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Original poster

Dot Cotton's housecoat

184 replies

Teael · 04/04/2022 23:06

The sad news today and the pictures of June Brown (rest in peace) reminded me of a question I've had for a while:

What happened to those polyester housecoats middle aged women wore when I was a child? When I google housecoats, I just get dressing gowns, which isn't what I'm meaning. They had enough static to power the national grid (with the hair spray used, I'm amazed there weren't more hair spray/house coat induced self-immolations), but were worn for housework, and were quick to wash.

Not dressing gowns, nor aprons. They were literally coats you wore in the house.

Where does one buy such an item these days?! I'm quite pleased to see the photos of June Brown wearing one, as I'd started to think I'd made them up!

OP posts:
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JanglyBeads · 04/04/2022 23:09

My mum's was called an overall, that might help?

Ducksurprise · 04/04/2022 23:09

I know exactly what you mean but I don't know where you'd buy them from now. Housecoats and slippers with a heel, makes me feel nostalgic and old.

Ducksurprise · 04/04/2022 23:10

More pressing , why do you want to buy one?

RagzRebooted · 04/04/2022 23:12

Much more practical than a dressing gown and warm. I agree OP, I'd also been thinking about these recently and wondering why they aren't a thing any more.
I never feel like cleaning in my dressing gown and I don't want it dirty, but I wear it all the time in the house (as we all do) as it's warm.

RIP June Brown. Flowers

Original poster
Teael · 04/04/2022 23:13

@Ducksurprise - you answered your own question: "Housecoats and slippers with a heel, makes me feel nostalgic and old." I am hitting the nostalgia, to try and distract from how crap things are!

Plus I'm thinking they could be quite practical to cut down on the washing, and act as an extra layer. But mainly it's because if a shop sells housecoats a la Dot, it might sell other things that I'll enjoy for nostalgia.

OP posts:
notwhatineednow · 04/04/2022 23:13

Try Etsy. These are possibly more psychedelic than you had in mind? But they have loads.

I put in "1970s housecoat"

notwhatineednow · 04/04/2022 23:14

Or, try searching on "vintage housecoat" on Esty:

www.etsy.com/search/vintage?q=housecoat&ref=pagination&vintage_rewrite=vintage+housecoat&original_query=2&orig_facet=

Original poster
Teael · 04/04/2022 23:15

@notwhatineednow

Those are not quite it- lots are like slightly longer bedjackets.

BEDJACKETS! No one has a bed jacket any more...

OP posts:
notwhatineednow · 04/04/2022 23:15

I remember the "helpers" at school all wore them at lunch - and in the playground to, I think.

Smokeahontas · 04/04/2022 23:16

A tabbard?

PerkingFaintly · 04/04/2022 23:17

Yes, I've long been sad housecoats went out. Very practical garments – though p'raps not in the flammable version.

I think these days we just get our decent clothes dirty/holey and chuck them in the wash or replace. In days gone by preserving our decent clothes and going longer between laundry mattered.

BastardtheCat · 04/04/2022 23:17

Wales has a 'Shaws' which sell
Bedding, towels, random items of questionable quality.

Maybe there?

RIP Dot. Say hello to Ethel for me Gin

Original poster
Teael · 04/04/2022 23:17

All the dinner ladies had them, you're right.

OP posts:
lapasion · 04/04/2022 23:18

I’m guessing they were useful back when homes had single glazing and crap heating. I do remember my granny’s house being bloody freezing, and she had a housecoat and bed jacket.

You never see tabards anymore either. People in service jobs and cleaners always just have a generic polo shirt uniform. The tabard seems to be officially dead.

Original poster
Teael · 04/04/2022 23:18

@Smokeahontas

No, not a tabbard. Or an apron. Google dot cotton launderette. The blue nylon article. A housecoat.

OP posts:
Skelligsfeathers · 04/04/2022 23:19

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353169733206

PerkingFaintly · 04/04/2022 23:19

I've also been contemplating cotton nightcaps but settled on a sleep hoodie as even better.

I have a cold bedroom at night, and they've been a godsend.

Pipsqueakpopsqueak · 04/04/2022 23:19

Damart have a quilted one!

KilmordenCastle · 04/04/2022 23:19

I've still got my (deceased) grandmother's housecoat. I don't wear it, doubt it would fit me, but it's hung up in a cupboard and it makes me smile every time I see it.

Skiptheheartsandflowers · 04/04/2022 23:19

Also hairnets. My nan wore these daily. You could get them in multi packs at the chemist. Gone now.

I would love a proper bedjacket too. Good for reading in bed.

RIP June Brown. Very talented actress. Dot was so well played.

Original poster
Teael · 04/04/2022 23:20

www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-ladies-nylon-overall-246422380

Overall may be the correct word, thank you.

OP posts:
Ifionlyknewthenwhatiknownow3 · 04/04/2022 23:23

Maybe a lab coat would suit if you can't find what you want?

PerkingFaintly · 04/04/2022 23:23

They were definitely called housecoats, Teael.

Maybe there are regional variations, but for me, overalls could be anything from a tabard to dungarees or a boiler suit.

Whereas a housecoat is a nylon or polyester critter like in notwhatineednow's post, but with sleeves.