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Original poster

To champion the return of the "housecoat"?

253 replies

LadyTrevelyan · 08/04/2016 23:25

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.Smile

OP posts:
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TeaPleaseLouise · 09/04/2016 11:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Lucked · 09/04/2016 12:06

Yes the first ones category is lingerie - nowt as queer as folk!

Caffeinator · 09/04/2016 12:24

I used to browse a site called milkandcookies IIRC and one week once of its links was to a fetish site dedicated to nylon aprons and rubber gloves.

Nanny0gg · 09/04/2016 12:48

The ones worn by Nora Batty and Mrs Overall are pinafores.

Housecoats are practical dressing gowns worn over petticoats and underwear which you change into to do housework and cooking. Change into your dress when you leave the house.

SaucyJack · 09/04/2016 13:00

Leggings are the modern equivalent of the housecoat.

I wear them with a vest/cardi when I'm just pissing about at home, then just swap for a tunic dress when I go out.

Patterkiller · 09/04/2016 13:06

I'm getting the sewing machine out and russling up a few hundred..form an orderly queue ladies.

To champion the return of the "housecoat"?
ExpandingRoundTheMiddle · 09/04/2016 13:18

Patter the fabric shops round this way don't tend to stock the kind of grim but practical polyester a proper housecoat needs. After finding those links on Ebay, I'd be afraid to ask in case I was given a waggly eyebrow and a hushed, "Oh we keep all that sort of fabric in the back room, Madam." Grin

SirVixofVixHall · 09/04/2016 13:29

I have a dusty pink CORDUROY housecoat. It has matching trousers.

Chippednailvarnish · 09/04/2016 13:33

Oh fuck no.

Wearing a housecoat appears to be only one step away from owing a wolf fleece!

SpareCrust · 09/04/2016 14:01

I think the "what to wear when choring" question is quite difficult actually and have pondered it long and hard.

I'm never quite sure what a house coat is tbh but can't abide long sleeves or skirts for choring in. Nor, being large and middle-aged and prone to over-heating, can I chore in nylon.

Used to wear a sort of uniform combo of yoga pants and three-quarter length t-shirts with trainers but got fed up of (a) having to get changed to nip out to shops/do school run and (b) getting bleach on things and (c) generally feeling a bit scuddy because you inevitably end up wearing them for far too long!

Now I have a large collection of aprons that I wear every day of the week over "proper" trousers and tops (three quarter length or rolled-up sleeves) and wear proper shoes. The aprons must have pockets for carrying around phones, things found, bits of paper, empty bin bag, duster, pen, keys etc.

For hygiene reasons, have different aprons for choring and cooking in obviously!

Um, am aware I might just be over-thinking this a little Confused

HelsBels3000 · 09/04/2016 14:05

Yes to a housecoat! I have been gently teasing a lady at work who gets her grandmother's lovely lemon housecoat out for science lessons/clay model making etc
We had a very detailed conversation in the staffroom about what a good idea they are.
I want one! Id like to order turquoise please Patter

TSSDNCOP · 09/04/2016 14:08

In general I always think a lot can be learned from studying Margo Ledbetter. Often I ponder WWMD in a tricky spot.

And I think if we are bringing back the housecoat, we should also seriously consider the wheeled shopping trolley.

lorelei9here · 09/04/2016 14:10

Oh I want one
How very practical.
My mum had overalls. I must ask her where she bought them...

Chippednailvarnish · 09/04/2016 14:16

Nah, if you want practicality without looking like a bunch of flowers has vomited on you, try a Japanese apron

I've made a few for my DCs.

CointreauVersial · 09/04/2016 14:16

If you want to buy a housecoat, get thee to rural France.

We stayed near Limoges a couple of years ago, and the local markets all had stalls selling housecoats, in a variety of designs, heavy use of floral fabric.

DSM stocked up - she loves a housecoat and wears one whenever she is cleaning. I'd sooner sling on an old teeshirt.

PinkBallerina · 09/04/2016 14:19

I tried to champion the return of the housecoat a few years ago on MN. If i remember rightly we decided on a nice range of Cath Kidson fabrics and MN slogans embroided across the shouldes or on the breast pocket. Think "Leave the bastard" "oh for fucks sake" etc etc.

You are more than welcome to takeover on the project, which i must add seemed to have an awful lot more support than you have had today. Shame.

We didn't get a patent or take the project to Dragons Den for an investment (but i am sure that Deborah would be intersted). Good luck. I'll buy one...

howabout · 09/04/2016 14:25

I want a lab coat or a hardwear shop overcoat. Something that can cope with a 60 wash and the odd bleach splash.

diddl · 09/04/2016 14:31

I don't get why you would get home & put on a housecoat tbh.

What's the purpose of that?

bolleauxnouveau · 09/04/2016 14:38

I like the japanese aprons, but I would look authentically ( not ironically) Norah Batty in a housecoat. I could carry off an artist's smock though.

bolleauxnouveau · 09/04/2016 14:42

Or maybe some scrubs, not so easy to whip on and off when you leave the house though, and possibly a bit scary for cold callers at the door...but then again.

hazeyjane · 09/04/2016 14:42

Personally I would go for a tabard.

I love my work tabard, it has a big pocket to shove bits of lego, half eaten chocolate bars, paper clips, elastic bands and fluff and it gives me an authority that tabardless me just doesn't have.

MelbourneClown03 · 09/04/2016 14:52

Weirdly I was talking to DP about house coats just the other day. My nan had one and how practical they must have been. He was horrified at the idea of me adopting one but I'm encouraged by this thread. Not such a crazy notion after all, me thinks Grin

OverScentedFanjo · 09/04/2016 14:57

When I was a child our housekeeper wore a brown checkered nylon housecoat for working in. I have really find memories of her, but I don't think I'm going to start wearing one.

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