Ever notice that women’s shirt buttons are often on the left even though most people are right-handed? More than a minor inconvenience, the reason for this dates back to the olden days, when buttons meant you belonged to high society. Apparently, buttons were a big deal back in the day.
If you were wealthy enough to own clothing with buttons, then you were likely not dressing yourself each morning. The buttons on women’s garments were placed on the left as this made it easier for chambermaids to dress them. Even though times have changed, this dated design has not and remains on our clothes to this very day.
Indentation In Wine Bottles
Wine aficionados are certainly familiar with the indentation found on the bottom of wine bottles. Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, it doesn’t actually indicate whether a bottle of wine is superior, as many have been led to believe. The indentation called the punt, dates back to when bottles were being handblown.
Glassblowers would push in the base of the bottle to stop a nub from forming that would prevent the bottle from standing upwards. Today, some brands continue the tradition by including a punt, even though it doesn’t serve a purpose. On the contrary, carbonated drinks like champagne require a punt, as it evenly distributes the pressure from the carbon dioxide.
Wooden Coat Hangers
Wooden coat hangers have a reputation for being fancier than plastic and wire alternatives, but there’s a reason they come with a larger price tag. Often made of cedar, wooden hangers actually serve a unique purpose that makes them well worth the extra cash.
Not only does cedar produce a scent that few can say they don’t love, but it also keeps away any bugs or moths that might chew at your clothes. They’re also far more durable than other options, making them ideal for storing heavy winter coats during the warmer months. Yes, you might spend more money on these hangers upfront, but they’re ultimately saving you cash in the long run by helping to preserve your wardrobe.
Toothpick Grooves
The next time you go out for Chinese or Japanese food, grab a few of their toothpicks. If they have well-defined grooves, then they’re likely to have a specially designed toothpick that allows people to use them in public without disregarding proper dining etiquette.
After you’re done digging chicken bits out of your teeth, simply snap off the top of the toothpick. The grooves are weakened, making this task rather easy, leaving you with a perfectly sized stand for your toothpick. It allows restaurant-goers to put their toothpick down without it touching the table after their plates have been cleared. Japanese restaurants are more than just Sushi.
Blue Toothbrush Bristles
You might think the bristles on toothbrushes come in bright colors in order to be more appealing and fun for kids. However, these colors actually serve an essential purpose for users that few people know about. Over time, a toothbrush’s colored bristles will fade in brightness, indicating that it’s time to swap it out for a new one.
Most manual toothbrushes come equipped with this feature, and electric toothbrushes are just starting to catch up. Referred to as toothbrush indicators, they work by embedding a non-toxic dye into the outer layers of the bristles. This allows them to stand out by making them a different color from the rest. Often, blue dye is used, so be sure to take a look at your toothbrush and see if it’s time to swap it out!