The global men’s wear market is worth over $480 billion and is expected to grow even further. Fashion consciousness among men is rising, leading to a surge in demand for quality menswear.
Cufflinks are among the menswear trends that have held their own through the years. For centuries, wealthy men have used these tools to give a polished look to an otherwise informal outfit. They can also help you look your best at your next big presentation.
If you are looking for a way to upgrade your look, keep reading to learn more about this men’s fashion accessory that will keep your shirt game on point.
What Are Cufflinks?
Cufflinks are small decorative pieces that hold your shirt sleeves together. Simplicity is their hallmark. They give the wearer secure sleeves and an air of refinement without detracting from the rest of the outfit.
You can wear them with both formal and casual attire, though they’re most commonly associated with the well-tailored suits of classic menswear.
History of Cufflinks
Cufflinks can seem like a frivolous accessory until you are faced with the challenge of dressing yourself up. Then you realize they’re actually a very important part of men’s fashion. In fact, they’ve been around since the 13th century.
In the Middle Ages, cuffs were often held together by ribbons and strings. This worked well enough until people started wearing more elaborate outfits. At that point, men replaced the strings with smaller pieces that would be sewn onto one or both sides of the cuffs to hold them together.
The first known use of this practice dates back to King Charles II, who enjoyed looking sharp. He loved his cuffs so much that he commissioned a pair made of gold and silver thread, and embellished with gemstones.
It wasn’t until 1876 that George Krementz revolutionized the style with a new design that fit seamlessly into your sleeve for easy attachment and removal.
These days, we use cufflinks for decoration or as symbols of status, wealth, and power. They’re also very effective at making your entire outfit seem more put-together than others around you.
Different Cufflinks for Men
There are many styles of cufflinks. The most common one is the stud.
Studs are often small round pieces that are secured by a bar on the opposite side. The result is a secure fit with subtle class.
But when we talk about cufflink styles, we’re meaning more than the outer appearance. Let’s look at the most common fastening styles for cufflinks, so you can see what makes each one special.
Bullet Back Closure
The bullet back swings at a 90-degree angle, so you can easily slide it through your shirt cuffs. It’s what men have been using for decades to keep their sleeves from looking sloppy, and it’s still popular today.
If you’re new to dressing up, this is a good style to start with.
Whaleback Closure
Whaleback closures look like bullet-style cufflinks, but their closure mechanisms are thicker. It adds more security to the piece, which makes it a brilliant choice for men who want to feel confident that their cufflinks won’t fall off during the day.
Chain Link Cufflinks
These beautiful pieces feature chains connecting with each other. They’re a stunning find for any man who loves the look of fine jewelry but wants to add some edginess.
When these are poorly made, they break after a few uses. But when a skilled designer crafts these pieces, you’ll have an accessory that is truly one of a kind. These are the cufflinks that you’ll want to wear when you have a special occasion where only the most luxurious attire will do.
When to Wear Cufflinks?
Cufflinks are a great addition to any formal outfit. Whether you’re wearing a suit, tuxedo, blazer, or vest; you can wear cufflinks with them all.
If your shirt has French cuffs, choose cufflinks that match their size. For example, if you have small wrists, then don’t wear large cufflinks. They will appear bulky and out of place.
How to Wear Cufflinks for Men
Properly selecting and wearing cufflinks is a bit more complicated than simply throwing them on with your shirt. But once you’ve got it down, you’ll be able to create some truly stylish looks for yourself.
Cufflinks should definitely be worn on the outside of your shirt. This will ensure that they’re visible when you want them to be, but won’t get in the way.
You’ll want to place your cufflinks on the second buttonhole from the top. That’s where they should sit comfortably while still looking good.
Finally, make sure you place both sides in the same position to maintain the symmetry of your attire.
Look Sharp and Stylish
Cufflinks are a great way to add sophistication to any shirt and tie combination, whether you’re working in an office or attending an event that calls for formal attire. Having the right cufflinks can complete your look and show off your personality.
Remember that a great pair of cufflinks is just like any other accessory; it should complement what you’re wearing, not overpower it. That’s why we’ve added magnificent pairs of cufflinks to our collection-we want you to feel like a million bucks.
If you’re not sure what style of cufflinks to choose, ask about our collection from Rebert Talbott and Thora Watson. Whether it’s a simple set of gold cufflinks or something more elaborate, we have the key to improving your closet.