The Ultimate Companion for Your Shirt and Bespoke Suit
Cufflinks are a timeless accessory that adds elegance and sophistication to your attire. Not only do they hold your shirt cuffs together, but they also serve as a statement piece, reflecting your personality and attention to detail.
Once you know how to match them with the right dress shirt and bespoke suit, leaving home without a classy pair will feel incomplete! A bespoke suit, tailored to your exact measurements and style preferences, deserves a dress shirt that complements its uniqueness, complete with the perfect pair of cufflinks.
The question now is, how do you style this classy accessory with your dress shirt and bespoke suit? In this blog, we’ll explore just that! Follow along to discover the ultimate tips and tricks to jazz up your outfit with this timeless accessory.
The History
Cufflinks have been an essential part of men’s fashion since the early 17th century. At first, they were basic strings used to fasten shirt cuffs. Over time, they evolved into more elaborate designs made from precious metals and adorned with gemstones.
By the 19th century, they had become a symbol of wealth and status, particularly among the upper classes. Today, they’re a versatile accessory, suitable for various occasions. What’s more, they’re available in countless styles!
Choosing the Right Cufflinks to Match Your Dress Shirt and Bespoke Suit
As an essential part of men’s jewellery, cufflinks are celebrated for both their practicality and aesthetics. While they serve a functional purpose by securing shirt cuffs, it’s their visual appeal that often takes centre stage today.
Selecting the right design to match your outfit is important for achieving a polished look. Here are a few pointers to guide you:
Material
The material of your cufflinks should harmonise with the tone of your dress shirt and complement your bespoke suit. Gold ones pair beautifully with warmer tones. Examples include brown, beige, or deep green, lending a rich and luxurious feel.
Alternatively, silver or platinum cufflinks work well with cooler colours. Such as navy, grey, or black, offering a sleek and refined touch.
If you want a pop of colour, consider enamel or silk knot designs. These styles can add a vibrant contrast without overwhelming your ensemble.
Design
When it comes to design, classic options like simple studs or monogrammed pieces are timeless and versatile. They effortlessly complement various dress shirts and custom-made suits. These designs exude understated elegance, making them suitable for both formal and semi-formal occasions.
If you want to make a bold statement, contemporary designs featuring geometric shapes or intricate patterns can showcase your personal style. They also add a modern edge to your look.
The key is to ensure the design complements rather than competes with the rest of your attire. For instance, if you’re wearing a suit with a bold pattern, such as pinstripes or checks, it’s wise to choose cufflinks that are more subtle in design. For example, simple silver or black studs. This allows the pair to enhance your overall look without overwhelming it.
On the other hand, if your suit or shirt is more understated, such as a plain navy or white, you have the freedom to opt for more intricate or colourful designs. These can serve as a focal point, adding a touch of personality to your ensemble. More importantly, without clashing with the simplicity of your outfit.
Color Coordination
Colour coordination is essential for creating a cohesive and stylish look. Your cufflinks should not only match the colours of your bespoke suit, shirt, and tie but also harmonise with other accessories.
Ensure there is consistency in metal tone and style across all your accessories. For example, if you’re wearing a silver watch or tie bar, silver cufflinks will help tie the look together seamlessly. Likewise, if your other accessories are in gold, your cufflinks should be in gold too.
If your outfit leans towards monochromatic tones, a pair in contrasting colour can introduce visual interest. Whereas, matching tones will maintain a sleek, unified appearance.
Occasion
The occasion has a big influence on your choice of cufflinks too. For formal events, opt for sophisticated looking pairs. They could be in gold, silver, or platinum, adorned with gemstones. These luxurious options convey elegance and are fitting for weddings, galas, or black-tie events.
For business settings, understated yet elegant designs are preferable. This will project professionalism without drawing too much attention.
Casual outings, however, offer more flexibility. They allow for playful and colourful designs that express your individuality while keeping the overall look relaxed and stylish.
Selecting Cufflinks for Different Occasions
Cufflinks are versatile accessories that can be tailored to suit various events. It’s important to select a pair that matches the tone and formality of the occasion. With the right pair, you can enhance your outfit and leave a lasting impression. Here’s how to choose them for different events:
Weddings
For weddings, especially your own, opt for an elegant and timeless pair. A pair in silver or gold with subtle designs or precious stones can add a touch of class. If you appreciate personal touches, consider monogrammed styles or a pair featuring meaningful symbols, such as intertwined rings or hearts.
Black-Tie Events
Formal black-tie events require a sophisticated and understated pair. Classic options like black onyx, mother-of-pearl, or diamond-studded designs in silver or platinum are ideal choices to enhance your dress shirt, while seamlessly complementing your bespoke suit.
