Cufflinks: The Complete Guide to Styles, How to Wear & What to Buy

Looking to sharpen your formal look? The right cufflinks add polish, personality, and a subtle touch of luxury. This guide covers what cufflinks are, how to wear them properly, and the most popular styles — with quick links to shop our most-loved collections.

Shop All Cufflinks · Shop Wedding Cufflinks

Quick Links to Popular Cufflink Collections

• Wedding Cufflinks — grooms, groomsmen, & guests
• Sterling Silver Cufflinks — timeless metal, everyday to black-tie
• Classic Cufflinks — clean, understated shapes
• Engraved Wedding Cufflinks — initials, dates, messages
• Personalised Wedding Cufflinks — bespoke touches
• Novelty Cufflinks — fun themes & conversation starters
• Sports Cufflinks — football, rugby, golf & more
• Animal Cufflinks — stags, owls, dogs, horses
• Flag Cufflinks — national pride & heritage

What Are Cufflinks & How Do They Work?

Cufflinks are detachable fasteners for French (double) cuffs. A typical pair has a decorative face, a post, and a closure (toggle/whale back). Insert the post through aligned cuff buttonholes and secure the toggle. They’re designed to be worn where shirts have buttonholes on both sides and no sewn-on buttons.

Best Cufflink Styles (and When to Wear Them)

1) Classic & Formal

Polished ovals, rectangles, or knots pair with suits and tuxedos. Start here if you’re building a core collection.

Shop: Classic Cufflinks · Sterling Silver Cufflinks · Wedding Cufflinks

2) Personalised & Engraved

Initials, monograms, dates, or short messages turn cufflinks into keepsakes — perfect for weddings and milestones.

Shop: Engraved Wedding Cufflinks · Personalised Wedding Cufflinks

3) Colour & Theme Matching (Weddings)

Coordinate with your tie, pocket square, or boutonnière. Explore colour-led wedding edits:

Black · Blue · Green · Orange · Purple · Pink · Red · White · Yellow

4) Hobby & Interest Led

Let your passions show — from the fairway to the open sea.

Sports · Golf · Football · Rugby · Cricket · Fishing · Nautical · Aviation · Motoring & Transport · Music · Casino & Gambling

5) Animal & Nature

Wildlife, pets, and countryside icons — a refined way to add character.

Animals · Birds · Dogs · Cats · Horses

How to Choose the Right Cufflinks

1. Match the occasion: Keep it classic for black tie and ceremonies; introduce colour or themes for parties and smart-casual.
2. Coordinate metals: Align silver/gold tones with your watch, belt buckle, and tie clip.
3. Consider colour: For weddings, echo the palette (ties, pocket squares, bridesmaid dresses).
4. Think longevity: If it’s your first pair, start with sterling silver — versatile and refined.

How to Wear Cufflinks (Properly)

• Shirt: French (double) cuffs only — buttonholes on both sides, no buttons.
• Fit: Sleeves should end at the wrist bone; cuffs peek 1–2 cm beyond jacket.
• Placement: Faces outward when arms are at rest; toggles closed and snug, not strained.

Wedding Cufflinks: Fast Picks

• Groom: Engraved initials/date or polished classic shapes. Shop Wedding Cufflinks
• Groomsmen: Matching sets; personalise on the reverse. Engraved Wedding Cufflinks
• Guests: Subtle colour to complement the theme. Explore Blue or Black

Care & Maintenance

• Wipe with a soft cloth after wear.
• Store in a dry pouch or box to avoid scratches.
• Avoid harsh chemicals; polish sterling silver as needed.

FAQs

Do I need special shirts for cufflinks?

Yes — French (double) cuff shirts are designed for cufflinks and give the neatest finish.

What’s the safest first pair?

Polished sterling silver cufflinks in a classic oval or rectangle — they match nearly everything.

Are novelty styles OK for formal events?

For black tie, keep them subtle. Save bold novelty pieces for parties or smart-casual. See Novelty Cufflinks.

Ready to refine your look? Explore All Cufflinks, find ceremony-ready Wedding Cufflinks, or choose a personalised keepsake from Engraved Wedding Cufflinks.