The most common explanation is that, in the past, upper-class women were dressed as servants or maids, who, being mostly right-handed, found it more comfortable to button up women's shirts have buttons on the left side of the shirt. This seemingly insignificant detail, in reality, has its roots in a long and fascinating history. Let's discover together the tradition, the meaning and how to choose the right match for women's shirts.
The Origins of Button Arrangement on Women's Shirts
Women's shirts with buttons on the left have a rich history tied to aristocratic dress habits and the aristocratic era. This design choice is not accidental, but has deep roots in the tradition and symbolism of women's clothing. During the aristocratic era, high-society women had domestic servants on hand to help them dress. The placement of the buttons on the left of the shirt was functional for the servants, usually right-handed, as it allowed the buttons to be easily closed when the woman threw the garment to the left. This habit became part of the norm in women's clothing of that era.
The Evolution of Women's Shirt Design
Over the decades, the women's shirt has undergone numerous stylistic changes, but the arrangement of the buttons has remained constant. This detail has resisted the passage of time, even when women began to dress themselves, marking a sort of continuity with the traditions of the past. Today, women's shirts are an essential garment and represent a great opportunity to express one's personal style. In addition, women's clothing has always had a strong symbolic value. The positioning of the buttons on the left has become an iconic symbol that distinguishes women's clothing from men's. Soldiers, predominantly right-handed men, had the buttons of their clothes on the right side to facilitate the extraction of weapons from the belt. The difference in the positioning of the buttons between women's and men's clothing thus became a distinctive element, remaining over time as part of the tradition of women's clothing design. Next we will talk about the types of women's shirts and how to match them
Basic Types of Women's Shirts
1.Oversized Women's Shirts: Comfort and Style
Oversized shirts are one of the most popular trends in recent years. Thanks to their versatility, they can be worn both casually and with more structure. An oversized shirt with buttons on the left can be worn over a pair of leggings, with a belt at the waist to define the figure, or it can be worn over a pair of wide pants for a relaxed but chic look. Oversized shirts can also be worn as a tunic over a pair of leggings or skinny jeans.
2.Long sleeve women's shirts
Long-sleeved shirts with buttons on the left are perfect for all seasons, especially during the cooler months. They can be paired with tailored trousers for a business casual look, or with jeans or wide-leg trousers for a more relaxed outfit. For a more sophisticated look, you can tuck the shirt into a pleated skirt or a midi skirt and add a pair of heels to elongate the figure.
3.Shirts with high collar or turtleneck
Shirts with a high collar or turtleneck are ideal for an elegant and modern look. These models are perfect for the colder seasons and adapt to different styles. You can choose a long-sleeved shirt in warm fabrics such as wool or cashmere and pair it with a pencil skirt or slim trousers for a refined look. If you prefer a more casual look, a turtleneck shirt can be worn with corduroy trousers or wide-leg jeans.
4.Denim Shirts: A Must-Have in Your Wardrobe
Denim shirts, which feature buttons on the left, are a classic that never goes out of style. These shirts are suitable for any season and can be paired with both leather pants for a bold look, and with pants in light fabrics for the summer. A denim shirt can also be worn over a dress to create an interesting contrast or paired with a high-waisted skirt for a vintage look.
5.Silk Shirts: Timeless Elegance
Silk shirts, which feature buttons on the left, are ideal for elegant evenings or formal events. These soft and luminous shirts can be paired with midi skirts, elegant trousers or tailored jackets. Choose a silk shirt with lace details or embroidery for an extra touch of class. In summer, a silk shirt can be paired with a long skirt or linen shorts for a fresh and sophisticated look.
How to match women's shirts: styles and trends
1. Office Matching
Cigarette Pants and Suit Jacket: A classic white shirt is a must-have for the office. Pair it with a pair of cigarette pants in a neutral color like gray, black, or navy. Add a suit jacket in the same color or a complementary tone, like a dark gray with a navy blue. This look is formal, professional, and elegant.
Mid-length skirt: Opt for a blouse in a pastel color, such as pink or light blue, and pair it with a mid-length skirt in tweed or wool. The skirt can be A-line or hip-length, depending on your personal preference. Complete the look with a pair of moderate heels.
2.Casual look
Jeans and Sneakers: A classic casual look includes a cotton button-down shirt, potentially with a small print or details like rolled sleeves. Pair it with a pair of straight-cut or mom-fit jeans. Add a pair of white or neutral-colored sneakers for a relaxed, comfortable look.
Shorts and sandals: In summer, a short-sleeved shirt in linen or light cotton is perfect. Pair it with a pair of shorts in denim or a lighter fabric, such as cotton. Sandals in leather or synthetic material, with low heels or flats, complete the look for a day at the beach or in the city.
3. Evening or special occasion look
Silk Pants and Leather Jacket: If you want an evening look with a touch of boldness, a black silk shirt or one with a lace detail can be paired with silk pants of the same color. Add a black leather jacket to create a contrast between the soft silk and the more robust leather.
Bow Skirt and Bright Top: For a special event like a party or wedding, a silk blouse with embroidery details or in a bright color like red or purple can be paired with a bow skirt in a lightweight fabric, like tulle or voile. Add a little glitter or a diamond detail for a touch of luxury.
4.Summer combinations
Tiered skirt and sandals: A cotton or linen shirt , possibly with floral prints, pairs perfectly with a tiered skirt. The tiered skirt can be in a neutral color or a bright color, depending on the look you want to achieve. Sandals in leather or synthetic material, with low heels, complete the summer look.
Crop top and shorts: For a more fashionable look suitable for summer days, a crop top shirt in cotton or a light fabric can be combined with a pair of denim shorts or in a bright color. It's a young and trendy look, perfect for an aperitif in the city or for a day at the beach.
5.Winter combinations
Wool Pants and Wool Jacket: In winter, a cotton or silk shirt, possibly with a lace or embroidery detail, can be paired with a pair of wool pants in a neutral color such as gray or brown. Add a wool jacket in a complementary color, such as a dark gray with a light brown. High leather shoes and a hat complete the winter look.
A-Line Skirt and Cape: A black or dark silk shirt can be paired with a tweed or wool a-line skirt. Add a cape in a neutral or bold color, such as red, for a classy look that is suitable for winter occasions.
Women's Shirts and Current Trends
In 2025, women's shirt fashion is more diverse than ever. Innovative designs, sustainable materials and a focus on inclusivity are becoming more and more evident. Women's shirts are no longer just a piece of clothing to wear, but a way to express personality and values. Sustainability has also become a central theme in the fashion industry, with many brands opting for eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production practices. A simple cotton shirt, with long or short sleeves, can be paired with trousers, jeans or a skirt very easily. With black cigarette trousers and a grey suit jacket , it creates a professional look perfect for the office. If you want a more casual look, you can pair the cotton shirt with a pair of dark blue jeans and a denim jacket, leaving the buttons open for a more relaxed touch.
the presence of buttons on the left side of women's shirts is the result of aristocratic dressing habits of the past, which have left a lasting impression and have helped create an iconic symbol within the vast and varied world of women's clothing. This tradition continues to influence the modern design of women's shirts, maintaining a connection with the history and cultural heritage associated with women's clothing.
