What Are Cufflinks and How to Wear Them?

If there’s one perfect accessory for gents that’s both practical and stylishly personal, it has to be cufflinks. And if you’ve never tried them before, what are you waiting for? Cufflinks can effectively spruce up your outfit, and depending on what style of cufflinks you choose, you can switch between formal and casual shirts with ease. After all, all you need is a long-sleeved shirt with cuff holes to rock the cufflinks however you see fit.

What Are Cufflinks?

If you’re not completely sure about the purpose of cufflinks, think fancy buttons. Essentially, cufflinks let you close the cuff of your shirt. But these accessories can be so much more than that. As rather personal and unique bling, cufflinks instantly elevate your look and style. And unlike buttons, cufflinks can easily be removed and switched out whenever you want to wear a different pair.

Cufflinks are very ornamental, and as such, they come in a variety of shapes and styles. The contrast they provide in the cuff area is both subtle yet striking enough to be considered ideal for formal occasions. However, there’s no limit to wearing cufflinks for your semi-formal or business casual outfits.

How Do Cufflinks Work?

Basically, cufflinks are used to close the shirt’s cuff by going through the cuff holes and then clicking into place in their fixed position. You have probably seen or maybe even owned the traditional cufflink design that involves a larger decorative front head, an extending post, and a hinged toggle at the end used to fix the link. You’d slide the post through the holes and then close the toggle to prevent the post from sliding out and opening the cuff. That way, the cuffs are neatly closed and the decorative front head lies on top of the buttonholes for added bling.

When and How to Wear Cufflinks?

The most common way to wear them is for formal and semiformal occasions. These are a very common button alternative for these types of shirts, especially when paired with the traditional black or white tie look.

However, it’s not only the dressier shirts that come with cufflink holes. From plain white shirts to more colorful and unique ones, it’s possible to find a shirt design that features cuffs with cufflink holes. What’s more, it’s incredibly simple to convert any regular shirt into a cufflink-ready one at the tailor. All they have to do is remove the button and create a small buttonhole. If you’re good with your hands, it’s even possible to DIY this particular project.

In the end, this means that you can wear cufflinks for every occasion you want with any outfit of your choosing, as long as you like the look it gives you. Mixing high and low fashion has become increasingly popular, and there’s a burst of look books involving cufflinks on simple flannel shirts.

If you’re not fond of other accessories, cufflinks are an amazing way for every gentleman to add a touch of personality to their looks, be it for formal and semiformal attire, or casual day/night out. After all, when you opt for a less extravagant pair of cufflinks, you’ll be able to pair them rather nicely even with a sports jacket.

Different Types of Cufflinks

So, what are cufflinks for? There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. In this day and age, a stylish accessory like this has become a staple for anyone who simply wants to add some flair and elegance to their outfits, or is interested in a playful mix of different styles. They’re for whatever purpose you want them to be; an elegant décor, a personalized piece, a fun alternative to buttons, or all three. And with its rising popularity, there are plenty of different types available on the market.

Whale Back Cufflinks

This is one of the most common cufflinks types these days. The mechanism is simple and easy to use. Essentially, the decorative front head is flat, the post stretches from it in a straight line, and the toggle at the end is in the shape of the “whale tail” that flips flat against the post.

Bullet Back Cufflinks

Bullet back cufflinks are rather similar to the previously mentioned whale back ones. However, the post is hollow and the toggle at the end is a cylinder that fits into the post’s hollow space perfectly. The cuff can be closed by flipping the toggle away from the hollow, thus creating a stronghold.

Stud or Button Style Cufflinks

When stud/button style cufflinks are concerned, there’s no actual hinging mechanism to deal with. A lot of people prefer this particular style as it’s quick, simple, and secure. The head and post have a traditional design, but instead of the hinge at the end of the post, there’s another smaller head that locks when straightened.

Chain Link Cufflinks

These particular cufflinks may be fancied by someone with an acquired taste, as they have two heads at each side that are connected by a chain. The cuffs might be a bit looser, but the overall impression is rather unique and extravagant.

Ball Return Cufflinks

These cufflinks have a regular decorative front head and a post, but at the end of the post is a small ball. This is a rather luxurious option as the ball is often made of precious materials and expensive metals to add weight. The fastening of the cuff is a tad looser to show off both the decorative head and the ball. 

Locking Dual-Action Cufflinks

Dual-action cufflinks utilize a similar locking mechanism to a wristwatch. The post is also the hinge, and the whole mechanism has to be slipped through the cuff holes and then closed to clip to the front head. The mechanism is rather modern but equally stylish, and many younger gents prefer it due to its efficiency and secure hold. 

Knot Cufflinks

Knot cufflinks are perfect for more casual outfits as they utilize a similar closing mechanism to chain link, but instead of a metal chain, the link is a soft cord, often silk. The cord connects two decorative knot heads.

Fabric Cufflinks

When fabric cufflinks are concerned, they come in a variety of different fastening mechanisms. What makes them unique is the actual material their decorative head is made of, which is fabric. This particular cufflink look is ideal for casual occasions.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your style, be it for professional, personal, or formal reasons, adding cufflinks to your shirts is a great way to achieve exactly that. Those of you interested in unique pieces of the finest quality, feel free to check out our Miami jewelry store or visit our shop online. Our 40+ years of jewelry-making experience lets us provide our customers with top-quality and timeless pieces. Become a part of a family by purchasing an accessory that’s been specially manufactured for our store and our customers only. Aside from cufflinks, we have a range of different accessories and jewelry that will help you add a personal touch and create a customized look every single day.