[Chemistry4me (OP)]

Here is a dress shirt:



Notice that the top button hole is horizontal?  []
But the rest are all vertical? I have just noticed this the other day. []
Is there a reason for this? Well, actually, there must be, but what is it?  []

[paul.fr]

Isn't it ease of undoing? You can undo your top button quite easily with just the one hand, whereas the others take two...maybe..

[Chemistry4me (OP)]

Why don't they make it easier to undo all of the buttons by having all of the holes horizontal? []

[lyner]

Having the slot in line with the tension makes the button less likely to pop out. Perhaps the collar button is the only one which should be under tension. If your tum is straining against the shirt,  you maybe need a bigger shirt.

It's the same with the fly in underpants, too. The button holes are vertical and frequently come undone, for me. But I guess all that extra strain . ......

[Don_1]

It gives a little play in the collar which you would not want over your chest or gut.

[lightarrow]

I agree with sophie. Sometimes even the last button hole is horizontal, I presume for the same reason.

[lyner]

It gives a little play in the collar which you would not want over your chest or gut.

And do I have "a little play" in my underpants, too?

[Chemistry4me (OP)]

Oh right, I get what you're thinking. Err...your first post at least Mr sophiecentaur.

Just when I was praising you on your elequence

[_Stefan_]

Who didn't notice until now that the wearer of the shirt is not human?

[Chemistry4me (OP)]

Err.. surely you didn't think it was me in that thing?!!

[_Stefan_]

No, I just hadn't noticed the odd texture of the "skin".

[Karen W.]

I am under the understanding that it runs that way to stay in line with the nap of the fabric that is now running far round the neck and no longer up and down as on the front of the shirt! In the collar section..the nap of the fabric is changed to define the neck tie area that is for the wearing of a tie.. The button there ensures the tie lays properly against secure button opening..

Basically the stitch is for aesthetics... It runs in the direction of the nap or stripes you see!

I do sew and that is what I was always taught.

[lyner]

Good reason there Karen. Better than a nonsense scientific one.
It pays not to be too smartarse sometimes.

[Chemistry4me (OP)]

Haha, thanks madam! []

[Karen W.]

Your welcome.

[Karen W.]

Your welcome!