James Harvest Sportswear Harvest Icons 2016 | Page 12
j a m e s
h a r v e s t
s p o r t s w e a r
Is this shirt a Jupiter or Jupiter Lady?
B U T T O N
U P
Woman’s garments has the buttons on the left while they are on the
right side for the gents. This gender difference became a standard since 1850’s. Why is that?
It is hard to say for sure and there are probably more reasons than one. Here comes a few theories.
The main reason for men is probably comfort. It is easier for a right handed man to button his garments.
Also; the same fellow can reach in under the coat and access his weapon, just a little bit swifter. Sometimes that is important.
To make the garments different, the ladies had to – once more – yield and give men the more comfortable alternative.
In addition, when riding a horse the ladies in general, sat with the legs to the right, and left side buttoning
avoided the wind blowing into their dresses. There are many other theories, which involve
Napoleon, maid servants, breast feeding and simply patriarchal malice. Either way.
The result is the same. Women have to use the left hand to button a shirt.
Correct! It is of course a Jupiter Lady.
– 12 –