I grew up in a more traditional epoch when most women were able to be full-time homemakers. In addition to the demands of child-rearing, they also had very busy days filled with household chores like cleaning, laundry, and cooking (not to mention sewing, darning, embroidery, tending herb gardens, etc.)
Most often, their garment of choice while going about their daily tasks was the classic house dress, which came in various formats from shirt dress to shift, but all these various dress styles would have very practical pockets (where clothing pegs could be carried while hanging out the laundry, for instance). Not infrequently, these comfortable and practical dresses would nevertheless express a feminine flair in the form of a frill or brocaded edging and bows.
My earliest memories of encountering my inner female (apart from the not-so-unusual fetishistic and long-drawn-out fascination with female intimate apparel) were in my perception of the house dress as a symbol of womanhood. Something I hankered after while wearing one while dusting, sweeping, cooking, and so on.
Now my late wife knew and understood my desires, and being an avowed supporter of alternative gender identities spared no effort in supplying me with the accoutrements of femininity.
Quite importantly, however, she emphasized that “being a woman” was not merely about relaxing in a beauty salon or prancing about in heels at glamorous social functions, but also involved the daily mundanities of keeping the home clean and running smoothly.
Delegating to me various tasks that in our epoch had been “woman’s work,” she recommended I wear a house dress for ease of movement and comfort. Indeed, she gave me one or two of hers to wear.
I was delighted with her ready acceptance and the ease with which she transformed me into a traditional housewife, but I must say that her dresses (they were lovely scalloped and embroidered items from her native country) never quite fit me well.
It was after her sad demise that I by chance passed by a seamstress’ booth adjacent to a shopping mall in my neighborhood. I was struck by the idea of having a traditional, classic house dress of the 50’s/60’s made for me.
The seamstress took my doubtless uncommon request in stride, dutifully discussed my requirements, took my measurements, and then set to work with a durable floral fabric she already had in stock. After a few days, she called me to come fit the dress. After she made a few minor adjustments, once again called for me to collect the finished dress.
I joyfully wore the dress at home. As though by magic, wearing the dress made even the most unpleasant and tedious household chores feel like fun.
Sadly, the dress disappeared in the course of a burglary, but I immediately resolved to have a new house dress made.
A week ago, I contacted the same seamstress and taking her advice, repaired to a large fabric shop near home to purchase the recommended length of fabric. This time it is of a cloth and colour scheme of my liking and which transports me to a carefree time in my youth, observing my mother or my aunts fussing about the house with mops and polishing rags.
I have been to fit on the dress and soon will make the final adjustments. It will have been made, and I’ll finally have my housewife’s uniform.
Love to you all,
Katherine
Latest posts by Katherine Boesemann (see all)
- The House Dress - July 8, 2024
Katherine, you have a wonderful eloquent writing style; I’d love to read more articles from you. I am sorry for your loss, she sounds irreplaceable.
Valentina
💚
I have only just come across this topic now that it has been revived – and it reminded me of my younger days. Once again, I’m talking about the1960s, give or take a few years. Women (here in Britain, anyway) tended to dress more formally and in a fairly limited range of styles. Almost no trousers! Many (most?) women didn’t go out to work and were “housewives". Typically, mornings would start off with housework, then came shopping (no supermarkets, just local shops). After lunch there might be a visit to a friend or a group, such as the WI or… Read more »