To champion the return of the "housecoat"?

[LadyTrevelyan]

My Grandma and Auntie B.both removed their coats when getting home and then put on their housecoat - a bit like Mrs Overall. I swore I would never wear such a thing but...

So practical and has pockets to pick up bits and pieces and, also, keeps my shoulders warm. I picked up mine from a charity shop.

I am single and I don't think this is related.

I wear an old fleece coat round the house ...I come home and coat goes off, fleece goes on - it is the pockets that are so handy - fill up with random crap like bits of games, coins and rubbish for recycling.
Actually I put one on over my PJs as a 'dressing gown' too - dual purpose..
And I use the same ones for DIY/gardening too -so they are all paint splattered etc. I don't think a house coat could take the battering.
Actually I tend to wear my 'scruffs' - scruffy joggers and old sweatshirts, also paint splattered - for doing house work etc - they are very scruffy. Scruffy enough that I wouldn't be tempted to go out in them - so I do always get changed for school pick up.

I don't take them off to answer the door...but actually I would be embarrassed if someone I know (other than the postie) came to the door when I was wearing them...might even pretend I wasn't in...

My DH calls dressing gowns "house coats", I often wear mine at home over my clothes if it's chilly and don't want to whack the heating up

Thank God Expanding!

When the DCs were small I used to get fully dressed for work and then put my long dressing gown over the top, whipping it off just before leaving the house. Et Voila ! Immaculate work outfit despite DC's breakfast time, and having made packed lunches, etc.

But if I buy a housecoat when i answer the door to the postman will he know that I'm wearing a respectable housecoat and not slumming it in my dressing gown?

But surely Margo Leadbetter wouldn't be seen dead in a traditional, nylon housecoat? Wasn't her 'indoor wear' more floaty kaftan style? Very 1970s

echt, I think that pink thing was her dressing gown!

Oh my god. I want a housecoat! Why did I never think of this!

A housecoat is housework wear to keep the lady of the house clean and tidy until a visitor comes calling or her husband comes home from a hard day at work expecting his tea,/dinner/supper and before he goes out for a couple of pints at the local establishment. A dressing gown is loungewear. Older ladies in France still wear them. Dhs aunt does she's in her 70's and she goes everywhere in hers. Think Nora batty but hers have long sleeves.

I need one.
Where will I get one?
Could I make one myself?
Oh I love this thread.

Janec I was just about to say you could pick one up easily on a market in rural France.
You probably only need to drive 20 mins from Calais to find one on a booze cruise trip but would have to make sure it is market day in the town you pick.

I might even get one to wear when DDs friend's mum (super sophisticated Frenchwoman who loves British style) next comes over and tell her they are back in fashion in the UK.

I have a lovely zip through fleece dressing gown that DH calls my housecoat. A bit like this one much better than a belted one- stays done up and no flappy bits to get in the way. I love it.

Yanbu. I always wear a fleecy dressing gown over my clothes around the house. I'd love a proper house coat.

I think it's a brilliant idea, there's some interesting house coat offerings here

My DM swears by Japanese style aprons which have pockets etc but are much prettier. (She bought hers in Japan ; the ones on sale here all seem to be just plain linen rather than the patterned linen hers are made from) Wouldn't keep your shoulders warm though. They also do crossback ones.

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/286071633/pinafore-japanese-style-apron-square?ref=market

Ooh this lady would be your competition on the anti-housecoat team although has a nice pic of the house coat in its natural habit

I've been talking about this since my children were small and I (ie my clothes!) needed protection from them. Pockets! Coverage! What's not to like!

Bunting, cupcakes and floral Cath kidston shite made a comeback, why not something as practical as a housecoat? Nb I can make a similar case for glasses chains.

A floral Cath kidston housecoat. Now you're talking!!

My stepmother has a selection of pinnies, tabards and overalls. Not sure any of them exactly meet the definition of housecoat, but that's how she uses them. Arrive home, coat off and one of these items on. Which one depends on what task she's planning to do.

I think of a housecoat as a coverall apron rather than a dressing gown.

m.ebay.co.uk/sch/sis.html?_nkw=retro+Margo+the+good+life+original+dressing+gown+housecoat+70s+purple+lace+12&_itemId=221946900690&_trksid=p2056116.m4096

Oh my word I need to lose weight to buy a Margo housecoat!!!

I have three of them. They're all original 1970s ones and very like Margot's. I get mine from Ebay. I have a connection there who has access to old new shop stock! So they're old...but new! I also got DD a flannelette quilted dressing gown! It's fab because it has buttons from neck to feet so never flaps open.

this is what you need for warmth around the house 😄

No, no, no they are an awful idea. The whole point is that you are wearing something smart underneath, so neither comfy not cosy.

I much prefer wearing something that allows you to do impromptu yoga or run after the dog at a moment's notice.