Why do men and women's shirts button on different sides?

[WORLD] Ever wondered why men’s shirts button on the right and women’s on the left? This seemingly minor detail in modern fashion has deep historical roots, reflecting centuries of social norms, gender roles, and practical considerations. While the exact origin remains unclear, several theories shed light on this sartorial distinction.

Historical Origins: A Tale of Wealth and Assistance

In the 13th century, buttons were a luxury reserved for the affluent. Wealthy women, adorned in elaborate garments like corsets and bustles, often relied on right-handed maids to assist them in dressing. To facilitate this, tailors positioned buttons on the left side of women's clothing, allowing servants to fasten them more easily while standing in front of their mistresses. This practice became a symbol of status, indicating that the wearer had the means to employ help.

As tailored clothing became more widespread in the 17th and 18th centuries, these conventions were standardized across Western fashion, further entrenching the divide between men’s and women’s garments. Tailors followed traditional methods not just out of habit, but because customers expected garments to conform to familiar norms. Manuals from the era codified these details, ensuring that generations of apprentices reproduced the same designs.

Conversely, men's clothing was designed for self-dressing. With fewer layers and less intricate designs, men could manage their attire independently. Thus, buttons were placed on the right side, accommodating the prevalent right-handedness and enabling men to dress themselves without assistance.

Military Influence: Combat Readiness and Practicality

Another theory ties the button placement to military practices. Historically, men engaged in combat often wore armor with overlapping plates from left to right, aligning with the shield-bearing left side. This design ensured better protection against enemy strikes. Translating this into civilian attire, men's jackets and shirts continued the tradition, with buttons on the right side to mimic the armor's structure and facilitate quick access to weapons.

Uniform regulations in various European armies reinforced this button placement well into the 19th century. As military attire influenced civilian fashion—especially among upper classes and political leaders—tailors adopted the same right-sided fastening. The symbolism of discipline, order, and masculinity associated with military fashion contributed to the enduring preference for right-side buttoning in men’s clothing.

Maternal Convenience: Breastfeeding and Infant Care

Some historians suggest that women's shirts buttoned on the left to accommodate the natural positioning of right-handed mothers holding their infants in their left arms. This arrangement allowed mothers to unbutton their tops with their dominant right hand, facilitating breastfeeding and caregiving tasks.

Equestrian Considerations: Riding Side-Saddle

In eras when women rode horses side-saddle, typically on the right, button placement was also a practical concern. Shirts and dresses with buttons on the left side reduced the risk of wind entering the garment while riding, providing greater comfort and modesty.

Tradition Persists: From Function to Fashion

Despite the evolution of fashion and the diminishing need for assistance in dressing, the tradition of button placement has persisted. The initial functional reasons have become ingrained in cultural norms, and altering them would require a significant shift in design and manufacturing practices. As fashion historian Chloe Chapin notes, "As a general rule, many elements of men’s fashion can be traced back to the military."

Today, this difference continues to influence how garments are designed and marketed, even in unisex or gender-neutral collections. Many retailers maintain traditional button placements as a subtle nod to historical norms, though some progressive fashion labels are beginning to challenge these conventions. Brands like Telfar and Rad Hourani have introduced symmetrical fastenings or eliminated buttons altogether in favor of zippers or wrap designs to deconstruct traditional gender coding.

Modern Perspectives: Gender, Identity, and Fashion

In contemporary times, the difference in button placement continues to spark discussions about gender identity and societal expectations. Some view the distinction as a relic of outdated gender roles, while others embrace it as a unique aspect of fashion history. Designers and consumers alike navigate these traditions, balancing respect for history with modern sensibilities.

This conversation has become more prominent as gender-fluid fashion gains traction. With the rise of nonbinary and inclusive fashion lines, many designers are intentionally reimagining clothing construction, using mirrored cuts or reversible garments to dismantle the binary nature of traditional clothing. Such efforts not only redefine aesthetics but also aim to reshape the shopping experience to be more inclusive and less prescriptive.

The differing button placements on men's and women's shirts are more than just a fashion quirk; they are a testament to centuries of social structures, practical needs, and cultural norms. While the original reasons may no longer be relevant, the tradition endures, offering a glimpse into the past with every fastened button.