When I think about my childhood, Grandma was a big part of it. And in my mind’s eye she’s wearing a house dress. Are you familiar with that term?
Housedress: an informal dress that is usually worn only while cleaning or doing other housework
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My mom generally wore jeans, casual slacks or shorts around the house but Grandma was always in a house dress. Lightweight, cotton, easily washed – house dresses were the ultimate in practicality. We lived in the desert of Southern California where it is often hot so these cool dresses were no doubt the most comfortable option for at-home wear. Grandma spent her days doing housework, cooking, watering (a daily chore in the dry desert), and taking care of the many grandchildren in and out of her house all day. She often had an apron on over her dress, as well.
Much as I adored my grandmother and admired her greatly, I’ll be the first to admit that she wasn’t stylish. Her appearance was neat and tidy but there were no frills. Her hair was often held in place by a hairnet, she wore no makeup and the only jewelry she wore around the house was the plain wedding band which Grandpa had paid $3 for.
Grandma didn’t drive and Grandpa even did the grocery shopping. Other than church on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, Grandma rarely went anywhere. She had some “good clothes” but most of the time she was in a house dress.
There were two basic types of house dresses:
- A loose-fitting, rather boxy style which zipped or snapped up the front – This is what she would wear first thing in the morning to water the trees, roses and other outdoor plants.
- A more fitted style which she would change into and wear for the rest of the day. She often had an apron on over this, especially when in the kitchen.
Grandma’s house dresses weren’t cute – she would have probably called them “serviceable” – but they were clean and pressed. She used Downy fabric softener and often hung her wash on a clothesline so they smelled wonderful. But fashionable? Not in the least.
That’s likely why I’ve never really considered the idea of house dresses for myself. Until recently, that is.
What made me change my mind about house dresses:
I actually do prefer wearing skirts or dresses and find them cooler and more comfortable than pants. My usual warm-weather “uniform” is a mid-calf or longer skirt with a tank top and Birkenstock sandals. I have several cute skirts and this is what I normally wear in the summer. I have dressier versions for church and dinners out; more casual ones for everyday wear.
However, there are many days when I don’t leave the house and I’d gotten into the yoga-pants-and-camisole-with-no-bra thing. Which is only slightly better than pajama pants or sweats, neither of which I own.
Then a couple of weeks ago I decided I needed a swimsuit coverup before our trip to California. Unfortunately it arrived the day after we left on the trip. But my daughter and I went swimming together last week so I had a chance to wear it. This is the one I had bought:
I chose it because it was inexpensive and I love the colors. What I didn’t realize when I ordered it was that I’d found my version of a house dress.
After returning home from our swim, the dress was still a little damp from my swimsuit so I hung it on a hook in our bathroom to dry overnight. The next morning, when I saw it hanging there, I threw it on instead of yoga pants or one of the two maxi dresses I have which are cut in such a way that I can wear them without a bra (at home, only!).
It was really hot that day but the dress was SO cool and comfortable. And I have to admit that the pretty colors were a nice change from my usual mostly-black wardrobe.
That’s when I decided I needed more of these dresses in my life. At less than $25 each I didn’t even feel guilty for ordering four more. David is always trying to get me to buy more clothes anyway.
I can throw on one of these dresses in the morning, pull my hair up in a ponytail or casual bun, put on a little makeup and cute earrings, and then go about my usual day at home. I can work on my blog or other desk work, clean house, walk Shiloh, do light gardening, cook and all the other things I do during a normal day at home, all the while being cool and comfortable. I won’t be wearing these to town but if someone shows up at the house unexpectedly I won’t have to be embarrassed about my appearance.
While I’m never one to leave the house in ratty clothes or with no makeup, I’ve become a bit lax about things at home when I know I won’t see anyone but David. But that’s something I’d like to change. David knows I’m busy and doesn’t expect me to be all dressed up like I’m going out on the town but I’m sure he’d appreciate coming home to a wife who has made at least a bit of an effort to look attractive. Even if I’m still in one of my new house dresses when he comes home, that will be better than yoga pants. I think we, as a society, have become a bit too casual so I’m going to up my game a bit.
Update: It’s now a few years past the time I wrote this post and thought I’d show you the style of dress I’m now wearing much of the time. I have it in several colors and get compliments all the time. And notice…it has pockets!
History of the House Dress:
I did some research while writing this post and found several really interesting links.
