Modern Hill Woman

The House Dress

My kids used to make fun of me for wearing “house dresses”. I’ve been wearing them for years. I’m not talking about the stiff cotton muumuus with the snap front closures that grandma wore. I’m talking about soft, worn out, sometimes stained, cotton dresses that feel like a favorite old T-shirt.

When the granddaughters were younger, if they spent the night and wanted some comfort they asked for a “momma” shirt. A momma shirt is a worn-out old T-shirt of mine or Pop’s, big enough on them that it was more like a dress or a gown. A house dress is a grown-up version of a momma shirt. Recently my 15-year-old granddaughter stayed the night. She was tired and cranky from spending so much time working and at ball practice. I asked her if she’d like to put on a house dress to make her feel better. Her reply was “Yes! Yes, I would!”

Many of the old-time house dresses featured a loose waist line. The corset went out of style in the 1920s and the less binding style of dress became popular. They had the added benefit of being used through pregnancy if they were cut generously enough. Highly functional garments, house dresses fulfilled a variety of qualifications. They were usually lightweight, often had pockets and if not, a woman’s apron did. They were easy to launder and usually were printed to hide stains and any repairs.

Some designers became known for house dress designs. The McCardell “pop over” wrap dress could be used as a house dress, dressing gown, beach cover up, or a party dress, and even came with a matching oven glove.

The “pandemic” started at least one fashion trend with younger women... the house dress. And why not? Non-constrictive, longer hem lines and soft fabric offer way more comfort than yoga pants.

During the hot months if you come to my house, I’ll likely be in a multi-purpose house dress. If I’m lazy at night it may become a nightgown. If there’s no towel to dry my hands on, I may use the tail of the dress. When the tail of the dress is pulled up like a kangaroo pocket, the pickings from the garden are easily hauled inside. Get yourself a house dress.