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
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