Ever noticed that men’s shirts button differently from women’s? It’s not a mistake—it’s a centuries-old tradition rooted in history, class, and even warfare.
The most widely accepted explanation goes back to medieval Europe, where wealthy women had maids dress them. Since most people were right-handed, buttons were placed on the left to make it easier for servants to fasten them. Men, who dressed themselves, had buttons on the right for convenience.
But there’s another twist: military functionality. Men’s clothing was designed for combat, with buttons on the right allowing soldiers to quickly unbutton coats while keeping their sword or pistol in their dominant hand. Women’s fashion, free from battlefield needs, kept the left-side buttons.
By the 19th century, this design became a way to enforce gender norms, with some even claiming it reflected beliefs about women’s physical abilities. Today, while most brands still follow this rule, a few are breaking tradition.
Did you ever spot this subtle difference? Check your shirts—you might be surprised!
