It turns out that there are three main versions that explain why men and women button their clothes on different sides:

1. Medieval version

The custom of sewing fasteners on the left side of women's clothing originates from the Middle Ages. In those days, buttons in Europe served more as decoration and were made from precious metals. Made of gold, silver and ivory, they were a symbol of wealth and high position in society. Only noble nobles could afford such luxury. In those days it was not customary for noble ladies to dress themselves; they were helped by maids. For the convenience of the servants, the buttons were placed on the right, but in relation to the buttoner. On clothes they were sewn on the left.

Men, even of the most noble family, most often dressed themselves, and therefore it was easier for them to fasten the buttons on the right. In addition, European aristocrats in those days often had to fight. And, if necessary, an armed man had the opportunity to warm his right hand, in which he held a weapon, under his left hollow robe.

2. Practicality

According to the second version, buttons were sewn on different sides so that women's and men's shirts could not be confused.

3. Caring for mothers

There is also a third version, according to which it is more convenient for nursing mothers to hold babies with their left hand and feed with their left breast, so that the right hand remains free for other matters. In this case, the child could be covered from the cold with the right, hollow clothing.

Now everything has fallen into place!

Many of us have asked this question since childhood, as soon as we heard that a boy’s shirt can easily be distinguished from a girl’s by which side the buttons are sewn on.

Many of us have asked this question since childhood, as soon as we heard that a boy’s shirt can easily be distinguished from a girl’s by which side the buttons are sewn on. It turns out that this has been the case since the 1850s. Why? Below are some unexpected theories on this issue...

To avoid confusion

One theory says that with the onset of emancipation, when women began to increasingly wear clothes reminiscent of men's, buttons on women's clothing began to be sewn on the other side in order to somehow indicate the difference between the sexes.

Because of horse riding

Since the rider sits slightly sideways in a side saddle, turning to the left, the left-side fastener does not allow the head wind to get under her clothes.

Because upper class ladies didn't dress themselves

This version is the most common. Since noble ladies were dressed by maids, the clasp was made for the right hand of the maids. Those who disagree with this theory object: but rich men were also dressed by servants. In addition, the masters treated their servants without trepidation and would not change the fashion of the servants to please them.

If the theory from the previous paragraph is correct, then why did the tradition of sewing buttons on the left shelf of women's clothing spread to the masses, although ordinary people did not have maids who would serve them during their morning toilet?

Because people liked to copy the clothes of the gentlemen. Moreover, buttons were once very expensive, and when they became more accessible, everyone happily rushed to use them - just as they use cheap rhinestones and jewelry now.

Because of the weapons

Because men carried weapons on their left side to make it easier to grab it with their right. And with such a movement, it is more convenient for the left shelf to be located on top of the right, otherwise the hand will catch the edge of the clothing, and this can cost the hunter or duelist his life.

Because of Napoleon

Allegedly, women parodied the emperor's famous habit of placing his bent arm over the side of his vest, and he ordered that women's clothing be sewn with buttons in the other direction to prevent them from doing this. This sounds more like an anecdote, but such a version exists.

Due to breastfeeding

Since most people are right-handed, women often hold the baby on their left hand so that the right hand is free. And with this arrangement of buttons, it is supposedly more convenient to free up the breasts for feeding.

The differences lay not only in the richness and intricacy of the clothing, but also in the way it was worn. Ladies from high society were always dressed by maids. This began in the era of corsets, which had to be tightened tightly on a woman’s back, which could only be done by servants. The lady herself was absolutely helpless when it came to putting on a corset and a dress.

This tradition survived until the use of buttons as fasteners. When buttons appeared on the dresses of aristocrats, they quite naturally began to be sewn only on the left side. This made it easier for the maid standing in front of her mistress to fasten her clothes. On men's attire, buttons were sewn on the right side, because even noble lords buttoned their camisoles and generally dressed themselves.

Since the majority of people on Earth are right-handed (about 85%), the way they use buttons was “adapted” to their needs. The described customs existed for so long that they gradually turned into a stable tradition. Until now, buttons on women's clothing are sewn on the left, and on men's clothing - on the right.

Have you noticed that men's and women's shirts are buttoned differently? On men's clothing the button placket is located on the right, on women's clothing it is on the left. But why is this so?

History of buttons

For a long time, buttons served as decorations, as they were expensive - only representatives of the nobility could afford this status accessory. It was only from the 13th century that buttons began to be used specifically to connect two pieces of clothing.

After another 300 years, a division arose into women's and men's straps with buttons. This happened for the reason that in the 16th century, men still carried swords and swords with them and should always have quick access to them.

Since there were more right-handed people in those days - as, indeed, now - the weapon was carried on the left. The sword could not be allowed to catch on the buttons - even a second's delay could cost the life of its owner. Therefore, tailors placed buttons on the right.

Why are the buttons on the left side of women's clothing?

There are several theories about why women's blouses have buttons on the left side.

The first theory says that only rich women who had maids could afford to have blouses in their wardrobe. Since most of the maids were also right-handed, for their convenience the buttons were attached to the left.

However, this theory is controversial - it is unlikely that expensive clothing was made with the interests of service personnel in mind.

According to the second theory, the buttons are located in this way for the convenience of women who rode horses. To mount a horse, a woman had to turn the right side of her body towards her, so the fasteners were placed on the left - supposedly to prevent the wind from blowing (which is doubtful) or so as not to catch the buttons on the saddle (one can also argue).

Another explanation for this arrangement of buttons is that it was supposedly more convenient for breastfeeding women. Holding the child in your right hand (again, taking into account that almost everyone is right-handed), it is easier to unbutton clothes with your left hand.

With the advent of unisex fashion, designers are increasingly less likely to pay attention to the “female” or “male” arrangement of buttons and place the placket at their own discretion.

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Why are the buttons on men's and women's clothing located on different sides? updated: August 13, 2019 by: Victoria Kholodenina

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