People are only now beginning to understand why men’s and women’s shirt buttons are on different sides, and the origins of this tradition go back further than one might think. Many don’t even notice this button difference until they borrow a shirt or coat from a male acquaintance or buy men’s clothing in a store or a second-hand shop, according to “Express”.
Read more Vaida Žūsinaitė-Nekriošienė – in the top 30 of the European Championship marathon
It may seem very unusual to button clothes in the opposite direction, but in fact, it is completely normal for the opposite sex to dress this way. As with many old traditions, it is difficult to determine exactly when a certain custom became the norm, but people are only now beginning to understand one of the reasons why clothing buttons are sewn on different sides – depending on who the clothes were intended for.
“Bespoke Post” – a platform that delivers a specially selected set of goods to subscribers every month – explained that this tradition may have originated as early as the 13th century, when men often carried weapons such as swords. A representative of the platform said: “Have you ever wondered why buttons on men’s clothes are on the right, and on women’s – on the left? There are several theories on this matter.”
He continued: “Some historians claim that this is because men carried swords on their left side, and buttoning from left to right kept the fabric smooth when they reached for the sword handle.”
Read more Mass drone attack on Moscow, three people killed in Ukraine due to Russian strikes
“If you buttoned the other way, the sword could get caught – costing precious seconds or even a life. In the case of women, everything is different. Wealthy women did not dress themselves – their maids did. Since most people are right-handed, it is easier to button buttons on the left side of the garment when standing in front of another person. Historians are not sure which theory is correct. However, the fact remains that although we no longer live in the 13th century, this feature is still found in our wardrobes.”
“Savile Row” – a company tailoring shirts and clothes to order since 1938 – pointed out another reason why people believe women’s clothing buttons are on the left side.
The company stated: “No one knows exactly when the button was invented, but one thing is clear: during the Renaissance, buttons became increasingly elaborate – in fact, the more ornate the buttons, the higher the person’s social status. Buttons were expensive and only available to the wealthy. According to established custom, servants helped the well-dressed ladies and gentlemen of the time to dress; and maids, like most people, were usually right-handed. Another theory is related to babies. Since most people are right-handed, mothers usually hold the baby in their left arm, leaving the right arm freer. Buttons on the right side of outerwear or blouses make breastfeeding easier.”
Read more About the new lover, Oksana Pikul showed how she was surprised as soon as she returned to Lithuania
