Slipcover

In the days before home air conditioning was available, it was common to put slipcovers on upholstered furniture in the hot months of the year to protect the upholstery fabric from sweat.

These clear plastic slipcovers were available in large department stores such as Jordan Marsh or custom-made by artisans.

In some cities in the northeast U.S., slipcover tailors were sometimes given the nickname "summertime millionaires" as their busy season was in the spring and summer.

Manufacturers often provide foam sticks to tuck slipcovers into the sides and creases of couches.

One constant is the cottage industry aspect: slipcovers are easily made by small groups in the home or home-based businesses.

Historically, in a lower-wage occupation with a division of labor based on gender, slipcover sewers were often not taught or expected to cut.

Today, the trend is for more educated populations, more women, to choose this cottage industry product as a profession.

Although pleasing to look at, transparent vinyl slipcovers are often very uncomfortable to sit on, particularly on hot summer days.