Why does an M40 greatcoat or other german greatcoats have two rows of buttonholes on the front? Men wear tunics, coats, and shirts etc buttoned left over right where women button right over left. I understand the reason for two rows of button since it is double breasted
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Its actually a feature of many double breasted coats, military or not. I read somewhere an army order stating that the coat could be buttoned the "wrong way" to even out wear on the buttons and buttonholes...but for the life of me I cannot remember where I read this - or even which language it was in.
These buttonholes were omitted on the right hand side of the coat later in the war. Not really necessary...but it is handy for when the girlfriend wants to wear it. -
Hello
An other reason was also the German military " fashion " at the time. WW1 coat only had one row of buttons.
Most other armies also had one row of buttons.
Best Regards
Pierre-Yves
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I was watching a tv program the other day and they discussed why men button left over right and right over left for women. They said the reason men button left over right was because most men are right handed and if threatened you could un-button with your left hand then reach in with your right and draw your weapon as swords were worn on the left hip. Same reason why you mount a horse from the left side as not to have the sword in the way. The horse doesn't care which side you mount from. And for women since most men being right handed could easily un-button the womans blouse with his right hand when faceing her. Sounds a bit far fetched but hey just might be whyComment
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