The article explores the historical distinctions in the placement of buttons on men's and women's shirts, revealing that the differences stem from traditional gender roles and social practices. It highlights that women's shirts typically have buttons on the left side, while men's shirts have them on the right. This may have originated from the fact that affluent women were often dressed by their servants, who were predominantly right-handed, making it practical for buttons to be on the left for easier dressing. In contrast, men usually dressed themselves, so placing buttons on the right was more convenient.

The article references a theory presented by The Atlantic, which suggests that the functional design of clothing was greatly influenced by the social dynamics of the time. The uneven distribution of button placement exemplifies how historical gender roles have permeated everyday life, with women's clothing designed to accommodate assistance and men's clothing reflecting independence and self-sufficiency. This exploration of clothing design serves as a reminder of how fashion choices are often deeply rooted in societal norms that have persisted over generations.

In contemporary discussions about gender and equality, the article prompts readers to reflect on how such seemingly minor details in clothing can still echo historical contexts and assumptions about gender. As gender roles evolve, there may be potential for change in fashion as well, suggesting that clothing design could progressively move towards a more neutral approach that does not enforce traditional gender distinctions.