Oxford or Housewife? Pillowcase talk…
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Oxford vs Housewife Pillowcases – What’s the Difference?
Oxford vs Housewife pillowcases – not a grudge match between a university town and a put-upon home worker, but standard pillowcase terminology. Yes, the names are confusing – but the two main pillowcase types in fact only have one real difference, and that’s the addition of a decorative hem, flange or ‘skirt’ to the Oxford style.
What Is a Housewife Pillowcase? Why Is It Called That?
Though the ‘housewife’ monicker raises hackles for its less-than-PC connotations, the term has innocent origins. Up until the late 19th century, pillowcases were simply open-ended, so pillows tended to worm their way out of their cases. An envelope-style pocket was introduced in the 1880s to tuck them into place and make life a little easier, and it’s thought the design was named after its creators – the “Bolton Housewives” Laundry Co-operative…
Housewife Pillowcases
Sometimes called Standard pillowcases, Housewife pillowcases are simple, streamlined and close-fitting. Square Flower’s Housewife pillowcases have an extra-deep internal pocket in a neat, modern envelope style.
Oxford Pillowcases
Also designed to take a standard pillow size, Oxford pillowcases feature a separate fabric frill, border or flange that usually measures around 5–10 cm wide. We like a relaxed, modern and minimal look at Square Flower, so our Oxford pillowcases have a narrow hem of 3.5 cm.
Standard Pillowcases
Although sometimes used interchangeably with Housewife, the term ‘Standard’ just refers to the pillow size – so a standard pillowcase fits a standard pillow (50 × 75 cm).
Kingsize Pillowcases
These extra-long pillowcases are designed to fit the wider pillows meant for kingsize beds (50 × 90 cm). They can be made in the simple Housewife envelope style, or in the Oxford style, with a hem.
Pillowcase Cheat Sheet
- Housewife = simple
- Oxford = decorative
- Continental = square
- Standard = normal size
- Kingsize = you get the idea
Now you know which is which, you’re ready to choose your organic cotton pillowcases …