We often find ourselves staring at a pair of cufflinks, wondering when or even how they should be worn. The thing is, I’m a big fan of cufflinks, but before I figured it all out, knowing how to wear them, let alone when was a bit of a puzzle for me.
These small accessories can add a touch of style to any outfit, but it’s easy to feel unsure about when and how to wear them. So, let’s get into cufflinks with simple tips on wearing them confidently and making the right impression.
When to Wear Cufflinks
Before we discuss how to wear cufflinks, I'd like us to know what occasions to wear them on. There are several categories, but the most common are formal events, business settings, and casual occasions.
Each type of event offers its own style opportunities with cufflinks, making it easier to choose the right look and feel for each moment.
➡ Formal Events
To start, formal events are a classic setting for cufflinks.
Weddings, galas, and formal dinners are perfect occasions to wear these stylish accessories. When you're dressed up in a tuxedo or suit, cufflinks instantly add a polished touch that complements the formality of the event.
In these settings, simple and elegant cufflinks in silver, gold, or even subtle gemstone designs tend to work best. They keep your look sophisticated without stealing attention from your overall outfit.
Cufflinks also show an added level of attention to detail, which often suits the refined atmosphere of formal gatherings.
➡ Business Settings
Now, moving on to business settings, cufflinks can also be a fantastic addition to your professional wardrobe. Important meetings, presentations, or any occasion where you want to make a strong impression can be the perfect time to wear cufflinks.
Here, you’re not only showing personal style but also signaling a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. It’s best to keep things classic in a work setting—think simple metal or minimalist designs that match well with a suit.
Neutral tones like silver or black are often safe choices, blending well with most office attire.
Unlike formal events, business settings call for cufflinks that add a hint of style without being overly flashy. This ensures your look is polished but still appropriate for the workplace.
Plus, cufflinks can make you feel a bit more confident, which can be helpful in high-stakes situations.
➡ Casual Settings
Finally, let’s talk about casual settings.
While cufflinks are often associated with formal wear, they can be a fun addition to casual outfits, too. Occasions like a party, date night, or even a stylish weekend event are all great times to bring out more playful or unique cufflinks.
In casual settings, you can choose designs that reflect your personality, such as eccentric shapes, bright colors, or themed styles that wouldn’t typically fit in a formal or business environment.
Casual cufflinks can add a sense of individuality to your outfit, making it feel like you put thought into even the smallest details. For example, cufflinks with subtle pops of color or interesting designs can be a conversation starter and add a unique flair to an otherwise simple outfit.
Types of Cufflinks
The other thing that comes in handy before knowing how to wear cufflinks is choosing the right style.
Let’s go through some types to help you decide.
• Bullet Back Cufflinks
Let’s start bullet back cufflinks. Bullet back cufflinks are another excellent choice. They have a simple design with a decorative front and a post that pivots to lock them in place. This makes them supper easy to use, especially for those new to cufflinks.
Bullet back cufflinks are versatile, working well in both professional and casual settings.
How though?
Their clean look can match different outfits, from tailored suits to smart casual styles making them a great accessory for everyone.
• Whale Back Cufflinks
These are popular for their easy-to-use locking mechanism. The design resembles a whale's tail and allows you to fasten them securely.
Whale-back cufflinks are perfect for French or convertible cuffs and give you a polished look. They come in many styles, from simple to fancy, and can add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
They’re a great choice if you want to look sharp without too much fuss.
• Chain Link Cufflinks
These have two parts connected by a small chain, allowing them to move a bit more.
This gives them a vintage vibe that can really stand out. Chain link cufflinks are perfect for adding personality to your outfit, whether you wear them to a formal event or a casual get-together with friends.
They can match many shirt colors and styles, making them a flexible accessory for your collection.
• Fixed Back Cufflinks
Finally, we have fixed back cufflinks. These have the decorative part attached to a solid backing, meaning they don’t have any moving parts. This simple design makes them user friendly and easy to wear.
They come in different styles, so you can find something that fits your taste.
How to Wear Cufflinks with Confidence
You now know the types and what occasions are perfect for your cufflinks. The question is, how do you put these on? The above types of cufflinks are categorized into: standard cufflinks, chain cufflinks, and button cover cufflinks.
We will start with the standard cufflinks and move on from there.
• Standard Cufflinks
For toggle cufflinks or simply standard cufflinks:
1. Select Your Favorite Cufflink
The first thing is to choose your favorite cufflink. Think about the occasion and how formal or casual it is.
For a wedding or a formal event, you might opt for classic styles in silver or gold, like the Hawson Classic Stainless Steel Cufflinks. If you’re attending a casual gathering or a themed party, you might prefer something fun, like novelty cufflinks that showcase your personality.
Selecting the right cufflink based on the event will help you look more put together and confident.
2. Fold Back the Cuffs of Your Shirt
The second step in wearing cufflinks is to fold back the cuffs of your shirt.