Business Meetings
In professional settings, select pairs that are stylish yet not too flashy. Simple geometric designs in silver or gold can convey professionalism and attention to detail. Avoid overly bold colours or novelty designs, as they may appear unprofessional.
Casual Outings
For casual outings, you have more freedom to experiment with fun and colourful cufflinks. Knot styles in bright colours, novelty designs that reflect your hobbies, or pairs made from unique materials can add a playful touch to your casual dress shirt.
Cultural and Religious Events
When attending cultural or religious events, choose cufflinks that are respectful and appropriate for the occasion. Traditional designs, family crests, or symbols of cultural heritage can be excellent choices.
Celebrations
During holiday seasons or themed parties, embrace the spirit of the occasion with festive pairs. Consider designs featuring cherry blossoms for spring festivals, stars for Christmas, lanterns for Diwali, or autumn leaves for harvest festivals.
How to Wear Cufflinks
Dress Shirt Selection
French Cuff Shirt
Start by choosing the right dress shirt for wearing cufflinks. The most common option is the French cuff shirt, also known as a double cuff shirt.
French cuffs are designed specifically for this accessory. They have cuffs that are longer and meant to be folded back, creating a double layer.
Unlike regular dress shirts, French cuff shirts don’t have buttons at the end of the sleeves. This makes cufflinks essential to keep the cuffs in place. Without them, the cuffs will flap around your wrists, giving your outfit an untidy look.
Convertible Barrel Cuff Shirt
You can also consider a convertible barrel cuff shirt. This type of shirt offers flexibility. You can choose to wear cufflinks or not, depending on your preference.
Convertible cuffs have both buttonholes and buttons. You can secure the cuffs with buttons when not using cufflinks.
If you decide to wear them, simply leave the cuffs unbuttoned and use the buttonholes to insert your selected pair. This design allows for easy use without needing extra alterations.
Alter Your Existing Shirts
If you don’t have a dress shirt with French cuffs or convertible cuffs, you can take a regular dress shirt to a tailor.
The tailor can add a pair of buttonholes at each cuff. This allows you to wear cufflinks without relying on the shirt’s original cuff buttons.
Alteration is a simple yet effective way to incorporate this classy accessory into your wardrobe without purchasing a new shirt.
Inserting Cufflinks
In general, the way you fasten your cufflinks is the same for any type of dress shirt.
For a Dress Shirt with French Cuffs
- Fold the cuff back to create a neat double layer.
- Align the holes of the cuff.
- Insert the cufflink through the aligned holes from the outside. The decorative head should face outward so that others can see it.
- Secure the cufflink by locking the back in place. This could be a bullet back, whale back, or another type of closure. We’ll get into the types of cufflinks further into detail later.
For a Dress Shirt with Convertible Barrel Cuffs or Altered Cuffs
- Unbutton the cuffs on your dress shirt. You won’t need to use the buttons when wearing cufflinks.
- Align the holes of the cuff.
- Insert the cufflink through the aligned holes. Make sure the decorative head faces outward.
- Secure the cufflink by locking the back in place.
Ensuring Proper Fit
Cufflinks should fit comfortably. They should hold your shirt cuffs together without being too tight or too loose. The cuffs should lie flat, with no bunching or gaps.
You might worry that your suit sleeve will cover the cufflinks, but it won’t. A well-fitting suit has sleeves that are slightly shorter than your shirt sleeves. This allows the shirt cuffs, along with the cufflinks, to be visible. Especially when you bend your arms or move around.
Remember, a good suit should have sleeves that aren’t too long or too short. If your ready-made suit has sleeves that are too long, visit an expert tailor for alterations. With a bespoke suit, you won’t have to worry about this, as it will be tailored to fit you perfectly.
Additional Cufflinks Styling Tips
Matching with Tuxedo Shirt Studs
When wearing a tuxedo shirt, it’s crucial to match your cufflinks with your tuxedo button studs. Tuxedo shirts differ from regular dress shirts in how the front buttons are styled.
Instead of traditional buttons, tuxedo shirts have buttonholes at the first four or five positions on the front. These are designed to fit tuxedo button studs. These button studs often feature ornate designs or decorative inlays made from precious metals or other decorative materials.
You can purchase cufflinks and tuxedo studs in matching sets to ensure a cohesive look. They’re ideal for black-tie events, weddings, and other formal occasions.
If you prefer not to buy a matching set, ensure your cufflinks share the same metal tone as your other accessories. Additionally, make sure the pair matches the design of your button studs.
Mixing different metal tones can create a disjointed appearance and disrupt the overall harmony of your outfit. For instance, if you wear a silver tie bar, it’s best to choose silver cufflinks and button studs to match.
