We've just found out why coats have shoulder buttons and it's a total game-changer

So, it turns out those buttoned shoulder straps on our coats are not just a design feature, they actually have a real purpose (no joke!)

Francheska Horsburgh, 18, from Cumbria took to Twitter to tweet about her surprise revelation. She wrote: "Taken me 18 years to find out that the weird shoulder buttons on jackets are to hold your bag in place, so it doesn’t fall off." She then posted a snap showing a red handbag strap secured under the buttoned shoulder flap of a grey winter coat.

The tweet, which has now been liked 78,000 times, sent Twitter into meltdown, with many followers coming forward to say they didn’t have a clue about the purpose of the buttoned shoulder straps until now.

"Was shocked, but makes so much. I just thought they were for decoration," wrote one.

Another added: "This was a shock to me but what a genius idea."

Everyone on Instagram is wearing this £85 designer-inspired trench coat from River Island

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Although it seemed some followers had already got the memo. One commenter explained that the buttoned shoulder straps on coats are a throwback to military jackets, where they were necessary for keeping items such as bayonets or backpacks in place.

Another offered the same explanation, posting a screenshot containing information about shoulder straps.

It read, 'Many military uniform shirts, jackets, tunics or greatcoats feature shoulder straps. They were originally designed to keep backpacks, pouches or bayonets from slipping off the shoulder. "They often display badges of rank, shoulder marks, regimental insignia or epaulettes."

Now we know, we plan to make full use of that not-so-useless buttoned shoulder strap. Handbags at the ready…

Scroll down to peruse our pick of the best winter coats...