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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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22
Chippednailvarnish · 09/04/2016 22:11

Japanese sleeved overall

A much better option

IamMummyhearmeROAR · 09/04/2016 22:12

When I started teaching in 93, the soon to retire infant mistress put on a housecoat as soon as she came in to school. Kept everything under clean and free from paint, glue and child goo, handy pockets for chalk and hankies. I occasionally wear a cute wee apron in class as I use it for my pens, flashcards and props when teaching literacy. Bring em back I say!

Whatamuckingfuddle · 09/04/2016 22:30

I have a housecoat but I get too warm in it. What I'm after, and I haven't rtft so sorry if it's been covered, is something acceptable to wear on dog walk that covers my thighs. I wear knee high boots not that sort but invariably the toddler gets stuck in bog then insists on being carried, leaving mud mid thigh. I can't have spare trousers as I usually go straight off to somewhere else and while it's acceptable to change my shoes, it's not accepted by the other dog walkers to strip down to an ill fitting thong beside the car to change my trousers. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas?

Clare1971 · 09/04/2016 22:37

I've just clicked on every link in this thread. I need to get a life and a housecoat

marriednotdead · 09/04/2016 22:37

My MIL still wears hers- she has a couple that she's had for decadoes. Pretty cotton popper front numbers that she wears to prepare food or do domestic chores.
I've been looking for more for her over the last few years but none have been as nice as what she already has. The closest I've found were here

marriednotdead · 09/04/2016 22:38

That would be decades!

Sgtmajormummy · 09/04/2016 23:00

I've always wanted an Edwardian pinafore for doing the housework in.....

Grin

But my cover-up for dirty jobs is usually an oilcloth apron with a fetching Guinness label.

To champion the return of the "housecoat"?
ExpandingRoundTheMiddle · 09/04/2016 23:56

Those pinafores had a bit of a come back moment in the 70s. I nagged my DM for one and she agreed but only if I ironed the ruffle myself. She was no fool.Grin

mathanxiety · 10/04/2016 01:09

I stole DS's lab coat when he graduated. It's exactly what I had been secretly pining for for years. I wrap my hair up in a big scarf when attempting a big houseclean because it annoys me floating around my face. I have an apron for cooking in. Dressing gowns make me too warm when scrubbing, hoovering, hosing down the bathroom, etc. If I want to keep warm indoors I use my woolly old long cardigan.

Whatmucking -- if you wear knee high boots, how about a pair of leggings with a utility skirt over them? It wouldn't need to be anything fancy and you could keep a few just for toddler-schlepping.

BlueMoonRising · 10/04/2016 07:46

No sleeves, but a cheaper way to get the Japanese style apron? ://www.japanesesewingbooks.com/2013/01/29/free-pattern-tutorial-and-sewing-video-cross-back-apron-for-adult-and-kids/

Lucked · 10/04/2016 07:53

Thought I would check out the supplier I used to use for lab coats, they have this

Butterflyface · 10/04/2016 08:10

I hate having long sleeves and always push my sleeves up, so a long sleeved monstrosity nylon housecoat wouldn't be my thing - but I did quite like having a tabard when I was a carer 20-odd years ago - it does keep most things off you, and the pocket is a bit handy. Hmmm, there might be something in this, but 70's housecoats are grim. Sorry.

ExpandingRoundTheMiddle · 10/04/2016 08:26

I think you might be on to something there Lucked. Those sleeves could easily be shortened or given an elasticated cuff.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 10/04/2016 08:32

garlic

Did they have silent children in the 50's??????
Man was I born in the wrong era

DoreenLethal · 10/04/2016 08:55

I use a kimono for my housecoat and have done for 10 years since my mother bought one back from Singapore. Probably along with the stock pot the best things she ever bought me.

I am loving the Japanese Cross Back Apron though. I might make one for work.

Chippednailvarnish · 10/04/2016 09:14

I used that pattern for the ones I made Blue, I love them.

MiffleTheIntrovert · 10/04/2016 09:49

I very very rarely do housework, but on the occasions I do, or cook, I don a big apron - with a big pleat folded in the middle and the string wrapped round me twice as I am too small! When I had hair, I also tied it up in a scarf I do actually have a pleated turban thing too I am better than DH who tends to clean the bathroom before going in the shower - I quite often find him naked and scrubbing the sink I love him very much

To me, a housecoat is a tabard type thing with pockets.

I am a big lover of vintage night/day attire and my pet hate is wrongly described items, particularly on eBay. Peignoirs and negligees are the biggest culprits.

I do spend a lot of time in bed or the sofa so have a big collection of things like peignoirs and trailing sleeved nightdresses. I do love a frothy gown with lots of lace. The good quality stuff is nice to wear as it is generally cotton or silk so comfortable, the 70s polyester - not so good. The Amazon delivery man tells me I "brighten his day" but I fear he is laughing at me, not with me Grin

BlueMoonRising · 10/04/2016 09:54

They look so simple to make too Chipped - I'll admit I'm tempted to dust off the sewing machine!

ChishandFips33 · 10/04/2016 10:40

I seem to have adopted an old favourite cardigan as my housecoat - warm, cosy, familiar and practical with two big patch pockets. My gran had a housecoat now I know why she liked it so much!

DoreenLethal · 10/04/2016 10:43

I am going to go and get some linen for mine, no sewing machine but I can hand sew it. Definitely making one.

PrimalLass · 10/04/2016 10:44

My gran always wore them - and we called them her pinnies.

GreenTomatoJam · 10/04/2016 10:44

My nan always wore a housecoat - they were gingham lightweight nylon I think in purple and blue and orange and pink

When I lived in Costa Rica, the lady who came and minded my son while I worked always took off her top layer and put on a similar kind of thing.

I think it's a good idea, and am considering it (given how messy my children make me - they seem to think I'm a giant, walking napkin!)

my BIL has house trousers. When he gets in, he takes off his outdoor jeans and puts on a pair that he has especially for wearing around the house - and vice versa if he has to go out to the shops or something. I've tried to understand why when he's explained it, but I don't get it.