Replies

1. 
   user-7008677 | Mar 02, 2021 09:47am | #1

   Just found this topic! It seems not many people wear them anymore. It also depends, I think, on what you call a housecoat. Some people call them a robe; others think that there is a distinction between the two; a robe being something one puts on before and after bathing, say. The housecoat would be like a duster, something you wear to lounge around the house or do housework in. Either way, patterns for them are not common. You don't see bed jackets much anymore either. But I have seen a few bathrobe patterns around. Also, perhaps a modified longer coat pattern could be used, in a basic line. However, I did find one on a vintage pattern site: Simplicity vintage sewing pattern 9074 raglan housecoat / robe

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   Deleted | Mar 02, 2021 09:50am | #2

   “[Deleted]”

3. 
   user-7830662 | Mar 04, 2021 12:17am | #3

   Here is a free pattern from Fabric-Store - a linen only web site. I buy from them regularly. They have many free patterns. This is a trench in linen, if your lengthened it it would be beautiful. BTW - it's unlined and uses french seams.

   https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/vera-linen-trench-pattern

   Deb C

1. 
   user-7008677 | Mar 07, 2021 12:59pm | #4

   The only problem I see with that beautiful pattern is that it has a very long opening in the back; which, I suppose, could be sewn up.

4. 
   FrancesC | Mar 08, 2021 09:16pm | #5

   I've not seen Downton Abbey so I can't comment on their costumes. However, I know that it was about the wealthy upper classes so I'm wondering if the costume you've seen was a hostess gown. Such a gown would have been worn at home. in the late afternoon and in the evening, informally, but definitely dressy. And comfortable. I think I remember a Frances Parkinson Keyes character who was a business woman by day but came home and put on a hostess gown in the evening. I'm thinking long, somewhat loose, fancy fabric, wider and lower neckline, looser sleeves. Definitely not for a hostess who does her own cooking and serving. Can't help you with a pattern but I think you could improvise by using a pattern with the right kind of neckline and sleeve and making the rest of the garment looser and flowing.

   I'm pretty old so my definitions may be (are?) dated. However, I think of a housecoat as something I would wear over my pajamas and probably pretty long, as a sort of coverup. I wouldn't do housework in it except maybe to make breakfast. And it is not a public garment. A duster is a shorter, loose dress that you would wear to do housework. You can make both using a suitable blouse pattern; just add some width and length. These days I'm wearing a housecoat made from a blouse pattern with a high, round neck and no collar, long straight sleeves with added width in the side seams. I have a duster made from a blouse pattern with a collar and plain short sleeves and added width. (That pattern got used for three blouses and the duster then converted into a pajama top.)

5. 
   Cermit | Mar 09, 2021 06:52am | #6

   From which material are you going to make this housecoat?

1. 
   Dendi | Mar 09, 2021 07:06am | #7

   I believe that the silk is the best for such aim

6. 
   barbara_t | Mar 16, 2021 10:31pm | #8

   You might consider looking for vintage patterns, which can be hard to find and expensive. Perhaps you could take a screenshot of the inspiration garments and look for a dress or coat pattern with similar lines. You can add extra ease if you use a dress pattern, but a coat would probably have plenty of ease.

7. 
   anisusu | Mar 17, 2021 02:44am | #9

   I made myself a bed jacket using the Peppermint Magazine free Robe Jacket pattern. It is a kimono-style short robe. I used a sweatshirt fleece. It's not fancy, but just what I needed for sitting up in bed and reading Threads Magazine. https://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/robe-jacket/

1. 
   user-7008677 | Mar 17, 2021 09:28am | #11

   I see that one could make a bed jacket from that pattern. I thought about making on for myself, too. I did find once that someone took a pattern made for an outerwear jacket and just made it up in a different fabric, attached some ribbon to close the front, and a bit of lace. It was very nice indeed. It is interesting how we don't find the same things anymore though. I guess they just go out of fashion, and people often forget about them!

8. 
   user-7830662 | Mar 17, 2021 03:52am | #10

   Google 1930s hostess dress ..... there are many glamorous examples of these gowns. Looks like a fun item to sew.

9. 
   [email protected] | Mar 17, 2021 10:42am | #12

   When I thought of a "duster" or "house coat", I thought of my Mother and Grandmother. And now that I am 70, I found myself looking for a similar garment for weekends, when I really didn't feel like getting all dressed up early, but rather lounging or even tackling some light housekeeping. I used some of the tops from some pajama patterns. The sleeves are usually roomy (and can be made elbow or 3/4 length), and there is usually ample room within the top, even lengthened, so it's loose and comfy. Even if they have buttons/button holes, with a little planning, a long zipper is inserted easily. There are also some "loose fitting" jumpers that could also be modified for that purpose. If they are sleeveless, a short sleeved t-shirt could be worn underneath. This way, if someone stops by, you'll still be presentable! Hopefully these ideas might be useful to others.

1. 
   user-7008677 | Mar 17, 2021 11:01am | #13

   Yes, I did too. I am just a couple of years younger than yourself.

10. 
    anisusu | Mar 17, 2021 05:39pm | #14

    Here's a fun way to get a look at the housecoats from yore - watch I Love Lucy!