And while modern fashion has blurred many of the traditional distinctions between men’s and women’s clothing, one small detail has remained virtually unchanged for centuries: the position of the buttons. In most cases, men’s shirts have their buttons on the right side, while women’s shirts have their buttons on the left. A small difference in appearance, but one that historians believe may have deep historical and social roots.
One of the most popular theories dates back to medieval Europe, when buttons were considered a luxury and were mostly found in the wardrobes of wealthy families. At that time, many upper-class women were helped by maids to dress themselves. Since most people are right-handed, placing the buttons on the left side made it easier for the maid to fasten them while standing facing her mistress. Meanwhile, men usually dressed themselves, so positioning the buttons on the right side was more practical for using their dominant hand.
Another explanation is related to military traditions. In the past, many men carried swords or other weapons on the left side of their bodies, so they could be drawn more quickly with their right hand. According to historical fashion experts, placing the buttons on the right may have helped to open coats or jackets more quickly without hindering the movement of the hand used for the weapon. The influence of the military has been evident in many elements of men’s fashion, so some researchers believe that this detail may also have been inherited from that period.
In the late 19th century, women’s fashion began to incorporate elements inspired by men’s wardrobes, such as structured jackets and elegant suits. For this reason, some historians believe that maintaining the reverse position of buttons served as a simple way to distinguish men’s clothing from women’s, at a time when social norms about gender were much stricter than they are today.
Not everyone sees this change as simply an innocent tradition. Some scholars argue that it reflects old perceptions about the role of women in society. According to some historical interpretations, women’s clothing was designed with the assumption that they would need help getting dressed, while men were considered more independent in everyday life. Although these ideas have long since been overcome, the button detail has survived to this day.
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Many people discover this difference only by chance, after having used shirts or jackets for years without noticing it. Although fashion is increasingly moving towards neutral and gender-neutral designs, most brands continue to follow the centuries-old tradition: buttons on the right for men and on the left for women. A small detail, almost invisible, but which carries behind it history, customs and social norms inherited over the centuries.