothes to keep them 'nice' while she was in the house. Hers was definitely not a dressing gown type.

It's more or less a dressing gown I'd say. People wore quilted ones once.