The House Dress: A Humble History – In addition to the post itself which includes pictures of vintage house dress patterns, I recommend reading the comments, too. There’s some fascinating information, insights and memories shared.
1930s House Dresses – A detailed look at the house dresses of the ’30s. Some of these are actually pretty cute!
The Outfit That’s Fallen By the Wayside – A History of the Classic House Dress
Homage to the humble house dress – Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks we should bring back the house dress.
Housedresses defined women after a fashion – A brief overview of the house dress and factors contributing to its demise
And then there’s this book which is now in my Amazon wishlist:
What do you think of the idea of house dresses? Are they something you would consider wearing? If not, what is your preferred at-home clothing?
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Update: The Daily Connoisseur has taken up this topic, too. Let’s see what Jennifer has to say on the topic:
And what about winter? I’ve got you covered. Literally.
Great post! I like the idea of a housedress – and finding your own version of it! My grandmother wore cotton ones – kinda of boxy looking. My mom had her own version of one. My current choice is to wear a tank top and cotton shorts (no bra) – as soon as I’m home for the evening. (Also – hair goes up immediately into a bun or ponytail)). Your post though has me remembering how for awhile I would wear a tank sundress around the house and that was much cooler and prettier looking than the tank top and shorts. Perhaps it’s time for me to bring out those dresses again!
It’s easy to fall into a less-than-attractive mode of dressing at home. It’s happened to me in the past couple of years but I’m ready to up my game a bit.
Hello Dee, I have popped over from Alison’s Brocante Home! I am an at home mother/ housewife and I wear dresses or skirts exclusively. I enjoy feeling more feminine, and as a larger sized lady I certainly feel more presentable in a skirt! Yes, they are way cooler than anything tight in the summer ( or short, due to the shading of the skin) and are also way warmer in a cold winter, because you can layer under them too. I wear fun casual dresses in bright colours and prints that I can dress up a little if I go out to the stores ( a scarf, waistcoat, cardigan, or perhaps a little shawl) but that I feel comfortable in working at home or in the garden, with one of my many aprons over the top. They are not quite a ” house dress” but they are what I wear all day, everyday. I have formal, smarter dresses for evening parties and church.
Hi Gill. Thank you for popping in for a visit. I find it easy to wear dresses or skirts in the summer but haven’t quite mastered it during cold weather. What do you layer under yours?
I am so there….I find that most of my ‘at home’ clothes are either stained, too warm for the season, or just unflattering and I’ve made up my mind in the last few weeks that I must address this area NOW. I was just looking yesterday at pretty skirts thinking that might be my option for an at home outfit that is cool, comfortable and looks nice enough to go to the door in. Like you, I live in the country so someone coming to the door is a rarity but it happens. And nine out of ten times I’m downright embarrassed by own appearance! I’d put this on my list of things to tend to this month and mean to go out Thursday and see what’s on the clearance racks that will be suitable.
Once again we are on the same wavelength. 🙂 I hope you are successful in your shopping pursuits tomorrow.
Hi there i am from Sputh Africa and the heat in summer time is wow! Ive been thinking of wearing a house dress for a while and decided to start wearing dresses. It will also look better when my husband comes home and dont see me in pants and tshirts. I am goingbto do this! Ive been a housewife for almost 3 years and decided that while i cannot get a job at this stage, i will start caring fir myself and look better for my husband.
Good for you! I’d love to hear how it goes.
I don’t do dresses or skirts. I tried to like them, but I just didn’t feel comfortable wearing one. I didn’t even wear a dress to get married, so there’s no way I’m going to wear one just around the house.
My usual wardrobe is sweats or shorts and a t-shirt, or pyjamas. If people don’t like that… Too bad. It’s what I feel comfortable wearing. I’m decently covered, and that’s all that matters as far as I’m concerned.
I think we each need to go with what feels authentic. My mom tells of how as a two year old I absolutely refused to wear pants – dresses only! And nightgowns rather than pajamas. I’ve always been that way about nightgowns and in recent years have tended more toward dresses again. My mom just gave me three of her skirts that she hadn’t worn in years because she virtually never wears dresses or skirts anymore. We are all different and that’s a good thing. 🙂
I was the opposite… I’ve always picked pyjamas over nightgowns, for example.
