Oxford v Housewife pillowcases - what's the difference?
Oxford v Housewife pillowcases, the differences: The Oxford pillowcase has a fabric border around the edge, usually ranging from 5cm to 10 cm. The Housewife has no border, just a plain sewn edge.
Read in our in-depth guide and find out what the difference is between an Oxford and a Housewife pillowcase and which type of pillowcase is best for you.
- What's the difference between an Oxford and a Housewife pillowcase?
- What sizes are Oxford and Housewife pillowcases?
- Oxford pillowcase v standard pillowcase?
- What is a continental pillowcase?
- What is a terse pillowcase?
- What is a bag style pillowcase?
- The Housewife pillowcase
- The Oxford pillowcase
- Oxford v Housewife pillowcase - which is best for me?
- And finally ... pillow fighting!
scooms white Oxford pillowcase pairs come in 600 thread count Egyptian cotton in standard size (50cm x 75cm) and king size (50cm x 90cm).
What's the difference between between an Oxford and a Housewife pillowcase?
The Oxford pillowcase has a fabric border around the edge, around 5cm to 10 cm wide, which can add a decorative, elegant look to your bedding. The Housewife has no border, just a plain sewn edge, providing a more functional look.
What is an Oxford pillowcase:
What is a housewife pillowcase:
What sizes are Oxford and Housewife pillowcases?
The Oxford and the Housewife pillowcases have the same internal dimensions although the Oxford may look bigger. Both designs come in a wide range of pillow case sizes including standard pillowcase size (50cm x 75cm), king pillowcase size (50cm x 90cm) and square pillow case size (typically 50cm x 75cm).
Oxford v standard pillowcases?
Sometimes we are asked what the difference is between an Oxford pillowcase and a standard pillow case. Oxford refers to the style and standard refers to the size. So you can have a standard size Oxford pillowcase.
What is a continental pillowcase?
A continental pillowcase is a square pillowcase, usually 65cm x 65cm, which can come in both Housewife or Oxford design. Continental pillows are usually used either as back pillows set against the headboard or as decorative pillows to dress a bed.
What is a terse pillowcase?
You may occasionally hear the term 'terse pillowcase'. This is simply a pillowcase without a border; essentially the same as a Housewife pillowcase.
What is a bag style pillowcase?
Bag style pillowcases tend to be popular in the mass market hospitality sector as they enable housekeepers to change bedding more rapidly. This can amount to big time savings for large hotels. Less important for domestic houses! They are essentially a Housewife pillowcase with a simple opening.
So where do the terms 'Housewife' and 'Oxford' come from?
The Housewife pillowcase
In the 19th century, pillowcases had a simple opening at one end which meant that the pillow would often fall out. So, in the 1880s, the Bolton Housewives Co-Operative created an inside flap at the end which prevented the pillow from easily falling out. In honour of the Co-Operative these pillowcases became known as ‘The Housewife’.
The Oxford pillowcase
The name derives from the type of cloth from which it used to be made, Oxford cloth. This was a hard wearing cloth that was typically used to make shirts. The Oxford pillowcase was created as a more elegant and prettier alternative to the simple Housewife pillowcase. The fabric border was often scalloped or ruffled for decoration. The pillow opening is at the back which is covered by the flap giving a smart and attractive finish.
Oxford v Housewife - which is best for me?
Oxford and Housewife pillowcases are equally functional, so your choice will come down to style preference.
Housewife pillowcases, with their basic rectangular shape, are relatively plain and simple. While Oxford pillowcases can add a more decorative and elegant look to your bedding. At scooms we have chosen the Oxford design for our Egyptian cotton range and the Housewife for our Linen bedding. scooms pillowcases and duvet covers come in a stylish, classic white Oxford design with single silky marrow stitch piping. Equally important is the fabric that your bed linen is made from. scooms pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets use the highest quality authentic Egyptian cotton in 600 thread count. A cotton pillowcase will be breathable, temperature regulating and sweat wicking.
We also believe that plastic packaging is unnecessary. Bed linen doesn't need to come wrapped in plastic. Our pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers all come in lovely cloth bags which you can find many other great uses for around the home!
And finally ... pillow fighting!
One other thing you might want to consider is that the Oxford pillowcase is generally better for pillow fighting! The fabric border around the edge is great for holding on to whilst trying to bash your opponent! Did you know, there is even a national pillow fight day!
Top Oxford pillowcase FAQs
What's the difference between an Oxford and a Housewife pillowcase?The Oxford pillowcase has a fabric border around the edge, usually ranging from 5cm to 10 cm. The Housewife has no border, just a plain sewn edge. What is the standard size pillowcase in CM?50cm x 75cm Which is best an Oxford or Housewife pillowcase?Oxford and Housewife pillowcases are equally functional, so your choice will come down to style preference. Housewife pillowcases, with their basic rectangular shape, are relatively plain and simple. While Oxford pillowcases can add a more decorative and elegant look to your bedding. What sizes are Oxford and Housewife pillowcases?The Oxford and Housewife pillowcases have the same internal dimensions although the Oxford may look bigger. Both are available in a range of sizes including standard (50cm x 75cm), king size (50cm x 90cm) and square (typically 50cm x 50cm). |
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