Experimenting with Colours and Textures
Even though maintaining a consistent metal tone is important, don’t be afraid to experiment with colours and textures in your cufflinks. Doing so will add personality to your dress shirt and bespoke suit.
For example, enamel pairs in bold hues can add a pop of colour to your outfit. Brushed or hammered metals, on the other hand, can bring an extra layer of visual interest.
Balance Your Look
Avoid over-accessorising. If you’re wearing a bold pair of cufflinks, keep other accessories minimal. This helps maintain a balanced and sophisticated appearance.
Types of Cufflinks
Bullet Back (Also known as Toggle Closure or Torpedo)
These are the most common types of cufflinks. They’re characterised by a small cylinder that flips vertically for easy insertion through the cuff holes and locks horizontally to secure the shirt cuff. This style is ideal for both everyday wear and formal occasions because they’re simple and reliable.
Whale Back
This type features a flat, solid “whale tail” backing that flips back to pass through the cuff holes. They’re popularly known for their ease of use and secure fit. Thus, making them suitable for formal events and business attire.
Chain Link
These traditional cufflinks consist of two decorative sides connected by a small chain. They’re less common today but offer a classic and vintage look, perfect for formal occasions and black-tie events.
Stud (Also known as Button)
Simple and elegant, this style consists of a single piece that slides through the cuff holes and stays in place without any moving parts. They’re ideal for formal settings and minimalist style enthusiasts.
Knot
Made from silk or other fabrics, knot cufflinks are casual yet stylish. They’re perfect for less formal events and add a pop of colour to your outfit.
Ball Return
This type features a ball-shaped component that is pushed through the cuff holes. The ball then “returns” to its original position to hold the cufflink in place. This design provides a secure and stylish look. Thus, making ball return cufflinks a unique choice for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their attire.
Locking
These modern cufflinks come with a mechanism that resembles a watch clasp. They often have a small, hinged section that clicks shut. This type offers extra security and is easy to fasten. Locking cufflinks are a good choice for formal events where they need to stay secure at all times.
Novelty
These come in a wide range of fun and unique designs. From sports team logos to hobby-related motifs. They’re ideal for adding a personal touch to your bespoke suit and are excellent conversation starters at casual or themed events.
Taking Care of Your Cufflinks
Cleaning
Proper cleaning is essential for maintaining the look of your cufflinks. Clean them often using a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent any water spots. For the ones made from precious metal, use a specialised cleaner to retain their shine.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the finish of your cufflinks. For pairs adorned with gemstones or intricate designs, consider professional cleaning to ensure their longevity.
Storage
Store your cufflinks in a lined jewellery box or a soft pouch to prevent scratches. If possible, keep them separate from other jewellery to avoid tangling or damage. For sets that include matching tuxedo studs, it’s a good idea to store them together to make it easier to find them when needed.
Personalising Your Cufflinks
Personalised cufflinks add a unique touch to your outfit. They reflect your style and elevate your dress shirt, perfectly complementing your bespoke suit. Here are some ways to make them truly yours:
Monogramming
Adding your initials can give them a personalised and sophisticated touch. Monogrammed options are perfect for formal events and make a great heirloom piece.
Family Crests
If your family has a crest, you can incorporate it into your cufflinks for a touch of heritage and tradition. The same goes for meaningful symbols. These are ideal for weddings, family gatherings, or any event where you want to honour your lineage.
Custom Designs
You can work with a jeweller to create a custom design that reflects your interests, hobbies, or significant life events. Whether it’s a favourite animal or a significant date, custom cufflinks can be a conversation starter and a unique expression of your personality.
Engraving
Simple engravings, such as a special date or a meaningful quote, can add a subtle but personal touch to your cufflinks. Engraved options are great for marking milestones such as anniversaries or graduations.
Using Unique Materials
Opt for cufflinks made from materials that have personal significance to you. This can be wood from a favourite tree, stones from a memorable location, or even repurposed items like vintage coins or watch parts.
Conclusion
Cufflinks, while functional, are also a reflection of your personal style. Choosing the right pair for your dress shirt can complement your bespoke suit, elevate your outfit, and make a lasting impression.
Consider the material, design, colour coordination, and occasion when selecting a pair. Don’t hesitate to explore various styles and materials. With creativity, you’ll find the perfect pair for any event. With proper care, they will stay in excellent condition for years to come.
For personalised advice on dress shirts and bespoke suit fittings, visit us at Meiko Tailor. Explore our in-store collection of cufflinks and other accessories to find the perfect match for your shirt and suit. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, or explore our blog section to learn more!