If you're wearing a dress shirt with French cuffs (the type that has an extra length to accommodate cufflinks), you’ll want to make sure the cuffs are aligned properly.
Hold the cuff at the seam where it meets the shirt and fold it back, making sure it’s neat and tidy. This will create a clean base for your cufflinks and ensure they sit correctly when fastened.
If you're unsure, check in the mirror to ensure the cuffs look even and aligned.
3. Hold the Cuffs Together
Once you've selected your cufflinks, it’s time to hold the cuffs together.
With your shirt folded back, align the two sides of the cuff so that they meet at the buttonhole.
This step is crucial because it helps ensure that the cufflink goes through both layers of fabric. Make sure the cuffs are held firmly together with your fingers; you want them to stay aligned while you insert the cufflinks.
4. Insert and Secure the Locking Closure Cufflinks
Now that you have your cuffs lined up, take one of your cufflinks and insert the pointed end through the buttonhole from the outside of the cuff.
If you’re using a traditional cufflink, you’ll simply slide the post through both layers of the cuff.
For cufflinks with a locking closure, make sure to push it through the buttonhole gently. As you do this, check that the cufflink is sitting evenly and securely in place. This is an essential step to ensure the cufflinks stay put throughout the day.
5. Turn Around the Locking Closure to Lock the Cufflinks
The final step is to turn around the locking closure to secure the cufflinks in place. If your cufflinks have a swivel or locking mechanism, gently twist the closure so it locks into position.
This ensures that your cufflinks won’t slide out and will stay securely fastened.
If you're using bullet back cufflinks, simply press the closure down until you hear a click. Once locked, check again to make sure everything feels secure.
Unlike locking cufflinks, chain cufflinks have a flexible chain connecting two decorative ends, adding a vintage and relaxed style. Here’s how to wear them:
Prepare Your Cuffs
Start by folding back the cuffs of your shirt and aligning the buttonholes on both sides.
Chain cufflinks look best with French cuffs, which provide enough fabric for the chain to sit comfortably and allow both ends to be visible.
Insert the First End
Slide one end of the chain cufflink through the aligned buttonholes from the outside of the cuff. Make sure the decorative face of the cufflink is facing outward for a neat appearance.
Pull Through the Second End
Pull the other end of the chain through the opposite side of the cuff so it sits on the inside of your wrist. This flexible design creates a subtle, vintage look that complements both formal and casual outfits.
Adjust for Comfort
Check the fit to ensure the cufflink sits comfortably and securely. Because of the chain, the cufflink will have some movement, which adds to its charm.
• Button Cover Cufflinks
Unlike standard cufflinks, which are meant for French cuffs (or double cuffs) with dedicated cufflink holes, button-cover cufflinks are designed to snap over the existing button on a regular shirt cuff.
Here’s how to wear them:
- Position Behind the Button:
Start by holding the button cover cufflink in one hand and your shirt’s button in the other. You’ll see a small opening or hinge on the button cover cufflink, which is meant to slide around the existing button on your shirt.
Position this opening directly behind the button.
- Snap or Slide into Place:
Gently press the button cover cufflink over the button until you feel it click or fit securely. The cover will hug the button, holding it firmly in place.
This is what transforms the button into a polished, decorative piece without any need for a traditional cufflink hole.
- Check the Fit and Look:
Once the button cover cufflink is secured, it should sit neatly on top of your shirt’s button, giving the appearance of a stylish accessory.
This simple addition not only keeps the cuff looking clean but also adds a unique, sophisticated touch to your outfit.
Choosing the Right Style
When selecting cufflinks, it’s essential to consider the occasion and your outfit. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right style:
- Match the Formality: Always consider the event's level of formality. Classic cufflinks work well for weddings and business meetings, while novelty cufflinks are better suited for casual events.
- Consider Your Outfit: Think about the colors and patterns in your clothing. If you’re wearing a patterned shirt, opt for simpler cufflinks to avoid clashing. On the other hand, a solid-colored shirt allows for more playful cufflink choices.
- Balance Your Accessories: Make sure your cufflinks complement other accessories, such as your tie, watch, or belt. Keeping a cohesive look will elevate your overall style.
- Reflect Your Personality: Choose styles that resonate with your personality and preferences. Whether you prefer classic elegance or a quirky touch, your cufflinks should reflect who you are.
Understanding the different types of cufflinks and how to choose the right style, you can confidently wear them for any occasion, adding that perfect finishing touch to your outfit.
Summary
Cufflinks are a simple way to elevate your look, no matter the occasion. Whether attending a formal event, heading to work, or enjoying a casual outing, cufflinks can make a big difference.
Classic designs add a touch of elegance to weddings and business meetings. On the other hand, novelty cufflinks bring personality and fun to relaxed settings.
And when it comes to wearing cufflinks, it’s easy. Just fold back your cuffs, align them, and secure the cufflinks for a polished finish. By choosing the right style for each occasion, you can boost your confidence and enhance every outfit.
So, are you ready to find the perfect cufflinks?