A cufflink is an attractive fastener used to join the two sides of the cuff on a shirt or blouse. They are used with French Cuff shirts which have buttonholes on the cuff but no buttons. The cuff can be joined by pinching the ends together (called “kissing”) or by overlapping the cuff (“barrel-style”).
Cufflinks seems to have originated in 17th century England, as an advancement to the cuff-strings that were used at the time. Because of the ruffled sleeves that were popular at the time cufflinks did not catch on until around the mid-nineteenth century, when straight-cuffed sleeves came into their own. While they were initially only used by the upper-class, by 1860 they were soon available in more affordable models for all members of society.
The design of a cufflink can vary widely, but they are usually designed with a short post or chain connecting the two sides. The side facing out is larger and can come in many shapes, sizes and compositions.
Cufflinks are a great accessory for any man who wants to convey a look of sophistication and good grooming. Whether you are wearing a business suit, or just a dress shirt and khakis, cufflinks provide that extra something that makes the whole outfit look that much more elegant. While cufflinks are mostly worn for formal business wear and black tie events, they can easily be incorporated into any event where you are wearing a dress shirt, such as a first date or family get together.
The general rule for cufflinks is that you want them to match your other accessories including your belt buckle, watch and wedding band. By co-ordinating all these pieces you will have a nice, uniform look that will come across as professional and classy.
Whether you are choosing a pair of cufflinks for work, a formal event, or just everyday wear there are many styles available. For your first pair you may want to stick with a classic design in gold or silver. Many men prefer to have cufflinks that are their monogram. If you prefer something a bit fancier, you can also get pearl cufflinks, or a pair that is diamond embedded, although these are probably best for only the more formal of occasions.
Finding cufflinks should be fairly easy. Most high-end menswear store will carry a good collection of cufflinks in gold or silver, as well as models that are goldtone or silvertone and are more affordable for first-time buyers. For some fancier designs, try your local jeweller’s, who might even be willing to design a custom pair for you. Online retailers are also a great resource for finding a great pair of cufflinks to add to your wardrobe.
