Wondering what else cufflinks are called? The word itself is already precise, so in everyday speech people often just say “links”. Elsewhere they go by all sorts of names: “boutons de manchette” in French, “gemelli” in Italian – and the English “cufflinks” has even crept into French menswear jargon.
Contents
- The different names for cufflinks
- Types of men’s cufflinks
- How to wear cufflinks properly
- How to choose your cufflinks
The different names for cufflinks
Cufflinks are the accessories used to fasten the cuffs of particular shirts that have no sewn-on buttons. In casual conversation they are often shortened to “links”.
In menswear, the names vary from country to country and from one tradition to another. The French say “boutons de manchette” (singular or plural “manchettes”, both are used), English speakers say “cufflinks” – a term French fashion insiders sometimes borrow – and Italians call them “gemelli”, meaning “twins”, a name that neatly captures the fact that one is never worn without the other.
Types of men’s cufflinks
The materials cufflinks are made from
Cufflinks come in a wide range of materials, the most common being stainless steel, silver, gold and natural materials such as silk.
Here are the main materials used to make them:
- Stainless steel: valued for its durability and how easily it suits different styles.
- Precious metals: silver offers a neutral colour, while gold is kept for important occasions.
- Silk: an original way to personalise a more relaxed outfit.
- Stones: lapis lazuli, sodalite or onyx add a touch of natural elegance.
Stainless steel is particularly well suited to everyday wear thanks to its resistance to corrosion and scratches, while silver wins people over with its versatility and quiet elegance. Metal alloys offer excellent value for anyone who wants to try out different styles without a major outlay. Titanium, for its part, is a modern, hypoallergenic option for men with sensitive skin.
Cufflink styles
Men’s cufflinks come in a multitude of styles, from classic designs to more original, contemporary pieces.
For a refined, timeless look, browse our collection of elegant cufflinks. Metal designs in simple geometric shapes such as squares or circles are the great classics for the office and formal events. Novelty cufflinks, decorated with motifs linked to a passion or hobby, let you express your personality and add a touch of originality to your outfit. Your choice of style depends mainly on the setting and the message you want to send.
When to wear cufflinks
The obvious answer: formal events where elegance is expected.
Contrary to popular belief, though, these accessories are not reserved for special occasions. Cufflinks are perfectly at home at work, particularly in finance, law or business, where they add a touch of refinement to business attire. To wear these small pieces of jewellery every day, go for stainless steel or silver designs with understated shapes that are easy to match with shirts of different colours.
How to wear cufflinks properly
Shirts that take cufflinks
Cufflinks need shirts with cuffs specifically designed for them.
A French-cuff (double-cuff) shirt is the ideal partner for men’s cufflinks: its cuffs are twice the standard length and are designed to be folded back on themselves. These cuffs never have sewn-on buttons, as they are made expressly to take these distinctive accessories, which give an outfit a sophisticated touch.
How to put cufflinks on
Fitting cufflinks follows a precise routine that keeps your cuffs securely fastened:
- Unfold: open your shirt cuff out fully.
- Fold back: fold the cuff back on itself at the wrist.
- Slide: push the cufflink through all four layers of fabric.
- Adjust: straighten the cufflink and adjust it until it feels comfortable.
A handy tip: thread the cufflinks through the cuffs before you put the shirt on – your hands will have far more freedom. Knowing the different fastening mechanisms also matters: “fish-tail” designs are handled by turning the toggle, then returning it to its original position once it has passed through the cuffs.
How to choose your cufflinks
Matching them with the rest of your outfit
Harmony between your cufflinks and the rest of your outfit is key to a polished look.
Steel cufflinks generally go well with a watch on a metal bracelet, while silver designs are the perfect complement to a navy suit. With a white shirt, cufflinks in almost any colour will work, whereas black shirts pair best with metallic cufflinks. The basic rule is to create visual continuity between your accessories for a coherent look.
Quality criteria to look for
A good pair of cufflinks can be recognised by several specific technical features.
On silver cufflinks, the hallmark showing the fineness of the metal (925 parts per thousand for sterling silver) shows they have been made to standard. The fastening mechanism is another key indicator, with swivelling “fish-tail” toggles preferred for their greater durability. Quality men’s cufflinks have a careful finish with no burrs or rough edges, especially at the welds and joints, which take the most mechanical strain. Grade 316L stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance for long-term daily wear.
Budget and price ranges
Cufflinks cover a wide range of prices, reflecting different levels of quality and materials.
Metal-alloy designs are an accessible way in, usually with a decent finish. The mid-range includes quality stainless steel or solid silver cufflinks with more intricate designs. To explore a varied range of quality cufflinks to suit different budgets, take a look at our selection. At the top end, precious-metal designs sometimes feature fine stones or intricate enamelling.
Whether you call them boutons de manchette, “gemelli” as the Italians do, or simply cufflinks, these small, refined accessories add a personal touch of elegance to any outfit. Your choice depends on material, style and occasion: stainless steel brings durability for everyday wear, while silver adds quiet elegance for special events. With a well-chosen double-cuff shirt and a little attention to colour harmony, men’s cufflinks become the subtle accessory that transforms your whole look.
