How to Put on Cufflinks A Step-by-Step Guide

How to put on cufflinks?

Cufflinks are a timeless accessory that have been worn by men for centuries. They are small decorative fasteners used to secure the cuffs of dress shirts and add a touch of elegance to any outfit. Cufflinks come in a variety of styles, materials, and designs, making them a versatile accessory that can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.

For those who have never worn cufflinks before, the thought of putting them on may seem intimidating. However, once you understand the basic steps, it is actually quite simple. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to put on cufflinks in easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Choose the Right Cufflinks Before you can put on cufflinks, you need to make sure you have the right ones. There are two main types of cufflinks: the traditional or “bullet back” style and the more modern “swivel bar” style. The traditional style has a straight post with a flat head that slides through the buttonholes on the cuffs and then flips to secure the cufflink in place. The swivel bar style has a curved post with a hinged bar that rotates to lock the cufflink in place. Both styles are equally popular and easy to use, so choose the one that appeals to your personal style.

Step 2: Prepare Your Shirt To properly wear cufflinks, you will need a dress shirt with French cuffs. These are cuffs that do not have buttons but instead have holes on both sides of the cuff. Lay the shirt flat on a surface and fold the cuffs back so that the holes on both sides are aligned.

Step 3: Insert the Cufflink Take one cufflink and hold it between your thumb and index finger. Make sure the decorative side is facing outwards. Then, insert the post through the bottom hole on the cuff, from the outside in. Once the post is through, flip the cufflink so that the decorative side is facing down and the post is now on the inside of the cuff.

Step 4: Secure the Cufflink With the post now on the inside of the cuff, you can secure the cufflink in place. For traditional cufflinks, simply flip the post back to its original position so that it is parallel to the decorative side. For swivel bar cufflinks, rotate the hinged bar until it is perpendicular to the decorative side, locking the cufflink in place.

 

Step 5: Repeat on the Other Cuff Repeat the same process on the other cuff, making sure to align the holes before inserting the cufflink. Once both cufflinks are secured, you can adjust them to make sure they are straight and symmetrical.

And there you have it – you have successfully put on your cufflinks! It may take a few tries to get the hang of it, but with practice, it will become second nature.

Tips for Wearing Cufflinks:

• When choosing cufflinks, consider the occasion and your outfit. For formal events, opt for classic designs in silver or gold. For more casual occasions, you can choose bolder and more playful designs.
• Make sure your cufflinks match your other accessories, such as your watch or belt buckle.
• Avoid wearing cufflinks with shirts that have too loose or too tight cuffs, as this can affect the fit and appearance of the cufflinks.
• If you are unsure about which cufflinks to wear, stick to simple and classic designs that will complement any outfit.
• Remember to remove your cufflinks before taking off your shirt to avoid damaging them.

In conclusion, cufflinks are a versatile and stylish accessory that can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. With these easy-to-follow steps, you can confidently put on your cufflinks and elevate your style game. So go ahead and add some cufflinks to your wardrobe – you won’t regret it!

1. Understanding Cufflinks

Before we dive into the steps of how to put on cufflinks, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. Cufflinks are decorative fasteners used to secure the cuffs of dress shirts. They come in a variety of styles, materials, and designs, making them a versatile accessory to match any formal or semi-formal outfit. Cufflinks are typically made up of two parts – the decorative front piece and the back closure which holds the cuffs together.

Types of Cufflinks

There are several types of cufflinks available, and each requires a slightly different approach when putting them on:

Bullet Back Cufflinks

These are the most common type of cufflinks and are easy to use. They have a small cylinder-shaped back closure that is pushed through the buttonhole and secured by a swiveling bar.

Whale Back Cufflinks

Similar to bullet back cufflinks, these feature a larger back closure in the shape of a whale’s tail. This type of cufflink is also easy to use and provides a more secure fit.

Chain Link Cufflinks

These consist of two decorative pieces connected by a chain. The front piece is inserted through the buttonhole and the back piece is folded over the chain to secure the cuff.

Fixed Back Cufflinks

As the name suggests, these cufflinks have a fixed back closure and do not swivel. They are inserted through the buttonhole and secured in place.

2. Preparing Your Cuffs

Before putting on your cufflinks, ensure that your cuffs are ready to accommodate them. If your shirt has been freshly ironed, lay it flat with the sleeves extended and fold the cuffs inward in the shape of a square. This will make it easier to insert the cufflinks without crumpling the fabric.

If your cuffs are too loose or too tight, adjust the cuff size by using the buttons or cufflinks holes provided on the cuff. You want your cuffs to be snug against your wrist, but not too tight as they may cause discomfort.

3. Putting on Bullet Back or Whale Back Cufflinks

Step 1: Insert the Back Closure

Start by holding both ends of the back closure between your thumb and index finger, ensuring the decorative part is facing outwards. Then, push the back closure through the buttonhole until it extends beyond the other side of the cuff.

Step 2: Align the Front Piece

Hold the front piece between your thumb and index finger with the decorative part facing outwards. Then, align it with the back closure, making sure that the designs are facing the same direction.

Step 3: Secure the Cufflink

With your non-dominant hand, hold the back closure in place while using your dominant hand to flip the bar horizontally. This will lock the back closure in place, securing the cufflink.

4. Putting on Chain Link Cufflinks

Chain link cufflinks may seem more complicated, but they are actually quite easy to wear once you get the hang of it.

Step 1: Insert the Front Piece

Start by threading the front piece through the buttonhole, leaving the chain hanging down.

Step 2: Fold Over the Chain

Next, fold the chain over the front piece and insert it through the back buttonhole.

Step 3: Attach the Back Piece

Once the back piece is through the buttonhole, unfold the chain and attach the back piece. This will secure the cufflink in place.

5. Putting on Fixed Back Cufflinks

Fixed back cufflinks are easy to put on, but they require a slightly different approach compared to other types.

Step 1: Hold the Cuff Together

Start by holding both ends of the cuff together with your fingers, making sure that the decorative part of the cufflink is facing outwards.

Step 2: Insert the Cufflink

Then, simply push the entire cufflink through both buttonholes until the decorative part is visible on the outside.

Step 3: Adjust the Cufflink

Finally, adjust the position of the cufflink if necessary, ensuring that it is centered and sitting comfortably on your wrist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I wear cufflinks with any type of shirt?

A: Cufflinks are meant to be worn with shirts that have French cuffs or double cuffs. These shirts have extra-long cuffs that fold back onto themselves, providing ample room for cufflinks.

Q: Can I wear cufflinks to a casual event?

A: Cufflinks are traditionally considered a formal accessory, but you can still wear them to a semi-formal or even a smart casual event. Just make sure to choose a more subtle design and pair them with a well-fitting dress shirt.

Q: How do I match my cufflinks to my outfit?

A: The general rule of thumb is to match the color and style of your cufflinks to other accessories, such as your watch or belt buckle. If you’re wearing a patterned shirt, choose cufflinks that complement the colors in the pattern.

Q: Can I wear cufflinks with a suit?

A: Yes, cufflinks can be worn with a suit for a more formal look. Opt for a classic design in silver or gold to add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

Q: Can I put on cufflinks without a mirror?

A: It may be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to put on cufflinks without a mirror. Just make sure to align the pieces correctly and use your fingers to guide the back closure into place.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to put on cufflinks, you can confidently add this stylish accessory to your wardrobe. Remember to choose cufflinks that complement your outfit and follow the simple steps outlined in this guide for a seamless and sophisticated look. Whether you’re attending a formal event or just looking to elevate your everyday style, cufflinks are a timeless accessory that will never go out of fashion.