Cufflinks

Definition and Overview

Cufflinks are fasteners used to secure a shirt cuff. In Japan, they are also called cuff buttons, but unlike ordinary sewn-on buttons, they are characterized by being removable accessories. They are used from formal attire to dressed-up business styles.

Parts and Construction

Cufflinks consist of a decorative front face, a shaft that passes through the cuff holes, and a fastener on the back that prevents them from slipping out. On the shirt side, buttonholes are provided at both ends of the cuff instead of buttons. In particular, with double cuffs, the holes in the folded-back cuffs are aligned and fastened together.

Fastening types include those that rotate a movable fastening piece, those that connect the front and back decorative pieces with a chain, and those that pass through a fixed bar-shaped shaft. The shaft length and fastener thickness must match the cuff thickness and hole size.

• Decorative face: The design section visible on the outside of the cuff.
• Shaft: The part that passes through the holes in the layered cuffs.
• Fastener: The part at the end of the shaft that rotates or locks in place to prevent it from slipping out.

Materials and Finishes

They are often made of metal, with some using brass or other base materials finished on the surface, and others made with precious metals. Shell, glass, natural stone, imitation pearl, resin, and similar materials are used for decoration, and the gloss, heft, and susceptibility to scratches vary depending on the material.

The surface may be given character with a mirror finish, matte finish, engraving, cloisonné enamel, and more. Simple black, white, or silver-toned designs are easy to match with formal wear, while designs using colored stones or motifs should be chosen with attention to the level of formality and the atmosphere of the occasion.

Matching Attire and How to Use

Cufflinks are used with shirts that have cufflink holes, such as double cuffs and convertible cuffs. Even with ordinary single cuffs, they may not be usable if the specification assumes button fastening. Check the structure of the cuff holes before purchasing.

For formal wear such as white tie or black tie, consider coordination with the shirt, stud buttons at the chest, wristwatch, and so on. For daytime formal ceremonies, understated designs are often chosen, while for evening formal wear or more glamorous settings, glossy materials may be paired within the rules of the overall outfit.

When wearing them, align the cuff holes precisely and pass the shaft through so that the decorative face is on the outside. It is easier to achieve a neat look if the shirt sleeve length and jacket sleeve length are adjusted so that only a slight amount of the decorative face is visible from the jacket cuff.

How to Choose and Handling Precautions

When selecting, check the cuff specification, hole size, cuff thickness, and wearing occasion. Large, heavy designs can cause the cuff to sag or place strain on lightweight shirts, so the balance with the shirt fabric should also be considered.

After use, wipe away sebum and moisture with a soft dry cloth and store them separately. Items using plating, stones, shell, or similar materials may change appearance due to friction, sweat, perfume, or cleaning agents. Be sure to remove them before sending the shirt for washing or dry cleaning.

Differences from Similar Terms

Stud buttons are removable buttons used mainly to fasten the front placket of formal shirts. While cufflinks are for the cuffs, stud buttons are for the chest area. The two are sometimes matched in the same material or design.

Single cuffs and double cuffs are terms that refer to the shape or specification of a shirt cuff, and are not names for cufflinks themselves. Double cuffs are a representative cuff style that uses cufflinks, but whether a shirt supports cufflinks should be checked in the individual shirt specification.

Frequently Asked Questions