What is the Purpose of Cufflinks?

There's no skepticism amongst modern fashion elites that cufflinks add a certain je ne sais quoi to formal ensembles. They're a hallmark of sophistication and add a level of detail that suits and ties alone can't provide. But what is the purpose of cufflinks?

What is the purpose of cufflinks? 

Cufflinks serve an old-world function beyond their aesthetic brilliance. They were initially curated to hold the cuffs of a dress shirt together. The design was simple yet effective: two decorative pieces connected by a small chain or post would pass through the buttonholes on each side of the cuff, securing the sleeve. 

This method was far more sophisticated than the ribbons or strings that people had been using previously, and it quickly became a symbol of status and refinement. Cufflinks are like the rich man's button.

a brief history of cufflinks 

Cufflinks were created in the 1600s out of necessity and have only flourished and spread since then. In the 19th century, with the advent of industrialisation, cufflinks became more accessible to a broader audience. Figures like Edward VII helped popularise colourful and enamelled designs in the early 1900s, expanding their appeal further. 

Cufflinks saw a resurgence in the 1980s and have remained a staple in traditional male dress despite diminished prominence in the 1970s due to the rise of casual fashion. Today, people prize cufflinks chiefly for their aesthetics but still have functional appeal.

The role of cufflinks in contemporary fashion

While buttons have since become the norm, providing a quick and easy way to fasten shirts, cufflinks have retained their place in the fashion world for several reasons. 

For one, they offer a level of customisation and personality that buttons often need to improve. Because cufflinks are not permanently attached to your shirt, you can change them to match different outfits, moods, or occasions, allowing you to express your individuality. 

Whether a pair of sleek, minimalist silver cufflinks for a boardroom meeting or ornate, gemstone-studded links for a black-tie event, the right cufflinks can elevate your ensemble from ordinary to extraordinary.

cufflinks as tradition

In addition to their role as a fashion statement, cufflinks also convey a sense of tradition and respect for the formalities of dress. Cufflinks often indicate attention to detail and a commitment to refined style, which people appreciate in many social and professional settings. They signify that you've taken the time to consider the finer points of your attire, which can make a strong impression in environments where appearance matters.

different types of cufflinks

Cufflinks come in various types, each suited for different levels of formality and personal style. These include whale-back, bullet-back, stud/button, chain link, ball return, locking dual-action, knot, and fabric cufflinks, each with its unique fastening mechanism. 

Additionally, cufflinks can be made from various materials, including metal, glass, stone, leather, gold, and fabric. The front sections can be highly decorative, featuring gemstones, inlays, or intricate designs, often reflecting the wearer's personality or status. 

Can you wear cufflinks with any shirt?

You can adorn any shirt with buttonholes and cufflinks in the cuffs.

 

 

Although many shirts nowadays come with sewn-in buttons, they still have holes where you can slide in cufflinks. Thus, you get the best of both worlds: a button's sturdiness and a cufflink's sophistication. 

Modern innovations have also introduced interchangeable cufflinks, allowing for customisation and versatility. Brands like Cartier have reintroduced this concept, offering various motifs that can be changed to suit different occasions.

shirt cuff styles

There are still a variety of shirts these days that don't have buttons. These shirts require cufflinks. Two of these types include:

French Cuff Shirts

French cuff shirts demand cufflinks because they require you to fold their fabric back and attach it to either side. Generally speaking, a French cuff will not have fixed buttons. 

Convertible Cuff Shirts

A convertible cuff is a shirt style that allows you to choose between a fixed button and a pair of cufflinks. 

Although we're accustomed to more modern conveniences, such as buttons in today's fashion landscape, cufflinks are timeless artefacts that will always stay in style. 

Their continued relevance in a man's or woman's modern wardrobe speaks to their unique ability to blend form and function. They combine the practicality of fastening a shirt cuff with the opportunity to showcase your taste. 

Cufflinks will remain a beloved accessory for those who appreciate the enduring elegance of classic dress wear.