We know that with the endless options that you have in the market today, grabbing the best pair of cufflinks might get a tad bit difficult. But don’t worry when we are here. From teaching you how to wear cufflinks on a regular dress shirt to acquainting you with the perfect ways to wear them with French cuff shirts, we have covered it all.
Tracie Jeske, International Personal Stylist, says “Clothes maketh the man” and cufflinks do exactly that in my opinion. They add that touch of savoir faire to the man wearing them, having him exude style and charm. They were considered in the past a sign of luxury and wealth, and on certain occasions and certain elite circles, they still are today. Accessories make the difference and that also includes your cufflinks!”
So, you can as well stop scouring for the very many ways to wear one of these. I am sure you already know that often considered a formal piece of jewelry, cufflinks play a significant role in taking your both formal and semiformal look to the next level. They are used to secure those cuffs of your dress shirts. The best part is that these accessories that are usually worn with French cuff dress shirts can be customized too. They come across as those must-have accessories with which you can add your personal touches to your suit or even a dress shirt, bring out your personality better, display your fashion tastes, and show support to that favorite football team too. These pieces of information should be perfectly enough for you to scroll down the page and give this piece a read. Come on!
In This Article
1. What Are Cufflinks?
2. Key Takeaways
3. Types of Cufflinks
4. Cufflinks: How To Wear Them?
5. What Kind Of Shirt Do You Wear With Cufflinks?
6. How To Wear Cufflinks With A Regular Shirt?
7. When Should You Avoid Wearing Cufflinks?
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Illustration: How To Wear Cufflinks? A Complete Guide
What Are Cufflinks?
Cufflinks are accessories that help fasten dress and tuxedo shirt cuffs and are considered the formal and semiformal alternative to buttons. They were invented in the 17th century before which men used strings or ribbons to hold their shirt cuffs together. It is beloved that King Charles II popularised them by wearing them regularly in public and influencing the people’s opinion on these statement pieces. Today, they continue to be an enduring and elegant addition to men’s fashion and are worn on special occasions like wedding ceremonies, formal events, and graduation ceremonies.
Cufflinks come in various styles and designs, catering to different tastes and occasions. Check out the next section to learn about these different types.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Cufflinks are available in a range of styles, like toggle closure, chain, stud, bullet back, and knotted.
- They are generally worn with french cuff dress shirts.
- You should always make sure that the cufflink’s decorative part is displayed outwardly when your arms are at the sides of your frame.
- Avoid wearing cufflinks that do not match your watch, the belt buckle, and other metal embellishments in your look.
Types of Cufflinks
Cufflinks come in a variety of designs and mechanisms. Here are the most common types of cufflinks:
1. Bullet Back Cufflinks
- Design: A small cylinder (bullet) that swivels between two posts.
- Usage: Easy to put on and secure, making them a popular choice.
- Style: Classic and versatile.
2. Whale Back Cufflinks
- Design: Features a flat head and a tail that flips at an angle.
- Usage: Simple to use and provides a secure fit.
- Style: Stylish yet practical.
3. Fixed Back Cufflinks
- Design: A solid piece with no moving parts.
- Usage: Durable but may require more effort to insert.
- Style: Minimalist and sleek.
4. Chain Link Cufflinks
- Design: Two decorative ends connected by a chain.
- Usage: Flexible and offers a more traditional look.
- Style: Vintage and elegant.
5. Stud Cufflinks
- Design: Smaller with a fixed backing.
- Usage: Often used for formal occasions and can be slightly challenging to secure.
- Style: Sophisticated and understated.
6. Ball Return Cufflinks
- Design: Features a curved post with a ball on the opposite end.
- Usage: Easy to wear and provides a looser fit.
- Style: Contemporary and unique.
7. Knotted Cufflinks
- Design: Made of silk or fabric in a knot shape.
- Usage: Lightweight and casual.
- Style: Playful and colorful, often used for less formal occasions.
8. Locking Dual-Action Cufflinks
- Design: Functions like a wristwatch clasp with a dual-action mechanism.
- Usage: Secure and easy to fasten.
- Style: Modern and innovative.
9. Toggle Cufflinks
- Design: Similar to bullet backs but typically more decorative.
- Usage: Simple mechanism, providing ease of use.
- Style: Classic with a touch of flair.
10. Custom or Novelty Cufflinks
- Design: Personalized or themed designs to reflect hobbies, professions, or special interests.
- Usage: Great for gifts or unique statements.
- Style: Fun, creative, and attention-grabbing.
Would you like detailed illustrations or tips for matching cufflinks with attire?
Cufflinks: How To Wear Them?
Proper cufflink placement is an essential part of achieving a polished and professional look. So, let us have a quick idea on how to properly wear cufflinks now. Below are some tips that would help.