My parents did keep making me wear dresses sometimes as a child, but ever since I’ve been old enough to decide for myself, I’ve prefered to avoid them whenever possible. Well, apart from a short time when I was in college and tried to like them (because everyone else was wearing skirts and dresses). That didn’t last long though, and even then I had a pair of shorts on under my dress/skirt.
I live in Spain, where most women of my age (I’m 68) still wear house dresses! I prefer trousers so usually wear leggings and a loose top when doing housework or other tasks at home. I do have a loose dress though for when it’s really hot.
I’d love to visit Spain! In what part do you live?
I agree, some of those 1930’s house dresses are cute! I grew up in the 60’s, and I remember my mom wearing house dresses all the time. Like your grandmother, she didn’t drive and was home almost all the time — except for church. My dad even did the grocery shopping. In any case, I have been thinking along these lines lately, as well. I have been wearing somewhat sloppy shorts and t-shirts around the house and feeling rather unattractive for it. This post has inspired me to re-examine my every day wear for work around the house. A couple of those cute dresses would certainly brighten up my day and make me feel more confident and successful.
I’m rather surprised but pleased that this post is resonating with so many women. If you do buy a couple of house dresses I’d love to see pictures.
The colors on your swimsuit cover up/house dress are so pretty, a real day brightener.
I like wearing pretty colored dresses around the house in summer. Nothing fancy though. I do not wear dresses outside to garden, not even to just water the plants, because I have to bend over at least to reach the faucet. It never fails, even though I wear my dresses quite a bit longer than knee length, at some point when I am bent over, a gust of wind will come and it is suddenly “dress up day”. That is why I usually wear my gardening shorts and sleeveless top out to water and do yard stuff first thing before it gets too hot, and then come back in and change into one of my summer dresses.
I would really like to wear dresses when I do errands, but the shoes I need to wear for my knees to do a lot of walking are not cute at all with dresses. So it’s slacks and a pretty top for errands.
I understand the gardening issue – ha! Fortunately for me, we are totally surrounded by woods so I could garden naked if I were so inclined (I’m not!).
Hi Dee, I came over from Terri’s
I started wearing skirts pretty much exclusively about 2 years ago and it suits me fine. They are prettier and in this hot Oklahoma summer, they are just cooler than jeans or pants.
I wear aprons too.
One of my grandsons doesn’t like me to wear an apron. He thinks if I have an apron on, then I’ll be working instead of playing. He would rather I play I with him ?
Hi, Rhonda. As another “Okie” I’m totally with you about skirts being cooler. That’s so cute that your grandson thinks aprons mean “work”.
Deanna, you brought back so many memories of Grandma W. – always in her housedress when we used to live close to her and I would stop by. Also, my Mom never ever wore pants – always had on a house dress, clean and pressed. I tend to wear Maxi dresses when I get home from work, especially in the summer. They are light, comfortable, and airy. I enjoyed your blog very much. Took me back in time…..and reintroduced a style I would like to get back into.
Thanks, Jeanine. I’m happy to hear that this post brought back memories for you. And that I’ve found another who likes this idea. 🙂
I know this post is over a year old, however I was just thinking about this very thing. I am a stay at home wife. I usually wear sweat pants and tee shirt for house work. I was thinking about my Aunt who always wore house dresses. She was not stylish but always so neat and feminine. I Think it is high time we bring back the house dress.
Hi Karen. I totally agree. I think, as a society, we’ve become a bit too casual. While I’m not advocating a return to girdles and high heels to vacuum the floors, most of us could up our game a bit.
I absolutely love your blog. I am totally trying to live my life as a 1950’s housewife. My blog is even life as an old fashioned housewife. Great to see it out here. I read retromom.com and I love it. I spoke to her she said it’s been neglected. We tend to do that. I alsi have a sight beehumblewithme.com through godaddy and I jsut started this one at wordpress. At times its diffult to navigate but love yours! Blessed day.
Thank you for your kind comment! I took a peek at your “beehumblewithme” site and will add it to my Feedly account so I can keep up with it. I think you will enjoy the direction I plan to take Life With Dee in the coming year. I want to do more posts about homemaking, vintage household skills, and similar topics. I’m due for another “day in the life – 50’s style”, too, so be sure to watch for that. If you’re on Facebook you might be interested in the homemaking group my daughter and I host together (if you’re already in it, please forgive me – it’s hard to remember everyone!). Again, thank you for your comment. Blessings to you in 2018.
