For centuries, the fashion industry has subscribed to an unwritten rule that buttons on a shirt are differentiated by gender.
As a consumer, you may have failed to notice that shirts designed and sewn for the male gender always have their buttons on the right side while those of women are on the left.
It is not by coincidence. A report by HuffPost, a media outlet based in the United States, has traced the practice back to the 13th century.
Buttons came into existence in the 13th century and were widely viewed as a preserve for the rich meaning that not just any person had access to them.
At the time, women took great pride in dressing up, wearing grandiose and lux gowns with buttons made of silver, gold, or ivory.
In most instances, putting on the gowns was considered an event and the wearers needed helpers to wear them. As a result, the buttons were sewn on the left for the helper's easier access.
Tapered Menswear CEO Scott Liebenberg told the outlet that men preferred dressing themselves and buttoning was easier if the buttons were on the right side.
"Back in the day, dressing up was a big deal, especially if you were wealthy. Ladies often had maids to help them dress, so having buttons on the left made it easier for a right-handed helper," the CEO stated.
Another designer confirmed that dresses at the time were heavy and in some instances, they were made of up to six layers.
"Noble women wore heavy textiles and gowns could have up to six layers, so they would have a servant or attendant assisting them into their multilayered garment of petticoats, bustles, a corset and other undergarments," Huff Post quoted Designer Natalie Hicks.
“Buttons were therefore installed in the opposite direction of what was standard for men’s clothing as the attendant would stand in front of her mistress and quickly dress or undress her.”
As the industry matured and buttons were largely mass-produced, mostly using plastic, the industry retained some of the traditions which are observed to date.