- If you are wondering how to wear cufflinks with double cuffs, then neatly fold the cuff back. While doing this, keep an eye on the extreme corner edges of the cuff that are close to your fingers. Make sure to fold them in a way that an even lining is formed perfectly; however, if you are confused about how to wear cufflinks with a single cuff shirt, then worry not. This step would not even be required.
- Ensure that the holes of each side of the cuff are aligned for easy insertion of the accessory.
- Always make sure that the decorative part of the cufflink is displayed outwardly when the arms are at the sides of your frame. And the remaining part of the accessory’s material should go through the cuff fabric’s layers and then secured right on the opposite side. But always know that since there are tons of different shapes and sizes of cufflinks, the way they are secured might always vary a bit accordingly.
What Kind Of Shirt Do You Wear With Cufflinks?
Cufflinks are designed to be worn with shirts that have French cuffs or convertible cuffs, as these cuffs are specially made to accommodate cufflinks. Here’s a detailed look:
1. French Cuff Shirts
- Features:
- No buttons at the cuffs.
- Extra-long cuffs that fold back on themselves.
- Occasion:
- Traditionally worn for formal or black-tie events, but can also be styled for business or smart-casual occasions.
- How to Wear:
- The cuff is folded back, and the cufflink is inserted through the aligned holes on both layers of fabric.
2. Convertible Cuff Shirts
- Features:
- Have both buttonholes and buttons, allowing the cuffs to be fastened with either cufflinks or buttons.
- Occasion:
- Versatile for both casual and formal settings.
- How to Wear:
- Simply ignore the buttons and use cufflinks to secure the cuffs.
Other Considerations:
- Fabric: Opt for high-quality fabrics like cotton or silk blends for formal occasions.
- Color: Classic white or pastel-colored shirts complement most cufflink styles.
- Collars: Pair cufflinks with collars like spread, wingtip, or cutaway for a polished look.
- Fit: A well-fitted shirt enhances the elegance of wearing cufflinks.
Not Suitable
- Standard shirts with sewn-on buttons at the cuff cannot be used with cufflinks unless altered.
- Informal or casual shirts usually lack the sophistication to complement cufflinks.
How To Wear Cufflinks With A Regular Shirt?
To wear cufflinks with a regular shirt, you need to modify the cuffs slightly:
- Choose a Shirt with Convertible Cuffs: Some regular shirts have button cuffs that also feature buttonholes for cufflinks.
- Remove Buttons: If the shirt lacks convertible cuffs, you can temporarily fold back or pin the cuff’s button and use the holes for cufflinks.
- Insert Cufflinks: Align the cuff holes, insert the cufflink through both sides, and secure it.
This works best for semi-formal occasions. Alternatively, consider upgrading to a shirt designed for cufflinks for a more polished look.
When Should You Avoid Wearing Cufflinks?
Now that you have a fair idea about wearing these cufflinks let us find out when not to wear them.
- Well, do not wear them every day. Your cufflinks should stand out. If you wear them every day, they will lose their significance.
- If your cufflinks look worn out, it is better to have them inserted into your shirts. Given that you wear those accessories on special occasions, you should not tag them when they show aging signs. This will only spoil your look.
- Don’t wear cufflinks that do not match the watch you are going to wear and the belt buckle, too, and other metals present in your look.
- Keep the cufflink color in mind while choosing the appropriate formal wear for your special occasion.
- The knot should always compliment the collar of your shirt. If not, it is better to avoid wearing them.
- When your cufflinks are deformed, it would be best to avoid wearing them. This is because not only will they negatively affect your look; it will be difficult for you to secure the cuffs properly too.
- Regular cufflink maintenance is necessary to keep them looking their best and proper cufflink storage is required to protect them from damage.
Alrighty, folks, now that you have a great understanding of cufflinks and how to wear them, you are all set to go ahead and get your pair. Yes, you can surely start wearing them right from that party you have next with your school buddies or that big wedding ceremony that you have been excited about attending for a long time. But, do not ever forget to wear your confidence. Because no matter what, your confidence will always make you stand out in the crowd and add more charm to whatever you wear. So get rid of all the confusion and dilemmas and rock your cufflinks. Even if you are a first-time wearer, do not worry. Follow the tips as mentioned above, and go ahead and wear them depending on the occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it OK to wear cufflinks without a jacket?
Yes. It is acceptable to wear cufflinks without a jacket or even without a suit. Pair them with a French cuff or a barrel cuff shirt to accentuate your formal look.
2. When should you wear cufflinks?
Cufflinks are synonymous with formal attire. They are worn during stately occasions such as business meetings or weddings.
3. Can you wear a cufflink shirt with jeans?
For a semi-formal look, combine a cufflink shirt with faded, dark jeans and casual cufflinks.
Illustration: How To Wear Cufflinks? A Complete Guide
Here is an informative illustration showing a step-by-step guide on how to wear cufflinks. It visually explains how to insert and fasten cufflinks for a formal shirt cuff. Let me know if you need additional details or modifications!
Personal Experience: Source
Getmakeup’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