Certainly a charming idea! I’m always cold, so I’m afraid no one’s getting me out of fleece – at least in winter. But the house dress is a lovely custom : )
It’s too cold here for the dresses I featured in this post. I keep thinking I should do a winter version. 🙂
You should! Because I’m always freezing (we live in northern Iowa which could almost be compared to the arctic!) and my husband likes to keep the house towards the lower end of my comfort zone 😉 I used to not change out of my yoga pants but the last year or two have made it a point to at least put on jeans as it is easier or more comfortable to get housework done. But I do love the idea of getting more dressed up each day so I’d love to hear what people do in the winter!
I’m putting it on my to-do list. 🙂
I agree dresses n skirts are cooler. I wear them about 9 mo out of the year. We live in the south west. My hubby likes to see a woman n a dress, too. He is such a sweet heart I am Happy to do things for him.
I find skirts and dresses (especially maxi dresses) so much more comfortable.
I really enjoyed this post and reading all the comments. I am trying to make the switch from wearing jeans 7 days a week to at least wearing a casual house dress 2 or 3 days a week. I just ordered a couple casual dresses from the Vermont Store. I hope they will work for me. Just another suggestion of where you might look.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’d love to hear how your plan goes. Check back in a few weeks. I’m really interested in hearing about it.
lovely subject. My granny always wore a house dress and high heel shoes even to feed the hens and ducks, it was a family joke. I live in south carolina and in the 100 degree heat with 90% humidity i often wear a light cotton dress around the house too, so much more comfortable. Ive been watching an australian show on acorn tv called ” a place to call home” set in the 50s. Ive really enjoyed seeing the clothing on it, many examples of house dresses to admire. Thank you for the lovely post.
High heels to feed chickens? That is impressive. I need to look for that show. Sounds like something right up my alley. 🙂
I enjoyed reading this! At first, I thought I was reading my own life! My grandmother wore housedresses all the time too. I am much more comfortable in dresses than pants or jeans—no constricting or need to tug as I move around doing housework, and same for long car rides! As far as I’m concerned, housedresses are “in!”
Dresses are SO much more comfortable! I get hives easily and anything snug around my waist can set them off. That’s part of the reason I started wearing dresses and then I realized how much easier they are in other ways.
Hello,enjoy your posting and everyone’s comments. I am 73 years of age and I remember my neighbors and my aunt’s wearing housedresses. I grew up in a small rural community(population around 2000)in the state of Virginia. The
women also wore full or half slips under their dresses, unless they were “loose” women who wanted men to see the shadow of their bodies through the dress or were too poor to own slips for everyday. The neckline was not cut low to expose the woman’s breast either. They dressed as a homemaker and not as a seductress! Some of the older women in their 70-80’s back then, did have everyday black shoes that laced up the front and had a thick “stacked” heel that was popular in the 20’s and 30’s. So, yes, she did wear “heels” to feed the chickens and gather eggs. By the way ladies,a husband loves to see his wife in a full slip and run his hands over the silky material.
Thank you for sharing your memories! I still wear half slips under skirts if they aren’t totally opaque but I must say it’s a challenge to find a good slip these days. And I haven’t found a good full slip in years. However, your last comment has me thinking about trying to find one. 🙂
If you know anyone who sews, perhaps you can offer to pay him or her to make you a few slips or half slips (yes, quite a few men sew today). They’re not difficult. I make lots of my own bras and panties, as well as lightweight stretchy knit “shorts” to keep my thunder-thighs from sticking together when I’m wearing a dress or a skirt.
Funny, I just came upon this article and I’ve also just begun to make myself a bunch of new pretty skirts (and perhaps a dress or two) to wear around the house. Plus I just found a new hairdresser who gives me such a great cut just above my shoulders that I set it once, brush it out in the morning and it looks fine until I need to wash it again. Just like others have mentioned, I hate looking like a rag bag when someone comes to the door. Now I have to make my house look less like a rag bag – but wait! I’ve got all kinds of things waiting at my sewing machine. Choices, choices – can you guess which will win out?
Love your housedress article.
