Cufflinks & Studs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a cufflink?

  A cufflink is a decorative fastener that secures the cuffs of a dress shirt when traditional buttons are absent. Consisting of a face or top design connected to a backing piece by a post or chain, cufflinks slip through specially designed holes on each side of the cuff, holding the fabric edges together.

  These small yet significant accessories serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Beyond their practical role, cufflinks are expressions of personal style and refinement, often crafted from precious metals like gold or silver, and sometimes adorned with gemstones, enamel work, or intricate engravings.

  Cufflinks elevate all attire, adding a touch of sophistication to occasions that call for elegance. They represent one of the few opportunities for subtle self-expression in traditional men's clothing, though they are increasingly worn by people of all genders who appreciate their distinctive charm and heritage.

• What is a stud?

  A shirt stud is a decorative fastener that fits onto buttonholes on the front of a pleated shirt or onto the starched bib of a stiff-front shirt. Unlike traditional buttons sewn onto shirts, shirt studs are removable accessories that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.

  These elegant fasteners typically consist of a decorative head attached to a backing mechanism that secures the shirt front closed. Shirt studs are primarily associated with formal attire, particularly for black tie and white tie occasions. Modern formal shirts typically use three or four studs to accommodate longer shirt plackets and the lower rise of contemporary waistlines.

  Shirt studs represent one of the subtle ways gentlemen can express personal style within the regulated formality of evening dress codes, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to formal attire.

• How do I put on cufflinks?

  How you put on a pair of cufflinks will vary based on the closure method of the cufflinks. In this short video, Raphael explains and shows you how to put on the most common types of cufflinks.

• How do I style cufflinks with shirts and suits?

  Raphael will explain exactly how to wear and pair cufflinks in this video, with easy-to-follow instructions and clear visual examples.

• Do I need a special shirt to wear cufflinks?

  Yes, you generally need a special shirt to wear cufflinks. The most appropriate shirts for cufflinks are French cuff shirts, which have double-layered cuffs without buttons, specifically designed for cufflinks; convertible cuff shirts, which have both buttons and additional holes to accommodate cufflinks, offering versatility; and dress shirts with cuffs that have holes on both sides instead of buttons.

  While these are the traditional options, there are ways to wear cufflinks with regular shirts. Cufflink adapters can be used to make button-cuff shirts compatible with cufflinks.