Housecoat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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housecoat

[ˈhaʊskoʊt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

clothing, comfort

A housecoat is a lightweight, often knee-length or longer, garment worn at home over regular clothing. It is typically made of soft fabric and is used for comfort and warmth during indoor activities. Housecoats may also be worn over pajamas or loungewear.

Synonyms

bathrobe, dressing gown, robe.

Examples of usage

  • She wore her housecoat while sipping coffee in the morning.
  • After taking a shower, he slipped into his cozy housecoat.
  • The housecoat kept her warm as she moved around the house.
  • He often wore a housecoat while reading in the living room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Housecoats symbolize domestic comfort, often associated with relaxation and leisurely activities at home.
  • In the 1950s, they were a fashion statement for women, representing the ideal of homemaking.
  • They are often featured in films and television as symbols of everyday home life, reinforcing traditional family roles.

Fashion Trends

  • The style of housecoats has evolved, with contemporary designs often incorporating vibrant colors and patterns.
  • Fashion designers have embraced the housecoat, blurring the lines between homewear and outerwear.
  • Certain fabrics used in housecoats, like cotton and fleece, reflect trends in comfort and casual wear essentials.

Psychology of Comfort

  • Wearing a housecoat can induce feelings of safety and relaxation, enhancing the home atmosphere.
  • Colors and textures of housecoats can influence mood, with soft fabrics providing a calming effect.
  • Comfort clothing like housecoats is linked to self-care routines, promoting mental relaxation and well-being.

Historical Context

  • Originally designed for practicality, housecoats became fashionable as leisure time increased in the 20th century.
  • These garments reflect the shift toward more casual home environments in modern society.
  • The concept of the housecoat can be traced back centuries to similar garments worn in various cultures for domestic work.

Origin of 'housecoat'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'housecoat' combines 'house,' meaning home, and 'coat,' referring to an outer garment.
  • It emerged in the early 20th century, becoming popular as a fashionable way to be comfortable at home.
  • In some cultures, similar garments are called bathrobes or lounge robes, reflecting regional variations in style.

The term 'housecoat' combines 'house', meaning home or dwelling, and 'coat', a type of garment. The concept of a housecoat emerged in the early 20th century when leisure wear became more popular in domestic settings. Before this, people traditionally wore more formal clothing at home, but as lifestyles evolved, comfort became a priority. The housecoat reflects a shift towards casual and comfortable attire that suits the relaxed environment of home life. Over the decades, various styles and materials have been used for housecoats, adapting to changing fashion trends while maintaining their primary function of providing comfort.