I never thought of having slips made. Great idea! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I enjoyed this blog. I live in Michigan whee we experience every kind of weather! In the winter I wear leggings and a sweatshirt or long sweater around the house. In the summer my go to dress is a long, cotton, dropped waist, button up the front, loose fitting, sleeveless, flowered dress that I bought 25 years ago from the Chadwick’s catalog. I love it and will wear it forever. I still receive compliments on it too.
That dress sounds wonderful! Do you know if they still make something like that?
I have worn skirts or dresses exclusively for years now (15+ years?), finding them much, much more comfortable than pants. Because of some intermittent back problems, even my elastic waist skirts don’t always feel good, so last year I made a few loose, linen dresses with big pockets which I wear constantly, everywhere and anywhere. I still love my skirts and knit tops, but these dresses are fabulous to feel comfy, but look a notch better than jeans any day. Skirts or dresses can go casual or dressy with a change of shoes and a little extra attention to hair and makeup. It’s nice to not feel like a grunge when I pass a mirror, and I’ve found that it’s really not hard to manage housework in a dress or skirt, despite the common wisdom of the day. I also like being able to put on a little lipstick and head out the door at any time — because I’m already dressed!
Thanks for your post. Now I’m off to investigate the history of the housedress!
You are so right about dresses being more comfortable! I get hives easily and having something snug like jeans around my waist often causes hives. And like you say, it’s so easy to “dress up” a dress and be ready to go. I often add a pretty scarf.
Oh my! I have very sensitive skin and thought I was just about the only person in the world who had this problem with hives! Snug waistbands often do the same to me. Some days they drive me crazy when they seem to pop up for no reason almost anywhere on my body. One of the reasons I like to make my own undies is because the thick serged seams of store-bought items leave “divots” on my skin which are painful, and if I rub them to relieve the pain, it causes hives. They are agonizing and I can’t help but scratch and that just makes them worse. A-a-a-g-g-g-h! Cold can make my skin itch horribly too, so can perspiration. The only thing I found to relieve my hives is anti-histamine cream. What do you do?
p.s. I’m fair-skinned like you and have blond hair.
Oh, the scourge of hives. I could write a book. I first developed them back in the mid-90s and at one point had them almost continuously for a year. I finally was given Doxepin which is an antidepressant but also works for hives and for nerve pain. It totally stopped them but knocked me out for about 24 hours. In the years since, whenever I get into another bad cycle of hives I set aside a day to be basically unconscious and take Doxepin. The other thing that helps on a more preventive level is Tagamet. During times of high pollen counts or if I’m feeling the slightest bit itchy, I’ll take one every night at bedtime and that usually works.
Not only can cold cause hives but so can vibration. I discovered that when using a weedeater. At first I thought it was exposure to plant allergens but did some research and found out it was actually the vibration.
Hives are a real pain, as are allergies and asthma I have, too. I will say that since I started taking Singulair many years ago I’ve been much better and have fewer episodes of hives or asthma attacks.
P.S. Fair skin, blue eyes, blonde hair…these traits do often coincide with allergies. My daughter has all of these and has suffered from asthma and allergies since infancy.
I dress and put makeup on everyday, I wear slacks and pretty tops most of the time, occasional dresses in summer ,,they are much cooler. I treat my homemaker career as just that a career, and dress properly, being prepared for any thing that comes up.
That is so wise. I do think we tend to be more productive and have a better self image when we take the time to look presentable at home, even if no one else is going to see us.
Thank you, Deanna, for this post and ladies, for all the comments. In the midst of these covid 19 days, I am rethinking and praying over many areas of my life, including dresses as everyday wear. It’s good to have time to be quiet and really consider what we are doing and why…and all the topics covered here have blessed me in my “Quest.”
It’s a difficult time but I do believe there are some gifts to be had if we look for them. Time to think is one of them.
It’s wasn’t so very long ago that women wore house dresses. In 1969 I worked at Sears in ladies’ dresses while in college. There was an entire room of house dresses, there were so many of them. They ranged from quite nice cotton dresses to the duster/muumuu variety. If you wanted to buy pants you went to the junior section. My college didn’t even allow pants.
Ladies would come in and buy 3-4 house dresses at a time. They were not just for cleaning but were considered everyday dresses. They were made with cotton and were usually quite colorful. I believe they all had pockets but they did not all open in the front. I have been considering making some housedresses myself. There is something very appealing about it all of a sudden.
It’s hard to grasp how quickly that changed. The entire department of house dresses was gone within 5-10 years.
