This thought never occurred in our minds that why the buttons in the shirts are discriminated based on gender? If you are thinking that it is something to with being righty or lefty then, you must reconsider your thoughts. There is quite some history behind the button mystery, which might provide you with all the answers you require. Many theories are circulating regarding this fashion trend, which is certainly not because one writes with their right hand.
History
- This mystery is generally related to the times when clothing was way too complicated than the present times. From the Victorian era to the Renaissance period, women especially wealthy women, wore elaborate clothes and items. They had the luxury of getting dressed by a servant. Thus, to make it easier for the servant, the buttons were on the right side (facing towards the women). On the other hand, men dressed on their own – so the buttons on their shirts are on the right side.
Now the question arises that, there were a limited number of wealthy people who could afford to get dressed by a maid then why the buttons are stitched according to them. The basic answer is that the wealthier people were the tastemakers and the trendsetters in the fashion industry. Thus, the clothing traditions were set according to them, and the trend has passed the test of time because no one bothered about it.
- Another explanation of the button fashion is based on the inclusion of the weaponry in the men’s clothing. The buttons are stitched on the right side of the shirt so that man could pull out the weapon from the primary hand and unbutton their shirt with the secondary hand. The same stitch is of the waistcoat of the men.
- Babies are another reason for the making of this button trend of the women. Women mostly carry their babies on the left side. Thus the buttons on the left side of the shirt prove to be easier for them for breastfeeding.
More theories
- There are many more theories that are into being which are quite unsettling, but they have made their place. Some of these theories include horseback riding, church etiquette, Napoleon complex, and the carrying of the shield during the war.
- Also, the early days of the mass production of the clothing were to reinforce manly attitudes by forcing women to button their shirts with the inferior hand.
Winding up
Whatever be the real reason behind this trend, it seems that this setting is has stayed by now. The trend of the buttons of the men’s shirt on the left side and the other hand right-sided buttons on the women’s shirt has not changed and will not even change with the time.
