Wearing a shirt is an everyday task, but the secrets hidden in its smallest details often surprise us. You have often seen two buttons on the cuff of a full-sleeved shirt. Most people assume that these buttons are for different wrist sizes, but they actually have a different purpose.
Most people around the world are unaware of this fact. In fact, the cuff has two buttons for a looser fit on the watch wearer’s hand and a tighter fit on the other. This fact recently went viral on social media when a stylist revealed it.
A secret hidden for centuries
This secret dates back to the early 20th century, when shirts began to be mass produced. At first, shirts were custom-made, but with the advent of the factory system, one size was required for everyone. According to the Daconda blog, an English couturier thought that a tight cuff would be uncomfortable on the watch wearer’s hand. So he designed two buttons – one for a tight fit and the other for a loose fit. Generally, the right hand (predominant for right-handed people) is buttoned tightly, and the left hand (clockwise) is buttoned loosely. This allows both cuffs to protrude 1/4 to 1/2 inch when the jacket is worn, creating a balanced look.
Stylists approve
“It’s a smart and dapper way to look,” the stylists say, reports the Mirror. The video has garnered millions of views on social media, leaving people in awe. Many people commented, saying that they had been wearing the shirt for years, but only now had they discovered the secret of these buttons. This ensures that the cuffs appear evenly on the arms, creating a complete look.
What does science and functionality say?
According to the Put This On blog, two buttons provide fit adjustment—loose on thin wrists, tight on thick ones. Wearing a watch can make the cuff feel tight, so a looser option provides comfort. The Permanent Style Guide states that barrel cuffs (single cuffs) may have 1-3 buttons, but two is common. French cuffs (with cufflinks) have a hidden button for a snug fit. According to Oliver Wicks, corner styles (rounded, angled) also add variety.