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You might think cufflinks are an old-fashioned accessory, but they quietly signal attention to detail in a way a smartphone can't. They’re small, tactile, and intimate — the kind of finishing touch that says, “I care about how I present myself.” Whether you’re dressing for a wedding, a promotion, or a date night, the right pair of cufflinks can elevate a shirt from plain to polished in seconds. Think of cufflinks as the punctuation at the end of a well-crafted sentence: subtle, precise, and memorable.
Not all cufflinks are made equal. Knowing the basic types will help you buy smart and style them correctly. Some are formal and traditional, while others are playful and modern. Below are the most common varieties you’ll encounter so you can pick the type that matches both your shirt and your personality.
Button or stud cufflinks are the simplest design: a decorative front and a fixed back that slips through the cuff. They’re great for shirts with smaller buttonholes or for people who prefer a neat, minimalist look. Because they sit flat, button-style cufflinks pair well with slim-cut shirts and can be worn with both daytime suits and evening wear.
Bullet back and whale back are two of the easiest closures to use. They have a small barrel or flat plate that flips into place after you thread the cufflink through the cuff. If you’re new to cufflinks or want something that won’t fidget during the day, these are reliable choices. They tend to be sturdy and work with most double-cuff shirts.
Chain link cufflinks feature a decorative face connected to a backside with a short chain — a classic, slightly vintage look. They move more than rigid styles, giving a relaxed, textured feel. Chain links are great for traditionalists and those who like a touch of old-world charm, especially with heavier fabrics and tailored suits.
Silk knots are an affordable, casual option made from braided fabric. They’re perfect for everyday wear or to add a pop of color without the formality of metal. Because they’re flexible, silk knots work well on shirts with slightly larger cuff holes and are popular for weddings or creative office environments.
The material of your cufflinks affects both look and longevity. From precious metals to novelty enamel, your choice should reflect how often you’ll wear them and the types of outfits you pair them with. Below are the common materials and their pros and cons so you can make a choice that lasts.
Gold and sterling silver are the classic luxury choices. Sterling silver offers a bright, versatile look that pairs well with black, navy, and gray suits, while gold adds warmth and a more formal feel. Many mid-range pairs use a base metal with gold or rhodium plating, which gives the look of precious metal at a lower price. If you want cufflinks to last decades, go solid sterling or solid gold — they bear polishing and repairs better than plated pieces.
Gemstone cufflinks — onyx, turquoise, lapis, or mother-of-pearl — add texture and color. Mother-of-pearl, in particular, is a wedding favorite because it reads as both elegant and subtle. Natural stones can vary in shade and pattern, so each pair feels a little unique. If you choose stones, consider settings that protect the edges to avoid chips.
Enamel and lacquer allow for bright colors and intricate designs, making them ideal for personalized or themed cufflinks. Novelty materials like carbon fiber, wood inlays, or even recycled plastics appear in modern designs and appeal to those who prefer a contemporary or sustainable angle. Just remember that flashy novelties read as casual; save them for days when you want to show personality rather than strict formality.
Your cufflink choice should match the tone of the event and your outfit. The wrong pair can feel like wearing sneakers to a black-tie event — comfortable, perhaps, but out of place. Here’s how to pick the right pair for common scenarios.
For formal events, stick to simple, high-quality materials: sterling silver, gold, mother-of-pearl, or black onyx. Keep designs understated — classic shapes and minimal engraving work best with tuxedos and dinner jackets. If you’re a groomsman or groom, consider personalizing with initials or the wedding motif, but keep it tasteful and in scale with your shirt and cuff.
For business settings, choose cufflinks that suggest professionalism: slim silver or subtle enamel in muted colors. Avoid overly playful novelty pieces during interviews or big client meetings; you want cufflinks that quietly support your credibility rather than distract. A pair about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch across is a safe, proportional choice with most dress shirts.
If your workplace is more relaxed or creative, feel free to experiment with materials, colors, and novelty motifs. Silk knots, bright enameled designs, or themed pieces that reflect hobbies can work well. Just pair them thoughtfully — a loud pattern with a busy shirt can be overwhelming, so balance is key.
Cufflinks don’t exist in a vacuum — they interact with watches, belts, shoes, and lapel pins. Harmonizing these elements gives your outfit cohesion. Here are practical tips to get that harmony right without looking matchy-matchy.
One simple rule: coordinate the finishes. If your cufflinks are polished silver, a silver watch case tends to look consistent. If you prefer a mixed-metal look (gold watch with silver cufflinks), keep it intentional — balance one metal as the anchor and use the other sparingly. For reference, many everyday watches measure about 1.5 inches across the case; choose cufflinks that won’t visually compete with that size.
Tie clips and lapel pins naturally pair with cufflinks because they all sit along the same vertical plane of your outfit. Match metal tones and avoid too many competing finishes. If you’re wearing a patterned tie or bold lapel pin, select simpler cufflinks. Conversely, if your lapel is bare and your tie is subtle, cufflinks are a perfect place to add a small flourish.
To complete a sophisticated look, consider a few other accessories that work hand-in-hand with cufflinks. These items are often recommended alongside cufflinks in curated outfit pairings and can be useful if you’re assembling a gift set or upgrading your wardrobe.
Tie clips keep your tie in place visually and physically. A slim metal tie clip in the same finish as your cufflinks creates cohesion. If your cufflinks are ornate, choose a plain tie clip; if the cufflinks are minimalist, a textured or engraved tie clip can add interest without clashing.
Pocket squares offer a soft, textural counterpoint to metal cufflinks. Silk or linen pocket squares fold into neat rectangles or puffs that echo the polish of your cufflinks without copying them. Lapel pins — whether floral, flag, or enamel — are another small point of personality. Keep colors complementary rather than exact matches for a refined palette.
Watches are the natural sibling to cufflinks. Consider the watch strap (leather or metal) when choosing leather belts and shoes, and then tie in cufflink metal accordingly. If you wear bracelets, keep them thin and minimal so they don’t compete with the wrist area around your watch and cufflinks.
Like any small piece of jewelry, cufflinks require care. Simple maintenance extends their life and keeps the shine fresh. Here are practical tips that take minutes but pay dividends over years of wear.
Wipe cufflinks with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils and sweat. For metal pieces, a gentle jewelry cloth is great; for stones, a soft damp cloth will do, followed by immediate drying. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners unless the material explicitly allows it — mother-of-pearl and some stones can become damaged by aggressive cleaning.
Store cufflinks in a small box or roll to prevent scratches. A travel case about 3 inches by 2 inches is compact enough to slip into a dopp kit or briefcase. If you travel frequently, separate precious metal pairs from costume jewelry to avoid abrasion. For long-term storage, keep pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Cufflink prices vary widely, so set a clear budget before you shop. You can find attractive, functional pairs under twenty-five dollars, while sterling silver and mother-of-pearl pieces often sit in the fifty to one hundred fifty dollar range. Designer names, solid gold, and gemstones push prices into the several-hundred to multi-thousand-dollar territory. Think of purchase price as a reflection of materials, craftsmanship, and if applicable, brand prestige.
If you want a great pair without overpaying, use comparison sites and specialty jewelers to scan offers. Comparison platforms list multiple retailers and promotions side-by-side so you can compare materials, shipping, and reviews quickly. Don’t overlook artisan marketplaces for unique pieces, department stores for tried-and-tested classics, and dedicated menswear retailers for curated sets that include tie clips or pocket squares.
To get you started, here are a few timeless picks organized by style. These categories cover most needs and help narrow choices when browsing a large catalog.
These are the all-purpose, go-with-everything options. Choose a smooth, rounded face about 0.5 to 0.75 inches across for a balanced, elegant appearance. Ideal for wedding guests, grooms, and anyone who wants understated luxury without shouting.
Slim rectangular or disc shapes with matte or brushed finishes give a contemporary edge. They’re great with modern slim-fit suits and work well in creative industries where restraint and style intersect.
For the weekend or a casual office, novelty cufflinks let you show a bit of personality — maps, hobbies, or sports motifs. Keep these as your “fun” set and rotate them in when you want to lighten the mood.
Check the cufflink closure, measure the face size against the cuff, and, if shopping online, read buyer photos and reviews. If the retailer provides a size in inches, compare it to an existing pair you own to visualize scale. If personalization is an option, initials are a timeless choice, but keep engraving small and tasteful so it reads as refined rather than gimmicky.
Cufflinks are a small investment with a big style payoff. Whether you favor classic sterling silver, a touch of mother-of-pearl for formality, or playful enamel for casual days, the right pair will complement your wardrobe and express your personality. Pay attention to closure type, material, and how they pair with your watch and other accessories. With thoughtful selection and a little care, cufflinks can become a signature piece that’s both practical and memorable.
