Hostess Gown – Housecoat – Robe

Hostess Gown: From the 1930s – 1970s, a dressy full length garment for entertaining, but not as formal as evening wear. Other than the full length, the lines followed current fashion.

Housecoat: Covers a variety of garments. Originally a dressy, yet comfortable coat worn around the house. Often buttoning or zipping at the front. Later in the 20th C, a more utilitarian front closing shift with pockets and either long or short sleeve worn at home for comfort.

Bathrobe/Robe: A utilitarian garment able to handle becoming damp. Worn either immediately after the bath or over a nightgown. Usually in washable, sturdy fabrics such as terry cloth, quilted cottons and man-made fibers.

Written by Hollis Jenkins-Evans/pastperfectvintage.com

Vintage 1930s reversible silk robe

Courtesy of poppys vintage clothing on ruby lane

Vintage 1941 housecoat pattern

Courtesy of joules

Vintage 1950s house coat pattern

Courtesy of vivianbelle1955

1950 staffeta hostess gown

Courtesy of pastperfectvintage

Vintage 1950s silk embroidered robe

Courtesy of pinky-a-gogo

Vintage robe

Courtesy of denisebrain

Vintage embroidered robe

Courtesy of denisebrain

Vintage 1960s robe pattern

Courtesy of vivianbelle1955

Vintage 1970s silk robe

Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage

1970s robe

Courtesy of themerchantofvintage

Vintage 1970s Vassarette nylon robe

Courtesy of Jazzbug