As fashion takes on a metrosexual approach and the cut of men’s and women’s clothing is increasingly indistinguishable, how can you tell the difference between men and ladies shirts and suits?
While colour and where you buy it from is often enough information to go on, what happens if it’s a black suit in a thrift store? Could you tell at a glance whether it’s for a woman or a man?
The answer is a simple one – it’s all in the buttons.
A garment for men has the buttons on the right. Whereas a garment for women has the buttons on the left.
It’s a subtle difference, but one that can be very telling to those in the know. What we can’t be sure of, is when and why this tradition began.
Men’s shirts were designed with combat in mind
For men, it’s been suggested that the buttons are on the left to due to military tradition, when a sword would be held in the right hand, leaving the left free to unbutton the waistcoat and shirt for ease of movement. It’s unclear whether many men would think to unbutton their shirt before striking their enemy in close combat, but there’s another military convention this could stem back to.
As the shield would be held on the left side, plates of armour would overlap from left to right preventing a lance point from striking the chest. It’s believed that this tradition made it into everyday menswear and is why men’s jackets button from left to right.
While men went to war, women stayed behind at home
And looking after the children is a common theory for the placement of women’s shirt buttons on the left. With women commonly right-handed and typically holding their babies in the left, it’s believed this allowed the right hand to undo buttons for quicker breastfeeding.
Another theory put forward is the custom of riding side saddle for ladies. The saddle would be on the right of the horse, so putting the buttons on the left, it’s assumed, prevented the breeze from flowing into the skirts/dress while riding.
There’s another explanation.
It was the wealth of the day that established fashion trends and customs. As women from the upper classes would have a maid to dress them, who would typically be right-handed, the buttons are on the left with them in mind.
What we can be certain of, is that these gender differences of shirts and suits are set to continue
While gender differences continue to blur, and the days of fighting and side saddle riding are behind us, button placement has been the norm for centuries now, and it’s unlikely the convention will change anytime soon.
We offer a range of shirts here for both sexes, with the correct button placement, of course, be sure to check them out before you leave.
FAQs
Opposite to the curved seam found on women's shirts, men's cut has a straight seam from the underarm to the hem. Men's cut apparel is also designed with wider shoulders and loose-fitting sleeves. If the garment is short-sleeved, the sleeve length falls around mid-arm, close to the elbow.
How to tell if a shirt is for a guy or girl? ›
There is one difference between men's and women's shirts: the placement of the buttons and buttonholes. Men's shirts have buttons on the right. Women's shirts have buttons on the left.
How can you tell the difference between a boy and girl shirt? ›
Sleeves show another difference between male and female shirts. The location of the arm cut on the sleeve, where you have the armpit on a female's shirt is slightly different from that of a male. Depending on the style of the shirt, the female sleeves are mostly sewn tighter and more fitted than the male's.
What is the difference between unisex and men's shirts? ›
Comparing Unisex, Men's, and Women's T-Shirts
Men's t-shirts are typically wider in the shoulders and chest, while women's t-shirts are narrower in the shoulders and wider in the hips. Unisex t-shirts, on the other hand, are designed to fit both body types, which means they typically have a more relaxed fit overall.
Why are clothes divided by gender? ›
Many clothing stores have separate men's and women's sections because our culture pushes gender roles, the gender binary, and gender norms that “assign” certain styles based on gender.
How can a shirt be unisex? ›
They are designed to offer a comfortable, relaxed fit that suits many body types. Here are some key features of unisex t-shirts: Fit and Shape: Unisex t-shirts have a boxy, straight-cut shape that doesn't conform precisely to a specific gender's body.
Can a woman wear a men's T-shirt? ›
In fashion, the boundaries between men's and women's clothing have blurred considerably. One such versatile piece that's been making waves in the fashion world is the classic men's shirt. But can women confidently sport men's shirts? Absolutely!
Is there a difference between male and female shirts? ›
Typically, the seam of a women's shirt tapers in towards the waist and then expands out again towards the garment's bottom hem. Another key difference between men's and women's shirts is the sleeves. Women's apparel usually has a tighter fitting sleeve that hugs the wearer's arm closely.
Will a women's T shirt fit a man? ›
But if it's something more specifically designed for women, like a fitted tee with a scoop neck, then it might not look quite right on a man. Ultimately it's up to the individual to decide what they're comfortable wearing.
What is the difference between boyfriend shirt and mens shirt? ›
In fashion design, "boyfriend" is a style of women's clothing that draws heavily from corresponding men's garments. Boyfriend-style clothes are designed to be looser or boxier and tend to be oversized – giving the appearance that one is wearing their boyfriend's clothing.
Skirts were effeminized. "Henceforth trousers became the ultimate clothing for men to wear, while women had their essential frivolity forced on them by the dresses and skirts they were expected to wear".
When did men stop dressing feminine? ›
Despite hose, long gowns and full-skirted coats remained acceptable and fashionable parts of the male wardrobe until the first half of the 20th century, though their mainstream popularity declined rapidly in the 1800's.
Can girls wear boys' clothes? ›
' Over time, even as many of these so-called 'norms' have faded away, parents may still feel concerned if their daughter dresses “like a boy” or vice versa. But there's no rulebook, experts say, and it's normal and healthy for kids to experiment with self-expression.
Is there a difference in men's and women's t-shirts? ›
What is the difference between men's and women's T-shirts? Sizing is different. Mens medium is physically larger than a women's medium. Women's t-shirts are cut to fit a woman's body, i.e. narrower in the waist, more space in the chest, sleeves are shorter.
How do you tell if a button up shirt is mens or womens? ›
The answer is actually pretty simple: If you wear women's clothing, the buttons are on the left side of the shirt. However, if you wear men's shirts, the buttons line up on the right.
How do you know if a shirt fits men? ›
5 RULES TO FIND THE PERFECT FIT
- Collar: those with deep Vs should be avoided.
- Shoulders: seams should sit on shoulder-bone.
- Sleeves: they should be mid-length on biceps and not too loose.
- Length: a T-Shirt should end middle of fly.
- Width: ideal when you leave 2.5-5cm loose fabric on each side of the torso.
“Ladies often had maids to help them dress, so having buttons on the left made it easier for a right-handed helper.” Men, on the other hand, mostly dressed themselves, said Liebenberg, and having the buttons on the right made it generally easier to do so.
