Fashion rules have certainly evolved over time, and today’s trends are becoming increasingly unisex. Once rigid distinctions between men’s and women’s styles are now being blurred, and more people are choosing clothing based on comfort, fit, and expression rather than tradition. However, there remains one subtle yet persistent difference in how clothing is made for men and women—a detail so small that many people don’t even notice it until it’s pointed out: the placement of buttons.
The next time you put on a button-up shirt, take a moment to look closely at the placket—the fabric strip that houses the buttons and buttonholes. If your shirt was designed for women, the buttons are likely on the left. If it was made for men, they’re probably on the right. This seemingly minor design difference has sparked curiosity and debate for years. While the precise origin has been lost to history, several theories suggest this design quirk is deeply rooted in centuries-old gender roles and social practices.
One of the most widely accepted explanations dates back to medieval times, when buttons were first introduced in the 13th century. At the time, buttons were considered a luxury item, often found only on garments worn by the wealthy. Wealthy women didn’t typically dress themselves—instead, they had lady’s maids to help them get ready. Since most people are right-handed, it was more practical for a maid standing in front of her employer to button the clothing if the buttons were sewn onto the left side. Melanie M. Moore, founder of a women’s fashion brand, told Today that “wealthy women back then did not dress themselves—their lady’s maid did. Since most people were right-handed, this made it easier for someone standing across from you to button your dress.”
On the other hand, men generally dressed themselves, and having buttons on the right side made it easier for a right-handed individual to fasten their own clothes. This distinction wasn’t just about convenience—it also reflected the social and economic roles of men and women at the time. Men were expected to be self-reliant and capable, while women were assumed to need assistance.
Another compelling theory is that men’s clothing was designed with warfare in mind. Back in the days when men regularly carried swords or firearms, quick access to one’s weapon was vital. Having the buttons on the right side of jackets and coats made it easier for right-handed men to unbutton their garments swiftly while keeping their dominant hand ready for combat. Fashion historian Chloe Chapin told Today that “access to a weapon practically trumped everything,” which supports the idea that men’s fashion had its roots in military practicality. Chapin, a doctoral candidate at Harvard studying American history, added that “many elements of men’s fashion can be traced back to the military,” making this explanation all the more plausible.
Women’s clothing, by contrast, had no need to accommodate weapons or combat readiness. As a result, the left-side button placement stuck—and became standard for women’s attire.
As we move into the late 19th century, there’s another twist to the story. Around the 1880s, women’s fashion began to adopt more masculine styles. According to Chapin, it became fashionable for women’s garments to resemble men’s clothing. However, in many places, it was actually illegal for a woman to wear men’s clothes in public. By keeping the buttons on the left side, designers created a subtle but clear distinction—allowing women to wear masculine-inspired designs without crossing the legal or social line into “dressing like a man.”
Beyond convenience and practicality, some argue that the button placement represents something more insidious: a long-standing symbol of gender inequality. In 1894, British sexologist Havelock Ellis wrote in his book Man and Woman: A Study of Secondary and Tertiary Sexual Characters that the reversed button orientation reflected a broader societal belief in women’s physical inferiority. He claimed that women were thought to have weaker motor skills and lacked the speed and precision of men—reinforcing the idea that women needed help with tasks as simple as dressing.
This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as the “button differential,” has persisted quietly for generations. The Atlantic once described it as “a relic of an old tradition that we have ported, rather unthinkingly, into the contemporary world.” And while many people may not notice it consciously, the moment they do, it can be a bit of a revelation.
Online communities have had their fair share of surprised reactions. On Reddit, one user exclaimed, “I was today years old when I learned that women’s shirts have buttons on the left side!” Another wrote, “I just found out that shirt buttons are on the left for women and right for men. Wtf!!!!”
Others have taken a more critical stance, pointing out how something as small as button placement continues to reflect outdated social structures. “Ah yes, the great gender divide—because apparently, centuries ago, women needed help getting dressed while men were expected to fend for themselves. Fast forward to today, and we’re still buttoning up outdated traditions,” one Twitter user commented. Another Redditor added, “Zippers too, usually!”
Some fashion brands are beginning to push back against this traditional button placement, offering clothing that defies these long-standing norms. Still, the majority of brands continue to follow the conventional rule: buttons on the right for men, on the left for women.
So, did you know about this subtle yet symbolic difference in how men’s and women’s clothing is made? It’s the kind of small detail that most people never think about—until they do. And once you know, it’s hard to ignore. Let us know your thoughts on this curious quirk of fashion history, and don’t forget to share this story with your friends to see what they think too. You might just blow someone’s mind today.
