1 Deakin & Francis 18k Gold Round Crystal cufflinks with Sapphire Center; 2 Jacob & Co. Baguette Diamond Double Ended Basketball Cufflinks; 3 Jan Leslie Classic Knot with Marcasite Pave Cufflinks; 4 Jan Leslie Sterling Silver Carved Rose Black Onyx Cufflinks
THE TIMELESS STYLE OF MEN’S CUFFLINKS – A CLASSIC ACCESSORY FOR THE MODERN GENTLEMAN
As an accessory that spans formal occasions, business attire, and casual looks alike, cufflinks are a staple accessory in the realm of menswear. Historically, cufflinks – particularly those of the luxury variety – have been synonymous with wealth, power, and social status. Today, they’re a standard facet in men’s fashion. Along with their charm and functionality, cufflinks offer a timeless sense of style that modern gentlemen may use to suit their own individual tastes.
The History of Cufflinks
Like most accessories, the necessity of cufflinks predated their official arrival. Since shirts were originally considered to be undergarments, visible cuffs were seen as a faux pas. When trends shifted, however, men needed a way to fasten their cuffs. Men were using strings to tie their shirt cuffs around their wrists as far back as the 16th century, but the first cufflinks are said to have emerged during King Louis XIV’s reign in France during the 17th century. The early history of cufflinks revolves around the aristocracy and Europe’s most fashion-forward men, who wore a version that involved a pair of buttons fastened together by a small chain.
The Industrial Revolution marked a major turning point in the production of cufflinks, as there was enough demand and a sizeable workforce to start manufacturing cufflinks on a greater scale. During that time, women also wore cufflinks for practical reasons, as most shirts were made without buttons attached.
The mid-19th century eventually gave rise to the modern style of cufflinks we see today made with silver, gold, or pearl buttons. Armenta cufflinks, available on cufflinks.com, echo a similar style using intricately designed buttons, polished stones, and statement gems. With a focus on storytelling, Armenta is known for blending vintage style with craftsmanship and a hint of modern edge.
By the 1900s, cufflinks were most closely associated with elegant men of style. While cufflinks now span a wide range of formal to casual styles, they still hold the same air of sophistication and refinement as they did back then.
1 Fils Unique "Sweet Yorick" Sugar Skull Cufflinks; 2 Fils Unique "Red Hot" Chili Cufflinks; 3 Jacob & Co. Rotor Cufflinks with Black Center; 4 Deacon & Francis 18k Yellow Gold Round Cufflinks with Ruby Center
Cufflink Types and Styles
When shopping for cufflinks, there’s several types to choose from, based on how they fasten and close. This includes bullet back, whale back, stud or button, chain link, and silk knot cufflinks.
“Most of our cufflinks fasten together using buttons, magnets, or clasps,” say the experts at cufflinks.com. “The specific type of cufflinks you’re wearing affect how you wear the cufflinks with your outfit. What makes cufflinks so special [is] the unique details, intricate design, and bold features which all lend to your own personal flair.”
Cufflink styles may also be anything from classic and conservative, to modern and whimsical – such as those designed by Deakin & Frances. While classic silver studs are perfect for a timeless look, those who are drawn to novelty styles may resonate more with how Deakin & Frances spans the gap between luxury and playfulness with cufflinks in the shape of cigars, sharks, owls, and race cars.
Finally, there are several materials to choose from when selecting a pair of cufflinks. Some of the most popular cufflink materials are gold, silver, platinum, and enamel, which are beautifully displayed in the collections by Fils Unique. From silver roses, to a pair of lions hand-painted with enamel, each pair of Fils Unique cufflinks is a work of art intended to be passed down through generations as an heirloom.
1 Deacon & Francis Sterling Silver Camera Cufflinks; 2 Armenta Crivelli Artifact Cufflinks; 3 Armenta Crivelli Disc Cufflinks; 4 Armenta Oval Chalcedony Cufflinks; 5 Armenta Cross Cufflinks.
Best Cufflinks for Weddings
Cufflinks are most often worn during formal and semi-formal occasions, such as weddings and black-tie events. Although there’s no rule stating that men must wear cufflinks during these celebrations, they’re certainly standard fashion practice – not to mention, a simple way for modern gentlemen to add a touch of luxury to their wardrobes.
The best cufflinks for weddings are any pair that reflects the wearer’s personal style. Cufflinks are often gifted to grooms and groomsmen alike, and designers such as Jan Leslie and Jacob & Co are perfect options for the big day. Jan Leslie cufflinks add an artsy statement to an ensemble, and a pair of Jacob & Co cufflinks – especially one studded with white diamonds – makes for an extra special groom’s gift.
Personalization and Customization
A popular trend for cufflinks and other men’s accessories is personalizing them with initials, family crests, or other custom designs. Personalized cufflinks are especially fitting for groomsmen gifts, as well as anniversaries and any other special occasion. Customizable cufflinks can be personalized on cufflinks.com, along with other menswear accessories like money clips and tie bars, making for a stylish trio of bespoke classics.
Since their earliest days, cufflinks have been a cornerstone in men’s fashion. While styles have changed, they are still a relevant and much-loved accessory for special occasions and fashion-forward individuals – a chic, yet subtle way to refine one’s personal style and make a statement.
Visit cufflinks.com to see more styles from top designers and brands.