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How to Wear Cufflinks

Ashwini Kulkarni Sule
Cufflinks are the most elegant of the few jewelry items available to men. Read on to know more on wearing and flaunting them.
Cufflinks used to be reserved for men of noble descent. Later, they became the trademark accessory for high-ranking officials, uber-rich businessmen, and the likes. However, times have changed since then, and so have the patrons of this accessory.
Today, cufflinks have become a must-have jewelry item in men's formal clothing. Studs and cufflinks are an epitome of men's fashion these days. So, in case you wish to flaunt them on your wrists, make sure you know the proper way. Few things are more off-putting than a failed attempt at sophistication.

Guide to Wearing Cufflinks

Before you think of the accessories, you should have shirts that go well with them. One of the most essential requirements for wearing cufflinks is a shirt with French or double cuffs. Simply put, these are shirts that have no buttons on the cuffs. If you also intend to wear studs, you will have to get a formal dress shirt without buttons on the wrists.
  • Fold back the cuffs so that they lie flat and even at the end of the sleeves.
  • Bring the two ends of the cuffs together, so that the holes coincide with each other.
  • Now insert the cufflink through the two holes.
  • The two cuffs should lie side by side, touching each other. This is a bit different from the buttonhole arrangement that you have on regular shirts, wherein the button goes inside the hole, and one cuff overlaps the other.
  • Fasten the cufflink according to its attachment, and repeat the procedure for the other hand.
  • Depending upon the fastening attachment, cufflinks are classified as bullet back closure, whale back closure, fixed backing, chain link, reversible, and ball return.
  • Some of them have a finished surface on only one side.

When to Wear

You can wear cufflinks whenever you wish, as long as you have an appropriate shirt. However, they are generally not recommended for daily use. Weddings, parties, and similar occasions highlight their beauty.
Although you can also wear them for funerals, you need to be careful with their look; you must not wear ones that are too flamboyant, and choose ones that go with the sombre atmosphere. Some people even wear them to pubs and dance parties. In that case, make sure they are securely in place, so that you don't lose it while showing off your dance moves.
Earlier, it was believed that cufflinks were reserved only for older men. However, these days, even young men in their twenties going out for a routine night out flaunt this jewelry with elan.

How to Choose

While picking cufflinks, you need to take into account the tone of the occasion and your overall attire. It is a norm to match them with your belt, watch, and tie. Although it is very difficult to find perfectly matching cufflinks, you should at least match the metal and pattern with your belt buckle.
They are available in many materials, designs and styles. Plain gold or silver cufflinks are ideal for grim occasions like funeral. Wooden or seashell cufflinks with colorful and bold designs are great for festivals and parties. Choose the fastening attachment according to your convenience and preference for finish.
Cufflinks take a bit of getting used to, but they can sure add an element of bling to men's clothing. A great pair can indeed make you stand apart from the crowd.