Women's buttons are traditionally placed on the left side of a garment, from the perspective of the wearer, due to a centuries-old custom rooted in historical social practices. This placement facilitated dressing when women had assistance, particularly from maidservants.
The Historical Rationale
The convention of women's buttons being on the left side stems from a time when elaborate clothing was common, and wealthy women often had help getting dressed. Maidservants, who were predominantly right-handed, found it easier to fasten buttons for someone else if the buttons were on the wearer's left side (which meant the buttons were on the maidservant's right side, facing the wearer). This orientation, where the right side of the garment overlaps the left, made the process more efficient for the dresser.
Aiding the Dresser
- Right-Hand Dominance: The majority of the population is right-handed. For a right-handed person buttoning someone else's clothing, it is more natural and comfortable to hold the buttonhole placket with the left hand and manipulate the button with the right hand. This requires the buttons to be on the left side of the person being dressed, allowing the right panel of fabric to lay over the left.
- Convenience for Maidservants: In affluent households, it was customary for ladies to be dressed by their attendants. This historical practice directly influenced the design of women's garments, prioritizing the ease of dressing by another individual rather than by the wearer themselves.
Comparison with Men's Button Placement
The distinction in button placement between men's and women's clothing highlights these historical roles. Men, who historically dressed themselves, found it easier to button their own clothing if the buttons were on the right side of the garment (from their perspective), allowing the left side of the garment to overlap the right. This setup made it simpler for a right-handed man to button his own shirt or coat.
| Feature | Women's Clothing (When Worn) | Men's Clothing (When Worn) |
|---|---|---|
| Button Placement | On the left side | On the right side |
| Fabric Overlap | Right panel over Left panel | Left panel over Right panel |
| Historical Reason | Designed for maidservants | Designed for self-dressing |
This long-standing convention has persisted in modern fashion, becoming a standard, albeit subtle, differentiator in clothing design for men and women.
