Cufflinks are an accessory with a long history that first appeared in France at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. The first versions were a lace that connected the wide sleeves of men's shirts. Over time, their appearance changed, until, finally, it acquired a familiar shape to everyone. In the modern world, cufflinks have become an integral part of the men's business wardrobe. The choice presented today is wide - in the shop windows you will find products for every taste, differing in many nuances, such as color, shape and material. However, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which cufflinks will be the best addition to your suit.
Types of cufflinks
Cufflinks are special accessories that require special shirts without buttons - with a double cuff or special slits. Depending on the structural elements and the fastening mechanism, the products come in different types, but most often you will find only four of them.
The first type is symmetrical with two identical elements connected by a chain or pin. These cufflinks are aesthetic - turning the cuff over, you see the decorative part on both sides - and, moreover, reliable. However, at the same time, such products are more expensive than others. This is directly related to production costs.
Another type is single-sided cufflinks on a fixed pin, they are easy to use - easy to put on and take off. The narrower part is threaded into the slit of the cuff like a button. Since these accessories have no moving parts, they are more durable than others.
Cufflinks with a rotating T-shaped clasp have a flat decorative part and a pin with a moving element at the end. The movable tip changes its position relative to the pin by 90 degrees: in the “closed” state it is perpendicular, and in the “open” state it becomes its continuation. Cufflinks with a rotating T-shaped clasp - the perfect balance of price, reliability and convenience. It is these characteristics that make them almost the most popular type today.
Knot cufflinks, as the name implies, are decorative knots made of silk. The material and design give the look of the accessory a relaxed, unobtrusive look, they are light, inexpensive, come in a wide variety of colors and shades, and are often sold in sets.
cufflink materials
The material from which the cufflinks are made is the main factor that determines their formality. Jewelry made of precious metals, encrusted with minerals, such as diamonds, is appropriate for formal celebrations with a strict dress code of "White Tie" ("White Tie").
Men's cufflinks in silver or gold with a laconic shape are suitable for events with a less strict regulated dress code "Black Tie" ("Black Tie"), as well as most formal events, such as an evening cocktail with a buffet table or a corporate celebration.
Cufflinks made of other metals, such as titanium, as well as enamel or glass, are the most versatile, they can be worn both in the office and at banquets. But products made of fabric or silk are suitable for informal meetings, walks and other activities outside the office.
cufflink color
When choosing cufflinks, start from the color of the shirt, suit and tie - make sure that all elements of the suit are in harmony with each other. The most "safe" shades are classic silver, white, black and blue. Men's gold cufflinks are also versatile, but the warm tone of the metal may not always be appropriate, for example, in important business negotiations.
The other colors are in no way inferior, but they are much more difficult to combine. Delicate pastel or intense shades can both add interesting accents and “fail” the whole image, so if you don’t really want to delve into the wisdom of color harmony, then it’s better not to risk it.
cufflink design
When choosing an accessory, try not to go to extremes. The best cufflinks for your suit have a simple shape, design and discreet shades. Remember one single rule: cufflinks are designed to emphasize your costume ensemble and add formality to the image, and in no case overshadow it.
Bright and large items that support a specific theme, such as tennis or motorsports, can also be in your collection, but do not place too much hope on them - they will suit single occasions.
