Like us, many of you might have wondered why the buttons on an upper garment are sewn and placed according to gender? Whether it is a shirt or a top, we observe that it is always buttons on the right for a male and on the left for a female. But, why is it so? We have done thorough research on that matter.The reasons could be due to the fact that dressing and fashion have evolved to a point where garments are not segregated by design.As you might know, Earlier it was simple. Trousers were for men, gowns and dresses were for women. But today this is not the case. That’s why to segregate the clothes meant for the two genders, buttons on women and men’s shirts are featured on either side.
Now, though we have already covered up the basic reason for such difference above, we are going to acquaint you with some more interesting facts about the evolution of the dressing of both men and women. Read on to find out more!
Earlier fashion trends were patriarchal in nature
Earlier, the fashion trends were patriarchal in nature. But, The evolution of fashion isn’t a patriarchal concept anymore. Both men and women wear more similar clothes. Well, as a matter of fact, It’s mostly women who wear the styles of a male as you might not have really seen men in dresses. Women are seen rocking each one of men’s attire from trousers, to jeans to shirts and what not! However, one factor of men and women’s clothing ever has remained the same ever since women also wore tunics or inner shirts in the later centuries. That factor is the buttons sewn on both of their clothes.There are several theories that have circulated as to what could be the reasons for buttons on men and women’s shirts sewn on either side. Some say that it is concerned with which hand is used most by males or females, but we believe otherwise. As per research, It does not have anything to do with which hand is used most by males or females but something else that you have already found out. There are some more theories which might interest you. Read ahead to have a look at those theories.
The interesting theory involving man’s choice of weaponry
This theory is as interesting as it seems.And who knows, it might be true.Historians believe that the fashion trend could have originated during the time when men wore swords as the common weapon of choice. This could be dated back to the early days of chivalry and knights in shining armor from the 15th century. Shocking, isn’t it?With the coming up of the stylish rapier, shirts and jacket buttons also came into vogue but were still considered a new phenomenon.Now, here comes the real logic behind the positioning of the buttons of the coats, as pictured by the historians. It was necessary for men to tuck their swords into the left side of their jacket to make it accessible by their right hand. This also enabled the left hand to button up tunics and clothing in case it came loose in a fight. Hence, the buttons were so positioned as to enable the men to carry out their tasks easily.
We don’t see anything wrong with that logic.
Find out How women dressed themselves in earlier centuries
From the 13th century onwards, fashion was more the prerogative of the elite and buttons were a huge fashion statement. This was due to the reason that only the rich could afford such fancy and jeweled items back then. Women wore tunics and dresses.Now talking about the rich women, they were not allowed to ever dress themselves and were always dressed right from the inner garments to outer garments by a maid. That was a sign of wealth and social status. Now you are looking for logic, aren’t you? Here it is: It was sensible for the buttons of their tunics to be sewn on the left so the maids could use their right hand to button them up. Makes sense right?
Women’s shorts are in vogue today and have buttons on the left side
Times have changed, and Today, women have the full freedom to dress themselves as they like to be dressed. They have a variety of options to choose from.Shirts which were earlier thought to be something only men can wear now feature regularly on the fashion circuit of women as it is a convenient mode of dressing for women too. So, they can very well wear what men wear now. Even after such drastically changing fashion trends, what remains the same is the way buttons are positioned in men and women’s outfits. Till date, this distinction is made while sewing the clothes of men and women. Whatever might be the correct reason for that, all the above reasons which we researched and listed seem logical enough.So if you want to tell apart the clothes of men and women, in case there are no obvious signs of distinction, look for the buttons. The answer is in there.
That’s all for today. Do let us know what you think about this distinction and in case you know any more reasons, do leave them in the comments section!