A cuff link is one of the few pieces of jewellery that almost every man can wear without a second thought. It shows only when you move your arms, which is exactly why it gets noticed: a handshake, a toast, reaching for a pen. This guide explains the shirt you need, how to put cufflinks on in under a minute, and how to choose the right pair for every occasion.
What is a cuff link?
A cuff link is a small fastener that closes a shirt cuff in place of a button. It passes through buttonholes on both sides of the cuff and locks with a toggle, a chain or a fixed back. Cufflinks are worn in pairs, one on each wrist, and are the traditional finishing touch for formal shirts.
The shirt you need: French cuff vs barrel cuff
French (double) cuff
A French cuff is twice the usual length and folds back on itself. It has buttonholes on both sides and no buttons. This is the shirt cufflinks were designed for, and the one you will see at weddings and black-tie events.
Convertible cuff
A single-length cuff that has a button and also a buttonhole on the other side. You can wear it buttoned or with cufflinks. Many ready-made formal shirts in India are convertible, so check your wardrobe before buying new shirts.
Standard barrel cuff
A regular buttoned cuff. Cufflinks are not designed for it, although some men remove the button and use a cufflink through the buttonhole. It works in a pinch but never looks quite right.
How to wear a cuff link in 4 steps
- Fold the cuff. For a French cuff, fold it back so the buttonholes line up.
- Pinch the edges together. Bring both sides of the cuff together “kissing” style, with the inside faces touching and the edges pointing outwards.
- Insert the cufflink. Turn the toggle straight, push it through all four holes from the outside, decorative face on the outer side of your wrist.
- Lock it. Turn the toggle flat to secure it. Repeat on the other wrist.
Tip: put your shirt on first and do the left cuff with your right hand while your arm rests on a table. It is much easier than trying to fasten a floating cuff.
Types of cufflink backs
| Back | How it works | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet or whale back | A flat toggle flips to lock | The most common; quick and secure |
| Fixed back | Solid, no moving parts | Very durable, slightly harder to insert |
| Chain link | Two faces joined by a chain | Traditional, relaxed drape |
| Ball return | A small ball on a post | Simple, elegant, easy to use |
Choosing a cuff link for the occasion
Office and business
Keep it simple and metallic: plain gold-tone or silver-tone, round or square. The classic silver cufflinks and classic gold cufflinks work with any business shirt.
Weddings and receptions
This is where crystal, gemstone and mosaic designs shine. The aqua mosaic cufflinks bring colour to a formal white shirt, while crystal designs catch the light at evening functions.
Personal style and conversation pieces
Novelty cufflinks tell a story. A photographer might wear the camera cufflinks; a golfer, the golf club cufflinks. Save these for relaxed events or as a signature detail.
Gifting
Cufflinks are one of the most popular gifts for men because size never matters. Pair them with a tie set for a complete present; our guide to a tie set for gifting has ideas.
How to match cufflinks with the rest of your outfit
- Match metals. Gold-tone cufflinks with a gold-tone watch, belt buckle, tie pin and lapel pin.
- Echo a colour. A blue stone cufflink with a navy tie, or a red stone with a burgundy tie.
- Balance statement pieces. If you wear bold cufflinks, keep the tie and pocket square calmer, and vice versa.
- Consider your jacket accents. If you are wearing a brooch on your blazer, choose cufflinks in the same metal tone.
Caring for your cufflinks
- Store each pair in its box or a divided tray so faces do not scratch.
- Wipe with a soft dry cloth after wearing to remove skin oils.
- Keep away from perfume and water, which dull plating and stones.
Shop cufflinks at Tievera
From classic metal to mosaic, crystal, gemstone and novelty designs, the Tievera cufflinks collection has a pair for every shirt and every occasion. Delivery is available across India, with free shipping on orders above ₹999.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear cufflinks with a normal shirt?
Cufflinks need a French cuff or a convertible cuff with buttonholes on both sides. Many formal shirts in India are convertible, so check your cuffs first.
Which way should a cuff link face?
The decorative face goes on the outside of your wrist, facing away from your body, so it is visible when your arms are at your sides.
Are cufflinks still in fashion?
Yes. They are standard at weddings, black-tie events and senior business settings, and increasingly worn as a personal signature in everyday office wear.
Is it cuff link or cufflink?
Both spellings are correct. “Cufflink” as one word is more common today, but “cuff link” is equally accepted.
