That's why in this article, we will introduce what cufflinks are and provide tips on how to stylishly wear them. In the latter part of the article, we also introduce how to care for cufflinks and recommend products for various occasions. If you want to master the use of cufflinks, be sure to check it out.
Table of Contents
Types of Shirts Suitable for Cufflinks
Recommended Occasions for Wearing Cufflinks
How to Wear Cufflinks Properly
Precautions When Putting on Cufflinks
Top 10 Recommended Cufflinks for Different Occasions
What are Cufflinks?
Cufflinks are decorative jewelry accessories for shirts worn with suits. They add a touch of flair and elevate the elegant style of a suit, allowing sophisticated adults to enjoy fashionable looks. In Japan, they are commonly referred to as "cufflinks" but are formally known as "cufflinks" or simply "cuffs".
History of Cufflinks
Cufflinks are said to have originated in the 17th century French social scene as decorative items to elegantly adorn sleeves.
Developed along with history, cufflinks have become essential items for formal attire and are now also used as a means to express one's individuality.
Why Use Cufflinks?
Cufflinks are worn for the sake of fashion. Around 1840, when cufflinks began to be widely used, they were used as an alternative to buttons because it was difficult to fasten the stiff shirt sleeves pasted together.
However, nowadays, they are treated as high-performance jewelry accessories. While not mandatory, many people use them for the purpose of fashion as wearing them enhances the elegance and adds a stylish touch.
Cufflinks
There are various types of cufflinks.
Let's explain in detail below.
Swivel Style (Lever Style)
The swivel style is a slowly becoming a popular cufflink. After threading the T-shaped fastener through the holes of the overlapping shirts, twist to secure. There are many varieties available, making it easy to find a design that suits your preferences. Additionally, it is easy to put on and has the feature of not falling off easily.
Chain Style
Consisting of two cufflinks separated into decorative parts and fasteners, this style is connected by a chain. It is a seemingly classical type, considered the prototype of ancient cufflinks.
Fixed Style
These are cufflinks where the fastening part is fixed and you can simply insert them.
Snap Style
The snap style is divided into the main body and snap button, and is a type of attachment that is inserted into the concave and convex parts. It is easy to put on and take off and often features rare antique pieces with low circulation. It is recommended for those who prefer not to follow the crowd and appreciate a chic atmosphere.
Cord Style
Cufflinks made of silk or rubber are affordable and easy to incorporate, but they do not have high durability.
Types of Shirts that Can Wear Cufflinks
There are three types of shirts that can wear cufflinks:
When wearing cufflinks, it is essential to have a shirt with two buttonholes on the sleeve in order to wear them.
Double Cuffs (French Cuffs)
Double cuffs, also known as French cuffs, are shirts that are layered and fastened with cufflinks. They exude a sense of weightiness and a more elegant atmosphere. Suitable for formal occasions, they can also be worn in everyday settings.
Convertible Cuffs
Convertible cuffs are shirts with buttonholes inside the cuffs. They can be fastened with buttons or cufflinks, and the fact that they don't have to be used according to one's mood is a great feature.
Tennis Cuffs
Tennis cuffs are shirts with holes around the cuffs, which are not ready-to-wear and have become less common recently. These shirts are made specifically for cufflinks, allowing for efficient and effortless installation if cufflinks are used consistently.
For shirts that cannot accommodate cufflinks, make sure to check in advance before wearing them on the day of.
Recommended Occasions for Wearing Cufflinks
We will introduce recommended occasions for using cufflinks.
We will explain each in detail.
Formal Occasions
For weddings or glamorous parties where a formal look is required to enhance the atmosphere, it is recommended to actively incorporate cufflinks more stylishly than usual due to etiquette.
| Recommended to wear | Either option is acceptable |
|---|---|
|
|
If your status or age is higher than the groom's, it is considered appropriate to wear cufflinks.
Furthermore, there are restrictions on wearing cufflinks in wedding guest etiquettes. For those closer to the host's design, it is essential to choose cufflinks that match the attire.
| Attire | Choosing cufflinks |
|---|---|
| Full dress/formal dress (morning dress, director's suit) | White decorations on gold or silver bases (pearls, white mother-of-pearl, etc.) |
| Semi-formal dress (black suit, dark suit) | White decorations on gold or silver bases (pearls, white mother-of-pearl, etc.) |
| Tailcoat | White decorations on gold or silver bases (pearls, white mother-of-pearl, etc.) |
| Tuxedo | Black-themed decorations on gold or silver bases are common (onyx, black mother-of-pearl, etc.) |
While there are no fixed rules on shape, simple cufflinks such as circular or square shapes complement suits well. Guests have relatively high flexibility in their choices, but being conscious of the elegance suitable for the venue and time of day will be appreciated.
Business Occasions
Recommended scenes for business occasions are as follows:
- Occasions where you interact with people
- Such as lectures or speeches
Using cufflinks in business settings is not a problem in terms of etiquette, but it should be adjusted according to the person and situation. Particularly for those in sales or those who regularly interact with people, it shows consideration to avoid being disrespectful. It is also effective in scenes where you want to create a special and different impression, such as at lectures or speeches.
However, it is important to assess the atmosphere of the specific industry or company as there may be cases where it could be perceived as disrespectful. Cufflinks that exude an elegant and intellectual image can attract attention when subtly visible from beneath a suit.
