29/10/2025
In the 18th and 19th centuries, clothing design was closely tied to social class. Wealthy women rarely dressed themselves and they had maids or attendants to help. Since most maids were right-handed, it was more convenient for them if the buttons were placed on the left side of the garment. That way, they could boost the buttons more easily while facing their mistress.
So, the design wasn’t actually made for the woman wearing the clothing and it was made for the person dressing her. What started as a practical choice eventually turned into a lasting tradition.