How to Buy Cufflinks

Cufflinks are accessories that can add style and personality to your formal or casual outfits. However, you should also consider some factors such as the occasion, the shirt, the budget and the preference of the wearer or the recipient when buying them. Here are some guidelines on how to buy cufflinks:

How do I choose the right type of cufflinks?

Cufflinks are typically classified by the type of back or closure they have, which affects how they fit and look on the shirt sleeves. The three most popular types are fixed back, bullet back and whaleback cufflinks. Fixed back cufflinks have an attached, immovable fastener that you just slip through the slit in the sleeve. They are easy to use and come in various shapes and sizes. Bullet back cufflinks have a bullet-like fastener that lies in line with the stem and then is moved into place to secure the sleeve. They are also simple to use and suitable for most occasions. Whaleback cufflinks have a rectangular bar that rotates in line with the stem and then back into place to close the cuff. They are similar to bullet back cufflinks but have a more streamlined appearance.

How do I choose the right material of cufflinks?

Cufflinks can be made from different metals such as sterling silver, stainless steel, gold, platinum or brass. They can also feature stones such as diamonds, pearls, crystals or gemstones. The material of the cufflinks affects their durability, quality, price and style. Generally, sterling silver, stainless steel and gold are the most common and versatile materials for cufflinks as they are durable, elegant and easy to match with different outfits. However, you can also opt for other materials depending on your taste and budget.

How do I choose the right design of cufflinks?

Cufflinks can express colours, patterns, hobbies, themes or personalities that suit the individual's taste. For formal events, such as weddings, black tie or white tie occasions, you should choose cufflinks that are black, white, silver, dark blue or made from precious stones, gold or silver. These colours and materials are classic, sophisticated and understated. For informal events, such as parties, dinners or casual outings, you can choose cufflinks that are bright, shiny or novelty. These colours and designs are fun, playful and eye-catching. You can also choose cufflinks that reflect your interests, hobbies or passions such as sports, music, art or animals.

How to Choose Which Pair of Cufflinks to Wear

Cufflinks can enhance your outfit and make you stand out from the crowd. However, you should also know how to choose which pair of cufflinks to wear depending on the occasion,
the shirt and your overall look. Here are some tips on how to choose which pair of cufflinks to wear:

One way is to match your cufflinks with your shirt. The first thing you need to do is to choose a shirt that can accommodate your cufflinks. You should opt for a formal shirt with either a double cuff or a French cuff, which are cuffs that fold back and have holes on both sides for the cufflinks. These shirts are more elegant and suitable for cufflinks than single cuff shirts, which have buttons on the sides. Then, you should match the colour and style of your cufflinks with your shirt. You can either go for a contrasting or a complementary colour scheme. For example, you can pair silver or black cufflinks with a white shirt, or blue or red cufflinks with a blue shirt. You can also match the pattern or the shape of your cufflinks with your shirt. For example, you can pair striped or square cufflinks with a striped or checked shirt, or round or oval cufflinks with a plain or solid shirt.

Another way is to match your cufflinks with your suit and tie.So the next thing you could do is to match your cufflinks with your suit and tie. You should choose cufflinks that complement the colour and style of your suit and tie, without being too matchy-matchy or too clashing. For example, you can pair gold or brown cufflinks with a navy or grey suit, or silver or blue cufflinks with a black or charcoal suit. You can also match the texture or the material of your cufflinks with your suit and tie. For example, you can pair silk or fabric cufflinks with a silk or wool suit and tie, or metal or stone cufflinks with a cotton or linen suit and tie.

Alternatively match your cufflinks with your personality and mood. You should choose cufflinks that reflect who you are and how you feel, without being  inappropriate or offensive. For example, you can pair novelty or humorous
cufflinks with a casual or fun outfit, or elegant or classic cufflinks with a formal
or serious outfit.
You can also choose cufflinks that show your interests, hobbies or passions, such as sports, music, art or animals. However, you should avoid wearing comical, flashy or controversial cufflinks for formal events, as they could be seen as disrespectful or unprofessional.

Now we move over to how to look after cufflinks.

Cufflinks are accessories that can add style and personality to your formal or casual outfits. However, they also require proper care and maintenance to keep them in good condition and prevent damage or tarnishing. Here are some tips on how to look after your cufflinks:

Polish your cufflinks regularly. Use a soft cloth or a jewellery polishing cloth to gently wipe away any dirt, dust, fingerprints or smudges from your cufflinks. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch or corrode the metal or the stones. You can also use a mild soap and water solution for cleaning, but make sure to dry your cufflinks thoroughly afterwards.

Store your cufflinks properly. Keep your cufflinks in a separate box, case or pouch that has compartments or dividers to prevent them from rubbing against each other or other jewellery items. This will also protect them from moisture, sunlight, heat or dust that could cause fading, discolouration or oxidation.

Repair your cufflinks if needed. If your cufflinks have loose stones, broken clasps, bent stems or other defects, you should take them to a professional jeweller for repair as soon as possible. Do not attempt to fix them yourself as you could cause further damage or lose some parts. You should also check your cufflinks regularly for any signs of wear and tear and replace them if they are beyond repair.