The History and Fashion of Cuff Links

Dating back to the seventeenth century, cuff links came about when men wanted something more elegant for their shirts than ribbons or ties to hold together their cuffs. Men began using small chains that were fastened to the end of a gold or silver button and fed through the holes of the cuff to keep them together. Hence, the first cufflink was born!

Over time, the cuff link developed and became a more sophisticated part of a man’s wardrobe, especially for tuxedo usage and formal attire. With the varying types of stones, precious metals, fabrics, and design, the cuff link became the new well-dressed man’s staple. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the high production of low-cost cuff links enabled a greater variety of cufflinks to be manufactured. Chains were replaced with rods and fasteners with easy-to-close clips. Shirt makers, eager to sell a larger quantity of higher priced dress shirts caught on to the cuff link frenzy and expanded their lines of formal dress shirts to include cuff link-ready attire. Sales boomed and men flaunted their personalities as they sported their new look with cuff links and matching stud sets.

During the nineteenth century, businessmen of varying classes began wearing cuff links and stud sets for more casual wear, expanding beyond the traditional gala or evening event. Prices came down and cuff links were now affordable to the average middle-class gentleman. In the late twentieth century, the cuff links industry had a low period when shirt manufacturers began mass-producing dress and tuxedo shirts with buttons on the cuffs. But that did not discourage the big jewelry companies, like Tiffany and Cartier. Cuff links and stud sets were here to stay.

The cuff link has grown into a popular fashion statement for both men and women alike. Today, cuff links can be found in any shape or style for all types of dress. Large online retailer CufflinksDepot.com stocks over a thousand different designs at any given time, from your favorite sports team to designer skull and crossbones. From silver, gold, silk, mother-of-pearl, onyx, white gold, and much more, cuff links are making a big comeback with reckless abandon!http://www.CufflinksDepot.com

What Are Cufflinks?

Historically dating back to the seventeenth century, a cufflink (or cuff link) is a decorative fastener used to hold together the cuff on the sleeve of a tuxedo shirt, dress shirt, or woman’s blouse. The cuff link acts as a fastener to replace the role of a button. The design of cuff links varies but the basic principle of a cylindrical post with a decorative end visible to the public still remains. It is common practice to monogram, engrave, or personalize the visible end of the cuff link to give a more dressed or decorative look. There are unlimited designs for cufflinks, ranging from sterling silver, leather, all types of stones, and much more.

French Cuff Links

French cuff links are becoming a popular trend, as European influences filtrate into America. The French cuff link is used on French cuffs, one where the material is folded back onto itself and held together by a French cuff or silk knot (also called monkey’s fists). A more formal look than the standard cufflink, French cuff links offer elegance and fashion.

Who Wears Cufflinks?

Throughout time, it is the man who traditionally wore cuff links to adorn his formal attire and make impressions at gala events and important gatherings. However, with the change in fashion and trends, women have begun to quickly catch on to the cuff link frenzy. Cufflink styles are now available for both men and women, in a variety of shapes, sizes, metals, materials, and designs. Originally sporting a formal look, cufflinks are now widely accepted in all social circles, from the dressiest to the more casual. Several department stores like Macy's, and Bloomingdale's carry cuff links as well as online retailer CufflinksDepot.com.

How to Wear Cufflinks

Cufflinks cannot just be worn with any clothing garment. Certain shirts are designed specifically for the usage of cuff links and some include the holes for stud sets, as well. A stud set is similar to a cuff link, but it replaces the button holes going down the front of the shirt. For garments designed for either cufflinks or stud sets, where one would expect a button, instead there is a hole. This is where the cufflink or stud set would be placed. The choice of stone, color, or style of the cufflink is purely personal, but should be consistent with the type of event you are attending. For example, a more elegant cuff link should be worn with a tuxedo shirt, while a more casual cufflink, such as a sports’ oriented one, could carry a more casual usage. Furthermore, cuff links can be worn to match the tone of your watchband, tie, or shirt.

The Many Faces of Cuff Links

Cufflinks are available in scores of styles. From doctors and golfers to football and basketball designs, cufflinks are made for almost every profession, interest, or hobby. Cuff links can include various logos, emblems, monograms, and personalized or engraved designs. Where there isn’t a cufflink to match your fancy, Cufflinks Depot can design a custom cufflink to suit your liking. The investment in a custom cufflink is appreciated when realizing the unique cuff link style and design!http://www.CufflinksDepot.com