That’s interesting. I wonder if the disappearance coincided with more women joining the workforce.
What a great post! And all the comments over time! I love dresses. I would wear them everyday if i could. But I work in a laboratory and cannot wear skirts or dresses. Since that’s what I wear the majority of time that’s what I buy. My mother-in-law got hold of her sister-in-law’s old house dresses after she passed. She said she got over 50!! She cut them all up to make lap quilts her church sends to people in Africa. I didn’t ask of what use are quilts so small now why people in Africa would need them. I was too horrified that she cut every last one of them up into little squares. The fabrics went from whimsical prints to practical weaves. I’m still sad about it. I would have loved to have a few. I’m learning to sew and what an opportunity to take some and custom fit them! But oh, well. Yes. House dresses are very practical. Love the big pockets they have!
Oh, what a shame to have lost all those dresses!
I’m with you on thI have periferal neuropathy in my legs and wear pants causes my skin to hurt. But I don’t want to ear nightgowns all day because they’re loose fitting. e had in my
I’ve had in my mind for awhile to sew myself some house dresses. I remember my mother wearing them when I was a girl
You should! After discovering the comfort of dresses I doubt I’ll ever wear pants again. The funny thing is that my mom says I refused to wear pants as a toddler/preschooler. I only wanted dresses. Guess I had the right idea back then. 😉
Greetings Dee, Glad I found you, Enjoy these reads with like-minded women. Living in Florida; I discovered years ago the magic of wearing bathing suit cover ups for house dresses, Signed up for your emails too:
Welcome, Babs! So happy to have you along for the ride. In our house dresses – ha!
Hello! I married into a Palestinian family, where women often wear a dress called an abaya – long to-the-floor dress, long sleeves, sometimes embroidered, often made from cotton or another breathable fabric. As I’ve gotten more abayas over the years of being married, I find that I much prefer them to jeans and other clothes – they’re just so COMFORTABLE!!! They are so cool and clean and easy to move around in. I definitely have my “going-out” abayas and my “staying-home” abayas, but it’s not uncommon at all to find me wearing one as I go about my day!
Dresses really are more comfortable than jeans or other pants, in my opinion. Plus, it’s just one piece – no worries about coordinating an outfit.
I would love to know more about the Palestinian culture as it pertains to the housewife, if you’d like to share.
I started wearing dresses again, almost exclusively, about 6 years ago when peri-menopause and hot flashes set in.. I find them much more practical and comfortable for puttering around the house (I am a housewife) I have them in every hem length and sleeve length. In the winter (we live in St. Louis, MO) I usually thrown on a pair of yoga pants underneath if I leave the house. When we went to a Christmas dinner with my husband’s company, I had on black yoga pants under my formal-ish floor length black gown. Nobody ever knew. LOL And yoga pants with the tummy smoothing is much more comfortable than a girdle any day of the week!
That’s a great idea! I wear tights under mine in the winter when leaving the house but I should look for some form-fitting yoga pants for extremely cold days. Thanks for sharing!
I adore dresses. I have a thing for 50’s costume earrings and necklace sets that pair so nicely with wrap dresses. This has been my uniform every day with a red lip and false lashes.
How fun! I’d like to try false lashes someday. Do you have a particular type you like?
For most of Covid, I was taking care of my infant grand-daughter while my daughter was working in a pharmacy and finishing college. My Mimi uniform was a big roomy tunic, leggings, and ballerina flats. I also like broomstick skirts with a tshirt or peasant blouse and a brightly colored apron.
It sounds like you have figured out an attractive look that works with your lifestyle.
I make jumpers out of recycled overalls from the thrift store. I have to make mine shorter than ankle length though. I too much of an obstacle course thru my house. I have seven kids (six of my own and one is adopted). There is always something to step over or around. These are NOT for Church of going on a date with my Husband but for doing the housework they are perfect.
Sounds like a great idea!
My Grandma always changed into house dresses as soon as she got home. I started doing the same thing a few years ago, as I live in a hot climate and the fabric of a clean dress is cooling after a day at work. I also found that my workwear lasts longer as it’s not subject to spills or other mishaps around the home. The other unexpected benefit is the psychological change that happens once I’m no longer in my work clothes.
What a lovely idea! My grandma didn’t work outside the home but she did her early morning outdoor watering and indoor housework in a “duster” then changed to her usual housedress.