A Guide to: Cufflinks
Cufflinks are traditionally worn with men’s formal evening wear, though they are surprisingly versatile and can suit a range of outfits. All that is needed is a long-sleeved shirt with holes in the cuff, meaning cufflinks can be a stunning accessory.
What are they for?
Cufflinks are used for fastening shirt cuffs. They make a stunning alternative to buttons and can be used as an accessory or be given as a gift. Cufflinks come in a range of shapes, sizes, styles and metals, and offer more than buttons, meaning they are considered a more formal option.
How do they work?
A cufflink is used to fasten the cuffs of a shirt. It does this by sliding through the holes on the sides of the cuff openings, then swings into a fixed position to hold the sides together. Common cufflinks feature a large head with an often-decorative front face, a post that extends from the back and a hinged toggle that swings out to fasten.
Cufflinks are fastened by setting the toggle in its closed position so that there is a straight post from the underside of the head. The post slides through the holes on both sides of the cuffs, and the toggle is then swung outwards to prevent the cufflink from falling out.
What types are there?
There is a wide range of cufflink variations available, including the basic hinged cufflink and mechanical alternatives. Some common types of cufflinks include whale back, bullet back, stud, button, chain link and ball return, though there are many others available too.
Cufflinks are found in a variety of materials. Gold, silver and platinum are favourites amongst many, though other materials are available for those who are on a budget. Popular materials include carbon fibre, enamel, glass, precious stones and silk.
When should cufflinks be worn?
Cufflinks are most recognisably worn at formal events. However, the extent of their wardrobe functionality goes much further. Cufflinks can be worn with plain white business shirts to colourful and casual options with holes in the cuff. In fact, tailors can convert any shirt with a basic button-hole into one that can be used with cufflinks. This is done by removing the button and inserting a small button hole in its place.
This means cufflinks can be worn with any shirt. Many men will choose to wear cufflinks in business and formal settings, though more relaxed cufflinks are available for casual outfits.
There are no rules when it comes to cufflinks; they can be worn when and where you wish. At Cuttings, we have a range of stunning cufflinks available in store. Take a look at these beautiful diamond silver cufflinks that are available at a great price of £85, and these pre-owned vintage 18ct gold cufflinks that are sure to impress.
For more information about what we have to offer, you can get in touch with a member of the Cuttings team by visiting our contact page.