Why are buttons and zippers on different sides of mens and womens clothes?

Buttons and zippers are on different sides of men’s and women’s clothes because people used to dress differently, and it was easier that way.

Why Buttons Are on the Left

Long ago, most people wore clothes with buttons, and they put them on the left side. This is because most people are right-handed, so it's easier to button up with your right hand. That’s like when you tie your shoes, you usually use your dominant hand.

Why Zippers Are on the Right

Nowadays, many women’s clothes have zippers on the right side. That’s because zippers are quicker to pull up, and it's easier for someone who is used to putting things on with their left hand (like a lot of women) to use the right side.

It’s like having your favorite snack in different pockets, one pocket is easier for you, and another is easier for someone else. So buttons stayed on the left for men, and zippers moved to the right for women!

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A man’s shirt has buttons on the right, while a woman’s dress often has a zipper on the left.
  2. Men traditionally wore clothes with buttons on the right side.
  3. Women's dresses are usually zipped up from the left.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity