Buttons first appeared in Europe in the 13th century and were considered a luxury item. They were crafted from gold, silver, mother-of-pearl, ivory, or even precious stones.

Only high-society women could afford to decorate their clothing with them. Working-class people continued using fabric ties or wooden fasteners to close their garments.

From the very beginning, buttons became a symbol of social status and elegance, distinguishing aristocratic fashion from everyday attire.

Why Women’s Buttons Are on the Left

Women of the upper class did not dress themselves—they had servants to do it for them.
Because most people are right-handed, it was easier for a maid standing in front of her mistress to fasten buttons placed on the left side of the garment (from the wearer’s perspective).

This setup became a sign of privilege—a subtle indication that the wearer had someone else to dress her. Even after this practice faded, fashion continued the tradition as a nod to aristocratic customs.

Why Men’s Buttons Are on the Right

For men, the origin is completely different and largely tied to military needs.

Since most men were right-handed, clothing that closed right over left made it easier to quickly access weapons, which were typically worn on the left side or hidden beneath a coat.

During battle or hunting, this button orientation made the motion of drawing a weapon—naturally from left to right—faster and more efficient. As a result, military uniforms and men’s clothing retained this feature for centuries, combining practicality with tradition.

A Difference That Still Exists Today

Although the practical reasons no longer apply, fashion has preserved these distinctions.
Men’s clothing still reflects elements of old military attire, while women’s fashion retains influences from aristocratic customs.

Today, the difference doesn’t have a functional purpose—it has become a stylistic convention, a subtle tribute to history.

In Summary

• Buttons on women’s clothing are on the left because noblewomen were dressed by right-handed maids.
• Buttons on men’s clothing are on the right due to historical military needs and quick access to weapons.

This difference remains today as a cultural and historical legacy from the Middle Ages.

So the next time you button your shirt, remember: that simple gesture carries centuries of history—combining fashion, social hierarchy, and military tradition. A small daily detail that tells a big story about our past.