How to Wear Cufflinks
Here are the steps for wearing cufflinks:
- Overlap the back sides of the shirt fabric
- Insert with the decorative part facing outwards
- Secure firmly with the fastener
Unlike regular buttons, cufflinks are worn by overlapping the back sides of the fabric. The correct way is when the shirt fabric's edge and the fastener are visible. Be cautious as many people mistakenly try to insert them from outside to inside by rolling up the sleeves, similar to regular buttons.
Points to Note When Wearing Cufflinks
When wearing cufflinks, pay attention to the occasion and design. There are no strict rules on when to wear cufflinks. Therefore, it is considered mature to use them according to the time and situation as follows:
- Occasions where you are next to or meeting with seniors
- Meetings with important business partners
- When attending meetings or conference-like events
In scenes similar to the above, it is better to avoid wearing cufflinks. Cufflinks are not necessary in casual settings or recruitment scenes.
Furthermore, in formal settings, be "dressed up", while in business settings, be "modest and simple". Coordinating with ties, pocket squares, and watches can create a cohesive look.
Care and Storage of Cufflinks
Cufflinks often incorporate delicate materials such as precious metals, stones, and enamel, making proper care and storage essential. By handling them with care, you can enjoy them for a long time.
When it comes to storage, pay attention to the following:
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Be wary of moisture and dryness
- Store individually for added protection
- After use, lightly wipe them down for best results
- If they appear dirty, clean them with diluted mild detergent
As the cuffs are located in an area prone to sweating, it is recommended to gently wipe off any dirt or sweat with a dry cloth after each use for peace of mind. If wiping doesn't remove the dirt or if you notice stains, gently wipe them with diluted mild detergent. Afterward, thoroughly dry wipe them to ensure no moisture or detergent residue remains.
After cleaning, it is reassuring to store them in the dedicated case or a soft pouch that came with your purchase. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading or damage. By regularly caring for cufflinks after use, they can be passed down through generations.
Top 10 Recommended Cufflinks for Different Occasions
We will introduce recommended cufflinks for formal and business occasions. The cufflinks featured this time are all products of Louis FAGLIN. Louis FAGLIN is a well-established brand representing the fashion powerhouse France.
For those unsure about which design of cufflinks would suit them best, please use this as a reference. For more inspiration, check out our full collection of cufflinks for men.
For Formal Occasions
- Silver White Mother Of Pearl Mirage
- Silver Gray Mother Of Pearl Mirage
- Silver Black Onyx Mirage
- Silver Black Onyx Imperial
- Silver Red Siam Cinq Vis
Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Silver White Mother Of Pearl Mirage
'Silver White Mother Of Pearl Mirage' is a simple design suitable for weddings. It is a must-have cufflink that can enhance the luxury in formal settings. It can be used with various dress codes at weddings and is a versatile item that can be worn on multiple occasions.
Silver Gray Mother Of Pearl Mirage
'Silver Gray Mother Of Pearl Mirage' features a gray brass that exudes presence. The sophisticated and calm aura is ideal for elegant suits. It's an accessory that adults would want to have in their collection.
Silver Black Onyx Mirage
'Silver Black Onyx Mirage', made with onyx, shines at weddings and special occasions. The luxurious, basic, and simple design ensures that it can stand out at any party.
Silver Black Onyx Imperial
'Silver Black Onyx Imperial' from Louis FAGLIN exudes an elegant impression with a design loved across different eras. It's versatile for formal occasions and business settings, and these simple cufflinks can complement any suit effortlessly.
Silver Red Siam Cinq Vis
'Silver Red Siam Cinq Vis' features a silver base that adds a touch of glamor and luxury. The stylish and playful design is perfect for when you want to stand out. The vibrant colors catch the eye and add a touch of color to weddings. It's a must-have cufflink for attending formal events as a guest.
Business Cufflinks
- Silver Croisé
- Silver Constanza
- Silver Black Regina
- Gold Imperial
- Silver Amoré
We will explain each of them in detail, so please use it as a reference.
Silver Croisé
The 'Silver Croisé' can create a sophisticated atmosphere while maintaining simplicity.
Silver Constanza
The 'Silver Constanza' reminiscent of button shapes features a playful design. A vintage remake model with diamond cuts throughout.
Silver Black Regina
The 'Silver Black Regina' is a simple design suitable for various ages and occasions, making it ideal for a first pair of cufflinks. The bulging stone in the centerpiece adds a striking presence, exuding sophistication and versatility that pairs well with many suits for any occasion.
Gold Imperial
Inspired by a Ferris wheel created for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, the 'Gold Imperial' cufflinks feature a subtly sized design, allowing for understated stylishness for adults.
Silver Amoré
The popular 'Silver Amoré' model is packed with sophistication within simplicity, completing a stylish business look. Featuring a classic simple knot design with a hand-wrapped cord, it offers both elegance and playfulness. Its orthodox design suits all occasions.
Summary
Jewelry accessories, such as cufflinks, are essential items for stylishly completing a suit ensemble. However, in Japan, there is a strong association with formal occasions, which may make some people feel unsure about how to use them even after purchasing.
With Louis FAGLIN’s sophisticated designs, you can find accessories suitable for any occasion. With free gift wrapping and a flexible return policy, it's also a great option for those considering it as a gift. Why not order with ease within the return period?
Louis FAGLIN - Specialized Store for Men's Jewelry Accessories such as Cufflinks and Tie Bars