What are cufflinks and how to wear them?

Cufflinks have been around for centuries, serving as a staple accessory for formal attire for men. Often referred to as an iconic style statement, these small but significant pieces of jewellery can take an ordinary dress shirt and turn it into a sophisticated and stylish outfit.

What are cufflinks?

Cufflinks are small, decorative fasteners used to secure the two sides of a dress shirt’s cuff together. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, from simple and classic to bold and modern, making them a versatile accessory for any occasion. They are typically made of precious metals like gold or silver and can feature gems, enamel, or intricate designs. But that’s not always the rule. Cufflinks are also made from other materials such as glass, stone, leather, metal, precious metal or a combination from all these. 

Cufflinks have evolved over time and have become not just functional, but also a symbol of personal style and fashion. They are a perfect way to make a statement and add a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Best cufflinks for men

Cufflinks have been traditionally worn by men and are a staple in formal wear. They add an extra level of sophistication to an outfit and are often seen at events like weddings, dinner parties, and other formal gatherings. Today, you can wear cufflinks pretty much on any occasion, even in casual situations. Cufflinks is a great way for men to express their personal style and add a touch of class to their attire since the variety of accessories for men is rather limited anyway.

Cufflinks come in a range of styles, from classic and simple to bold and modern. They can be made of precious metals, like gold or silver, and can feature gems, enamel, or intricate designs. When choosing cufflinks, it’s important to consider the occasion, the dress code, and your personal style.

Browse our wide range of cufflinks including coin cufflinks and watch movement cufflinks

How to put on cufflinks (step by step guide)

Putting on cufflinks can seem like a daunting challenge at first, but it’s actually really simple. Follow the instructions below and you’ll have your new cufflinks on in no time:

  1. Start by buttoning the cuff button on your dress shirt. This will keep the cuff in place and make it easier to attach the cufflink
  2. Take the cufflink and slide the shorter, straight post through the buttonhole in the cuff
  3. Place the cufflink’s other end through the other buttonhole
  4. Use the stud or bullet back to fasten the cufflink in place
  5. Repeat the process on the other cuff

It’s important to remember to fasten the cufflinks securely so that they don’t come undone during the day as there’s also the risk of them falling off your cuff without you noticing. 

Where and when to wear cufflinks

Cufflinks are a versatile accessory that can be worn on a range of occasions, from formal events to more casual gatherings. When choosing cufflinks, it’s important to consider the occasion, the dress code, and your personal style.

For formal events, like weddings and black-tie events, it’s best to choose a classic, simple pair of cufflinks, without bold colours or loud patterns. Opt for those made of precious metals, like gold or silver, featuring a minimalist design.

For more casual occasions, like business meetings, nights out, and social gatherings you can choose bolder, more modern cufflinks with more intricate and vibrant designs and colours. You can experiment with different shapes, colors, and designs to create a statement and express your personal style. 

How to pair cufflinks

When it comes to pairing cufflinks with other accessories, it’s important to keep things simple. A watch and a tie are the only other accessories you need when wearing cufflinks. Avoid wearing other jewellery, like a ring or bracelet, as it can detract from the sophistication of the cufflinks.

When the cufflinks are made of metal and you are also wearing a watch on a metallic bracelet try to match the colour of the metals – so for example avoid wearing a gold watch and a silver pair of cufflinks, the colours will clash and will look out of place. The same principle applies to any other metals in your outfit such as the belt buckle and any metallic elements on shoes or pieces of jewellery. 

Cufflink basics: key takeaways

  • Cufflinks are small, decorative accessories used to secure the two sides of a shirt’s cuffs
  • They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs and are made of various different materials including metals, precious metals, stones, fabric, plastic, stone, and others
  • Cufflinks have traditionally been worn by men and are a staple in formal wear
  • Putting on cufflinks is a simple process that involves sliding the short post through the buttonhole in the cuff and fastening it in place
  • Cufflinks are a versatile accessory that can be worn for a range of occasions and can be paired with a dress shirt and a suit, tuxedo, or blazer. They are a great way to add sophistication and elevate your outfit to a new level