What well-dressed lefties must have

IT’S NOT easy being left-handed in a right-handed world, even with the increasing number of gadgets that are available, but one of the best-selling products at new French internet store for the “gaucherie” may surprise you.

Traditional left-handed versions of products such as scissors and tin openers are popular, but French-made left-handed underpants have really set the cash tills ringing at Dérive Gauche, which went online in April.

Bernard Lechelle, who runs the online business with his nephew Marc Vidal, and Rebecca Dziedzic, told news website 20Minutes.fr: “It's a funny subject but meets a real need for men, with its buttons on the other side ... it's very convenient for them. And it is women who buy them most.”

He added: “Right-handed people but everyday items designed for them are not practical for anyone who is left-handed.

“Earlier, being left-handed was considered a flaw but now people are proud.”

Mr Lechelle speaks from experience. He was born left-handed but was forced to write with his right hand at school.

With rentree approaching, he said that educational products for left-handed people also sell well, and left-handed canvas tote bags are another favourite among female clients.

It doesn’t stop there. “We have also created a special watch, the hands move in the opposite direction of a normal watch,” Mr Lechelle said.

Image: Dérive Gauche