How to Wear Cufflinks with Suit: Comprehensive Guide for Men

Cufflinks are small accessories that can greatly impact a man’s style. 

They are used to fasten the cuffs of dress shirts and add an extra touch of class to any formal outfit. 

However, many men are unsure about how to wear cufflinks with a suit. 

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of cufflinks, how to put them on, and how to wear cufflinks with suit.

What Shirts Require Cufflinks?

Dress shirts with French cuffs, also known as double cuffs, are the only shirts that require cufflinks. 

French cuffs are longer than regular cuffs and are folded back on themselves, creating a double layer of fabric. This extra layer provides a perfect canvas for cufflinks.

You can also wear cufflinks with a regular, single-cuff shirt, which features two overlapping edges, as long as there isn’t a button there already. 

French Cuff Shirt	Regular Cuff Shirt
Longer cuffs that are folded back and held with cufflinks or knots.	Has cuffs that are fastened with buttons.
Generally worn with formal attire.	Can be worn with both formal and casual attire.
Requires cufflinks or knots.	Does not require cufflinks or knots.
Often made of finer materials such as silk or high-quality cotton.	Can be made of a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
Adds sophistication to an outfit.	Less formal than French cuff shirts.

How to Put on Cufflinks

Putting on cufflinks on a dress shirt is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. 

1. Fold the cuff back so that the two buttonholes are aligned. 
2. Insert the cufflink through both buttonholes, making sure that the decorative part is facing outward. 
3. Flip the toggle or twist the post to secure the cufflink in place.

When to Wear Cufflinks

Cufflinks are typically worn on formal occasions, such as weddings, galas, and business meetings. 

They are not typically worn with casual outfits, such as jeans and a T-shirt. However, some men choose to wear cufflinks with more casual attire, such as a blazer and slacks.

How to Wear Cufflinks with a Shirt

When wearing cufflinks with a shirt, it’s important to choose cufflinks that complement the shirt’s colour and style. 

An easy way to complement the shirt’s colour is to choose cufflinks that contrast well with the shirt.

For example, silver cufflinks look great with a white shirt, while gold cufflinks pair well with a blue shirt. 

The cufflinks should also match the formality of the occasion:

• For a formal event, choose a pair of classic and elegant cufflinks, like our Grand Gold Vintage Cufflinks.
• For a more casual occasion, opt for something more playful and unique that showcases your personality and interests, like our Grand Prix Racing Car Cufflinks.

The Correct Suit Sleeve Length for You

The correct suit sleeve length is crucial to achieving a polished and put-together look.

The sleeve hem should hit at the wrist bone or 1/2 inch above, allowing for 1/4 to 1/2 inch of shirt cuff to show. 

This creates a streamlined appearance and provides the illusion of longer arms and a slimmer silhouette. 

This also allows the cufflinks to showcase themselves by the shirt cuff whilst you have your suit on.

How to Wear Cufflinks with Suit

When figuring out how to wear cufflinks with suit, it’s important to choose cufflinks that complement the suit’s colour and style. 

Silver or black cufflinks are classic choices that work well with most suits. 

However, if the suit is a more vibrant colour, such as a deep blue or burgundy, consider cufflinks that pick up on the colour of the suit or match the colour of the tie. 

When wearing a suit, it’s also important to match the formality of the cufflinks to the formality of the occasion:

• For a formal event, choose a pair of classic and elegant cufflinks, like our Charm of Sapphire Cufflinks.
• For a more casual occasion, opt for something more playful and unique that showcases your personality and interests, like our pineapple cufflinks. 

How to Wear Cufflinks with Other Accessories

Cufflinks can be worn with other accessories, such as a tie clip or pocket square, to create a cohesive and polished look.

When wearing cufflinks with a tie clip, make sure that the metals match or complement each other, for example, silver cufflinks should be paired with a silver tie clip. 

When wearing cufflinks with a pocket square, choose a square that complements the colours and patterns of the cufflinks and tie.

Men’s Formal Accessories	Description
Necktie	A long piece of cloth worn around the neck and tied in a knot.
Bow tie	A type of necktie that consists of a ribbon tied in a bow.
Pocket square	A small piece of fabric that is folded and placed in the breast pocket of a suit jacket.
Watch	A functional and stylish accessory that can be worn on the wrist.
Cufflinks	Small decorative pieces of jewelry that fasten the cuffs of a dress shirt.
Tie clip	A small accessory that clips a tie to the shirt to keep it in place.
Lapel pin	A small pin worn on the lapel of a suit jacket.
Belt	A strip of leather or other material worn around the waist to hold up trousers.

Wanting to Gift Cufflinks to a Friend or Loved One?

Cufflinks can make a thoughtful and intimate gift, especially if they are personalized or have special meaning. 

They are a great gift for a groom, father of the bride, or groomsman, as they can be worn on the wedding day and serve as a lasting reminder of the special occasion. 

Cufflinks can also be a great gift for a milestone birthday, graduation, or job promotion. 

When choosing cufflinks as a gift, consider the recipient’s personal style and choose a design that reflects their interests or personality.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are cufflinks still fashionable?

Yes, cufflinks remain fashionable and can enhance the elegance and sophistication of any outfit, be it formal or work attire. With an abundance of styles and designs available, there is a pair of cufflinks for every man.

Are Cufflinks Necessary?

Cufflinks aren’t mandatory, but they add sophistication to an outfit. They’re linked with formal wear, but can also suit casual outfits. If you prefer a traditional look, opt for cufflinks, but button cuffs work fine too. Ultimately, it’s about preference and the occasion.

Can you wear cufflinks with a shirt that has buttons?

No, cufflinks cannot be worn with a shirt that has buttons on the cuffs. Cufflinks are specifically designed to be worn with French cuffs, which do not have buttons. If you try to wear cufflinks with a shirt that has buttons on the cuffs, they will not fit through the buttonholes.

Do you remove buttons for cufflinks?

No, you do not need to remove buttons for cufflinks. Cufflinks are meant to be worn with French cuffs that don’t have buttons. If your shirt has button cuffs, you don’t need to remove buttons for cufflinks but to get French cuffs created, you need a tailor or seamstress to remove buttons and add a longer piece of fabric for French cuffs.

Is it OK to wear cufflinks without a jacket?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to wear cufflinks without a jacket. Cufflinks are a small accessory that can add a touch of class to any outfit, even if you’re not wearing a jacket. Just make sure that your cufflinks complement the rest of your outfit and match the formality of the occasion.

Can I wear cufflinks with jeans?

While cufflinks are usually linked with formal wear, they can also be worn with casual outfits, including jeans. When wearing cufflinks with jeans, choose understated designs and ensure that your shirt has French cuffs instead of button cuffs.