The Real Reason Women’s Shirts Button Differently from Men’s

The difference in button placement between men’s and women’s shirts—a detail often overlooked—dates back centuries and reflects deeper social and historical influences. Women’s shirts button on the left, while men’s button on the right, a tradition that emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries when fashion and class were tightly intertwined.

In those times, upper-class women rarely dressed themselves. Their clothing was often complex, requiring the assistance of maids. Because most people were right-handed, it was more practical for a servant to face her mistress and fasten buttons that were placed on the left side of the garment.

This small convenience eventually became a lasting fashion norm. Left-side buttons became a quiet mark of social status, suggesting that the wearer was wealthy enough to afford help dressing. What began as a matter of practicality evolved into a subtle expression of femininity and refinement.

Men’s clothing developed differently. In earlier centuries, …
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