Cufflinks may be small, but there’s no doubt they pack a big punch when it comes to style. Cufflinks add sophistication, confidence and personality to an outfit, and with a pair of Deakin & Francis cufflinks on your wrist, they also make for a great conversation starter.
But what are cufflinks for, exactly? Traditionally, they fastened French or double cuffs, replacing buttons, while adding a polished flourish. Today, they serve the same practical purpose while allowing you to express individuality, whether at work, a social event or a formal occasion.
Cufflinks are works of art, not only because they are often set with precious gemstones, but because of the craftsmanship and artistry involved with creating them. These design pieces often are available in sterling silver, 18ct gold, and a variety of precious and base metals.
Allow cufflinks to be your essential and valuable styling opportunity, to showcase your character. It’s the small details that make the biggest difference. Even subtle differences ranging from a chain link between each cufflink head or enamel patterns can completely transform one’s attire.
Cufflinks may be traditionally associated with men’s formal wear and accompanied with black tie dress studs, but in fact you can make cufflinks work in just about any occasion, and we are going to show you how.
In this guide, we’ll answer common questions such as what cufflinks are used for, when to wear cufflinks, how to wear cufflinks with a suit or blazer, and even whether women wear cufflinks.
What are cufflinks for?
Cufflinks are fastening accessories for your shirt cuffs. They replace buttons on French or double cuff shirts, providing both functionality and style. Early tailors used decorative chainlinks and buttons to hold sleeves together, but modern cufflinks have evolved into miniature works of craftsmanship, often in silver, gold, or accented with gemstones or enamel.
How to wear cufflinks with a suit or blazer
Wearing cufflinks correctly is simple when you follow a few basic rules. First, select a French or double cuff shirt; these are designed for cufflinks. Fold the cuff neatly so that the holes align, then slide the cufflink through, decorative side out. Depending on the mechanism, secure it with a gentle twist or click.
When wearing a suit, allow the cuff to extend slightly beyond the jacket sleeve. The same rule applies for a blazer; you can wear cufflinks without a tie to achieve a smart-casual, yet sophisticated look.
Do I have to wear a tie with cufflinks?
You absolutely don’t have to, though cufflinks look fantastic with ties. With the rise of more smart-casual wear, it is in fact very trendy to wear French cuffs with cufflinks and a coat without a tie. It looks sophisticated and classy without being too formal.
Do women wear cufflinks?
Cufflinks are not just for men. With women’s tailored French cuffs becoming increasingly popular, cufflinks can add elegance and personality to women’s professional and formal attire. The rules for wearing women's cufflinks are the same: insert through the cuff holes and ensure a proper fit.
Where could I wear cufflinks?
At work
Many workplaces require formal suit wearing dress, leaving it difficult to express your personality, and especially make it hard to show the boss that you mean ‘business’. Whether it’s a job interview to leave a lasting impression and stand out from the competition, an important meeting or just a causal day at the office, cufflinks add edge and individuality to any workplace outfit.
Our workplace favourites
Sterling Silver Blue Enamel Knot Cufflinks: The classic knot cufflinks with royal blue and denim blue enamel detailing, these add the perfect amount of personality, whilst keeping the look very classic.
Jet Turbine Engine Cufflinks Brushed Aluminium: These jet turbine cufflinks make for a real boys toy. Made from aircraft grade aluminium with a realistic nose cone, the double stamped blades sit on micro-bearings and whirl into action when blown on! These aviation cufflinks also with classic colours sit beautifully on most cuffs, keeping it fun but classy in the office.
Sterling Silver Boxer Dog Cufflinks: These stunning cufflinks will ensure you are the top dog! The sterling silver boxer dogs with blue cabochon sapphire eyes are sure to spark a topic of conversation, and leave along lasting impression, whether it be your interviewer, boss or fellow colleagues.
Evening drinks
Is it a first date, drinks with friends or family? How about add a little 007 to your look by wearing cufflinks that will elevate your outfit, making you look effortlessly put together and giving the people around you something a little more personal to notice with your look.
Our favourites for evening drinks
Sterling Silver Black & White Enamel Cufflinks: These classic black and white hand-enamelled cufflinks, famously worn by Daniel Craig add that extra edge and power to an outfit, and work on almost every occasion.
Sterling Silver Racing Car Cufflinks: Drive your style to victory with this striking pair of red racing car cufflinks. You will never find yourself short of conversation at the bar with these on your wrist. Ideal for all car enthusiasts and sure to put your style in pole position.
Networking
Networking often begins with a single point of common ground. Wearing cufflinks that have a story to tell is subtle and a genius way to find common ground amongst strangers.
Our favourites for networking
Shotgun Cufflinks: These quintessentially English 12 bore shotgun cufflinks will certainly turn heads, with the detailed side lock engraving and the ability to spring lever and watch the replying magnets open the barrels to revel the gold plated cartridge caps. These movable cufflinks will absolutely get you chatting.
Sterling Silver Blue and Brown Horse and Jockey Cufflinks: For horse owners, race goers and gambling enthusiasts, these sporty, sterling silver cufflinks are the perfect cufflink to add personality and allow you to most definitely get the ball rolling with your conversations.
Special occasions
Among special occasions, cufflinks are the epitome of formal wear. If it is a wedding, graduation, back tie event or celebration, choosing cufflinks that compliment your suit or attire really emphasise elegance in your appearance.
Our favourites for formal occasions
Sterling Silver Bumble Bee Dress Set: Black Tie is the perfect occasion to play with colours. Wearing these vibrant black and yellow enamel bumble bees with the brilliantly set cabochon sapphire eyes make these cufflinks and dress studs the perfect accessory to create a buzz around any outfit.
Sterling Silver Hexagonal Dress Stud Set – Mother-of-Pearl & Sapphire: Depending on the occasion a more classic look may be more suitable. These sterling silver hexagonal cufflinks and dress studs have stunning hand-cut bright white mother-of-pearl inlay and a blue sapphire centre, adding elegance and sophistication to your look.
So there you have the ultimate guide on how to wear cufflinks like a true gentleman. Whether you’re an avid cufflink collector or an accessory amateur, hopefully now you know all about the modern-day must have that are cufflinks and where and how to wear them.
