How to Wear Cufflinks
Cufflinks are a timeless accessory that adds a polished finishing touch to a dress shirt. Whether you're dressing for a wedding, business meeting, formal event, or simply want to elevate your style, knowing how to wear cufflinks correctly can make all the difference.
The good news is that wearing cufflinks is easier than it looks. Once you understand which shirts require them and how they fasten, you'll be able to wear them with confidence.
What Are Cufflinks?
Cufflinks are decorative fasteners used to secure the cuffs of certain dress shirts. Unlike standard shirts that use sewn-on buttons, cufflink shirts feature buttonholes on both sides of the cuff, allowing a cufflink to hold the cuff together.
Cufflinks come in a wide variety of styles, including classic metal designs, engraved pieces, novelty themes, and luxury materials like sterling silver and gold.
What Shirts Can You Wear with Cufflinks?
Not every dress shirt is designed for cufflinks.
The most common types include:
French cuff shirts, which fold back before fastening.
Double cuff shirts, another name for French cuffs.
Convertible cuff shirts, which can be worn with either buttons or cufflinks.
Before purchasing cufflinks, check that your shirt has cufflink holes instead of permanently attached buttons.
How to Put On Cufflinks
Putting on cufflinks only takes a few simple steps:
Fold or align the shirt cuffs according to the shirt style.
Line up the buttonholes on both sides of the cuff.
Insert the cufflink through all four holes.
Secure the backing by closing the toggle, fastening the whale back, or attaching the fixed backing, depending on the cufflink style.
Once fastened, the decorative face of the cufflink should remain visible on the outside of your wrist.
Which Way Should Cufflinks Face?
The decorative front should face outward, where it can be seen when your arms are at your sides or resting on a table.
The fastening mechanism should remain on the inside of your wrist for both comfort and appearance.
When Should You Wear Cufflinks?
Cufflinks can be worn for many occasions, including:
Weddings
Business meetings
Black-tie events
Formal dinners
Graduations
Holiday parties
Special celebrations
Many people also wear cufflinks as a way to express their personality through unique designs or meaningful symbols.
Do Cufflinks Have to Match?
Not necessarily.
While many people coordinate cufflinks with their watch, tie clip, belt buckle, or other accessories, matching isn't a strict rule. The goal is to create a balanced, polished appearance rather than an exact match.
Common Types of Cufflinks
There are several popular cufflink styles:
Whale back cufflinks
Bullet back cufflinks
Fixed back cufflinks
Chain link cufflinks
Stud cufflinks
Knot cufflinks
Each style fastens slightly differently, but they all serve the same purpose of securing the shirt cuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear cufflinks with a regular dress shirt?
Most regular dress shirts with sewn-on buttons cannot be worn with cufflinks unless they are designed as convertible cuffs.
Which cuff is best for cufflinks?
French cuffs are the most traditional and popular choice because they are specifically designed to be worn with cufflinks.
Are cufflinks only for formal occasions?
No. While cufflinks are common at formal events, many professionals wear them in business settings or whenever they want to add a refined touch to their outfit.
Can cufflinks be worn without a tie?
Yes. Cufflinks pair well with or without a tie, depending on the occasion and your personal style.
A Classic Accessory That Never Goes Out of Style
Cufflinks have remained a staple of men's formalwear for generations. They combine function with personal style, allowing you to add a unique finishing touch to your outfit while keeping your shirt cuffs neatly secured.
Whether you prefer classic designs or something more distinctive, learning how to wear cufflinks ensures you'll always look polished for life's important occasions.