Why are buttons on men's clothes on the opposite side to women's?

Buttons on men’s clothes are usually on the right. On women’s clothes, they’re on the left. Why is that?

The short answer is: nobody knows for sure. The long answer is: nobody knows for sure, but there are a huge number of theories as to why.

Frocks and fights

The first common explanation relates to women’s dress. In the past, only wealthy women wore clothes with buttons. Being far too distinguished to get dressed themselves, they would be helped by maids. As most maids were right-handed, buttons were placed on the left side to make them easier to fasten.

A second explanation relates to men. Men used to carry swords and other weapons, which would usually be drawn using the right hand. Sewing the buttons on the right helped to prevent snagging.

Breezy blouses

But there are other explanations. Men’s buttons may be on the right to protect the wearer, leaving no space for their enemy to pierce between two buttons. For women, it may have been a matter of decency. As women rode sidesaddle on the right, having buttons on the left would stop breezes blowing through their blouse. Unfortunately, nobody really knows the answer for sure.

Answered by Rik Peters