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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 1930s reversible silk robe

Courtesy of poppys vintage clothing on ruby lane

Vintage 1941 housecoat pattern - Courtesy of joules

Vintage 1941 housecoat pattern

Courtesy of joules

Vintage 1950s house coat pattern  - Courtesy of vivianbelle1955

Vintage 1950s house coat pattern

Courtesy of vivianbelle1955

1950 staffeta hostess gown  - Courtesy of pastperfectvintage

1950 staffeta hostess gown

Courtesy of pastperfectvintage

Vintage 1950s silk embroidered robe - Courtesy of pinky-a-gogo

Vintage 1950s silk embroidered robe

Courtesy of pinky-a-gogo

Vintage robe - Courtesy of denisebrain

Vintage robe

Courtesy of denisebrain

Vintage embroidered robe - Courtesy of denisebrain

Vintage embroidered robe

Courtesy of denisebrain

Vintage 1960s robe pattern - Courtesy of vivianbelle1955

Vintage 1960s robe pattern

Courtesy of vivianbelle1955

Vintage 1970s silk robe - Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage

Vintage 1970s silk robe

Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage

1970s robe  - Courtesy of themerchantofvintage

1970s robe

Courtesy of themerchantofvintage

Vintage 1970s Vassarette nylon robe - Courtesy of Jazzbug

Vintage 1970s Vassarette nylon robe

Courtesy of Jazzbug