The difference in button placement between men’s and women’s shirts is something many people never notice, yet it has a long and interesting history. Women’s shirts fasten on the left, while men’s button on the right — a detail that goes back to the 18th and 19th centuries. At that time, upper-class women rarely dressed themselves. Their clothing was often complex, with layers that required assistance.

Maids usually helped them get ready, and because most people were right-handed, placing buttons on the left made dressing easier for the helper. What started as a practical choice for wealthy households slowly became the standard in women’s fashion. Even after society changed and women began dressing themselves, the tradition remained.