Can you wear cufflinks with a suit?

Cufflinks can transform a suit from ordinary to exceptional, adding a touch of sophistication and a polished finish. Can you wear cufflinks with a suit? We have the answer. Let's explore how to wear them and why they're the perfect finishing touch to upgrade your look.

Can You Wear Cufflinks With a Suit? 

The answer is yes, and they make all the difference. Shirt sleeves can feel plain or unfinished without cufflinks, even if a suit jacket covers them.

Many gentlemen fail to invest in buying cufflinks when they know they're going to be wearing a suit. They fear their cufflinks will get covered by their jackets. The reality is that a well-tailored suit should never prohibit the visibility of cufflinks. When you are walking, sitting or dancing at a wedding, a well-fitted suit should always leave space for the cuff of your shirt to appear, even if ever so slightly. It's a way of providing a frame for your suit. 

If you are unsure when to wear cufflinks or which way to wear them on your outfit, keep reading—we'll tell you how to wear them to give your look a touch of distinction.

Which Way Do Cufflinks Go?

When you wear cufflinks, the emblem should always face out so everyone can admire them.

Cufflinks are composed of three main parts:

• The face (the decorative front).

• The post (which connects the face to the back).

• The back (which fastens the cufflink).

Different types of cufflink backs, such as whale-back, chain, fixed-back, and bullet-back, give you various levels of security and ease of use.

If you stand up straight and find that the sleeves of your suit jacket cover your wrists, consider getting them taken up slightly. Your cuffs deserve to make a subtle appearance when you wear a suit jacket, as they will add a sense of luxury to the overall appearance of your suit. Consider investing in custom initial cufflinks for a genuinely personalised look. Trust us, it's worth it.  

How to Put on Cufflinks

Traditionally, cufflinks pair best with French cuff shirts, but you can also wear them with single-cuff shirts for a more casual style.

1. Position your arm: Bend your elbow up to your chest for easy access to the cuff.

2. Align the buttonholes: Pinch both sides of the cuff, making sure the buttonholes line up.

3. Insert the cufflink: Slide the cufflink from the outside of the cuff through the aligned buttonholes.

4. Secure the cufflink: Adjust the back to hold the fabric in place (horizontal for bullet-back or whale-back styles).

When to Wear Cufflinks 

Wear cufflinks whenever you want to add a polished, sophisticated touch to your outfit. They're an excellent choice for formal events like black-tie dress codes, weddings, or important meetings, but they also shine during key moments—like when your suit jacket retracts as you sit, make a toast, or lean forward at a boardroom meeting. 

You'll find that your suit jacket will retract even more when you sit down or extend your arms in any direction. These are the moments when your cufflinks will make their presence known. Just think about those times in boardroom meetings when you decide to extend your elbows upon the desk or when you have to make a toast at a black-tie event. These are the pivotal moments where your peers can observe your attention to detail. You want to make the most of it.

How to Style Cufflinks 

Cufflinks can add polish, personality, and sophistication to any outfit. Here's how you can style them effortlessly:

• Match with your outfit: Choose cufflinks that complement your shirt, tie, and suit for a cohesive, polished look. If you want a classic touch, go for antique cufflinks or swank cufflinks to make a bold statement.

• Wear with the right shirt: Pair cufflinks with double or French cuff shirts for a refined and traditional appearance.

• Keep a neutral pair on hand: Have simple, neutral cufflinks ready to match with various outfits and occasions.

• Play with contrasting colours. Bold combinations, like red cufflinks with a blue suit, can add colour and distinction.

• Coordinate with your accessories: Match cufflinks with your watch, belt, or jewellery to create a balanced and cohesive look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear cufflinks with a standard suit?

Yes. You can wear cufflinks with a standard suit by pairing them with a double- or French-cuff shirt, adding sophistication to your overall look.

What is the etiquette for cufflinks?

Wear cufflinks for formal occasions or essential events, ensuring they complement your outfit and match your other accessories. They should be understated for business settings, while for special occasions, they should be bold.

How do you wear a suit jacket with cufflinks?

Wear a well-fitted suit jacket that allows your shirt cuffs to extend slightly. This will enable your cufflinks to peek out subtly, giving your outfit a polished and refined appearance.

Do you wear cufflinks with a wedding suit?

Yes, cufflinks are a stylish addition to a wedding suit, adding elegance and a personal touch, whether you're the groom, groomsman, or guest.