Where does one buy a housecoat nowadays?
6I drive a 95-year-old woman on errands. She would like some new nightgowns/housecoats/shirtwaist-style dresses. They have to open in the front and have easy fastenings. This style is not in fashion at the moment. We’ve gone to a couple of department stores and Target, everything’s over-the-head or basically a robe. If Sears, JC Penney’s or Montgomery Ward were still open, I’m sure they’d have an elderly woman comfort wear department, but they’re all out of business. She doesn’t want to order online or buy used. Any suggestions?
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I used to work at Dillards years ago and this was such a common request that I still remember the brand name of them! Here’s a link https://www.dillards.com/brand/Miss+Elaine I’m sure they’re available elsewhere too but this brand has lots of zip front ones and the quality is good
@mandirose I wish we had Dillard’s in IL, some of these look perfect!
@mossygreen looks like some people already mentioned it’s carried at other places. I’m actually from IL so I know there’s no Dillard’s there. Hope she finds what she needs!
Have you tried Macy’s? They carry Miss Elaine, evidently.
@Kyeh Their online selection does look pretty good, but I can’t tell if they have any of it in store. I don’t want to drag her in and out of a bunch of stores. I think she may actually want to go to Macy’s today. But I think we’ll maybe have better luck at Kohl’s.
@Kyeh @Mossygreen. I was coming here to post about Miss Elaine!!! I knew their person in charge of Global Supply Chain (St Louis company) and figured it would be the style needed.
@mossygreen Oh, yeah - it looks like they (Kohl’s) have them in their Croft & Barrow line. Good luck!
My mother ordered hers from Amz. It might help to expand your search terms to include other traditional names for this garment like dressing gown and house dress.
@ruouttaurmind I did house dress and zip-front robe, didn’t think of dressing gown! I don’t think she wants to buy online if possible, but looking there may be a fun thing for her to do with her daughter. I’ll suggest it.
@mossygreen At least online you can check which retailers have relevant items in stock in the local stores so she won’t become frustrated going into a store which only has one, in the wrong color or size.
@mossygreen @ruouttaurmind Order a pile from Amazon and have a try-on party. If you have a Kohls they’re easy to return. The only reason I can think of to not buy online is the difficulty of returning them, and Amazon made it easy.
Amazon would probably have them too.
There’s a catalog outfit called National that has catered to that market for ages, but I have no data about the relative merits of what they have.
JCP and Overstock
Maybe a size or two up on one of those over-the head models, and then split it down the front? A really long zipper (or even velcro) to fasten the front back together easily. Or if there are some thrift stores in your area a phone call might be worth it to check for the items. I’ve seen them at estate sales, but those are pretty hit and miss.
Sorry, I missed " …doesn’t want to buy used", and Meh won’t let one edit after a very short amount of time.
Probably at the place you get dungarees and antimacassers, you know, for the gentleman callers
@ybmuG You buy your antimacassers?!
@mossygreen no, I crochet them. But sometimes you need one in a hurry.
Uh, lots of stores cary them, online too. In order to find a really great one, you can’t go around asking for a “housecoat” “nowadays.” For one thing, our kids are working at these stores and online. “Housecoat” and “nowadays” get them all confused and they’ll either hang up or throw a tantrum because there’s no key to punch on their computer for “housecoat” and “nowadays.” Second, my Lord, do you really want a “housecoat” made “nowadays?” Back then, all of them were worn to death and the only thing you had to worry about is them big old ish potatoes (raggedy holes) busting through over time. “Housecoats” today are the cheapest on the Chinese laundry. Don’t go near the stove. If you’re thinking about having a cigarette and coffee, that thang will light up like Hell’s kitchen! So Mama, ask for a bathrobe, luxurious robe, anything else but a housecoat. I literally saw a house wrapped in a coat of white paint.
@BrendaCook55
I’ll smoke in my house coat any damn time I please.
@BrendaCook55 @mike808 I always pictured you that way…
Blair is a great quality store for women. They send catalogs to their customers because they cater to middle age to elderly. If you want free stuff, and you have children or grandchildren, pick out some things from the catalog when they come visit. It can be one thing per person each time. Have the sales person on the phone and tell each one to hand over their credit card or bank card or cash.
It’s your time now Mama.
@BrendaCook55 I was trying to think of the name of that place. Mom gets pants there.
I think Kohl’s, would be your best bet. Wal-Mart was actually a good source at one time, as I got some nice ones there for my mom, but I haven’t seen anything good around here lately. TJMaxx and Marshall’s are hit or miss.
It’s too late for me to become “a little old lady”. They will have to bury me in my T-shirts and blue jeans.
@Barney I’ll be dressed like you with a pair of Crocs on my feet.
@Barney I’m right there with ya. I’m in my mid60s, sitting here in straight leg jeans, an Insane Clown Posse Tshirt, hightops and multiple ear piercings.
@Faffs I’ve got a tattoo! But it’s kinda meh…
@Barney I’m a tad envious - it has been on my bucket list, but still haven’t done it.
@Faffs It’s something I never planned on doing, but when Meh made their IRK tattoo offer, for the third time, I found the courage (and with a lot of urging by @sammydog01) to do it.
Most of the time my meh tattoo is hidden by my watch, so most people never realize that I have one.
And yes, I am old – I still wear a watch.
@Barney @sammydog01 Me too - and it’s large numbers and analog, lol.
@Faffs
Do you know anyone that sews? I’m pretty sure the pattern companies have these patterns and some are reprinting their vintage designs. That way she can pick out her own fabrics
Miss Elaine has a shop on Amazon! If you don’t mind ordering for her… like this zipper front housecoat (Miss Elaine Women’s Long Seersucker Zipper Robe - with ¾ Sleeves, Round Yoke, and Two Inset Pockets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YKK3K5R/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_XQKB9Q108X9J8005E3CC?psc=1)
Man, this brings back memories… my grandma wore a housecoat every evening. They were always so nice and soft. And ALWAYS in pink. She’s 92 now.
I know you said you prefer not online, but CarolWright.com has quite a few of what you are looking for, some in 100% cotton, and in zip-front, snap front and button front, with very decent pricing.
Did you ever find one?
This made me think of my grandparents, and that reminded me of the Fingerhut catalogs they used to get. Wonder if they are still around. I bet they are, but I’m done wondering now.
Except for the not ordering it part, that’s where I’d send you. The stuff they sold seemed old fashioned even for back in the day.