Why are buttons on men’s and women’s shirts always on opposite sides?
The placement of buttons on men’s shirts on the right and on women’s shirts on the left originates from social and cultural habits that have existed for centuries. Understanding the reasons behind this arrangement gives us insight into the context of fashion in the past and explains the continuation of this tradition in modern fashion.
When buttons were invented in the 13th century, they were very expensive, and only upper-class women had the opportunity to wear clothes with buttons. The placement of buttons on the right for men and on the left for women was not only related to the practicality of design but also reflected the gender and class distinctions in society.
Continued on next page: