The house dress apron

An old newspaper reads:

It is not an uncommon thing to hear women say that they cannot look neat when doing their housework, and yet, if there is one time more than another when a woman should, be neatly and appropriately dressed it surely is when she is busy about the kitchen, bedroom, or any other work pertaining to the care of the home.

Another reads:

There are probably thousands of women in this city alone who practically do their own housework, and it would seem as though there could be no good reason why they should not be attractively dressed while engaged in these indoor duties.

Ladies donned aprons for the practical usefulness of protecting clothing, but they also wanted to look nice.  

No lady of the house wanted to be considered a frump in the eyes of her husband, children, family and friends. In addition, sloppiness in dress was surely an indication of the quality of work one was capable or incapable of performing around the home and in life.  House dresses were in vogue.

Case in point:

One point where women seem frequently to make a mistake is in careless dressing of their hair. It would take only a short time to arrange it becomingly and well, and would add 100 percent to the attractiveness of their appearance. Instead, it is too often the case that the most surprising carelessness is shown. And it is a fact, that where this tendency prevails in one’s appearance it will show in the manner of work done. It is not difficult to get into the habit of allowing sufficient time in the morning to get properly dressed, and it gives one the feeling of having made the right kind of beginning.

House dresses and aprons weren’t simply work garments, but garments of pride, status and personal representation.

Housedresses (or work dresses), were little more than fancy versions of work aprons meant to look like simple dresses.  

While doing housework, it was important to be able to move about freely many house dresses up until 1920 were slightly flared seven or nine gored skirts.  

As with work aprons, housedresses usually included a deep hem and ruffle around the bottom of the skirt. No flare was added to the gores if a ruffle was added to the bottom of the dress.

Because house dresses were design so they could be easily washed, ironed and stored, the plainer, the better the purpose for which the house dress was intended.  The waist (bodice) was fashioned in a variety of ways, but not normally no fancier than two two tucks, each one inch wide, placed on the edge of the shoulders.

Stuffs (fabric) was used to add feminine appeal to house dress, without forgetting the work item’s purpose. 

What to consider when making your own vintage inspired house dress:

• Add one or two pockets large enough to carry small household tools.
• Add removable sleeves.  This way the arms of the dress may be easily slipped on and off when needed or weather permits. 
• Make a buttoned down front dress.  This way the house dress may be slipped on and off in a moments notice. 
• Make a dust cap to protect the hair when sweeping and dusting.