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Jul 29, 2023

Men And Women Shirt Buttons Fall On Opposite Sides, Know Why

No matter the gender, there’s one item of clothing we all own and love: the button-up shirt. From fabrics to patterns, there’s so much a person can do with a simple shirt. Fashionista or not, everyone

No matter the gender, there’s one item of clothing we all own and love: the button-up shirt. From fabrics to patterns, there’s so much a person can do with a simple shirt. Fashionista or not, everyone has their own favourite way of wearing a button-up shirt.

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While some like it the classic old way with crisp collars and fitted pants, others prefer to keep things casual and let their shirt hang open over a tank top. However, no matter how you wear a shirt, there is one thing that has bound to have slipped your keen eyes. Did you know that a man’s shirt buttons fall on a different side than those of a woman’s?

Well, if you had no idea such a difference existed, then you are not alone. Next time you see someone of your opposite gender preference sport a shirt, notice where the buttons fall on their clothes.

While women’s shirts have buttons on the left side, men’s shirts have them on the right.

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Melanie M. Moore, the creator of the brand Elizabeth & Clarke, explains that the historical reason behind this is that buttons were a new and costly invention in the 13th century. During that time, wealthy women didn't usually dress themselves; their maids helped them get dressed. Since most people were right-handed, it was simpler for someone standing in front of you to button up your dress.

It’s fascinating that the age-old fashion tradition has stuck to its course even in modern times.

When it comes to men's shirts, there are a few different ideas as to why buttons are on the right side. Chloe Chapin, a fashion historian and a student at Harvard University, explains that it's important to consider the time period we're talking about because buttons on shirts and jackets are a relatively new thing. However, in general, many aspects of men's fashion can be connected to the military.

Again, the idea of right-handedness was important. Chloe mentions that because having access to a weapon was really crucial, it was more practical for men to have their shirts set up in a way that made it easier to reach their firearms from their dominant side.

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