Wearing mens cufflinks is a sign of class, and it will undoubtedly elevate your outfit. However, picking the right cufflinks requires a lot of attention.
There are lots of criteria to think about. And not only that, but you also need to stick with a specific budget most of the time. Here’s what you should know when buying unique cufflinks for men.
Understand the occasion
Every occasion warrants a specific type of cufflinks for men and materials. Sure, you can get luxury cufflinks that are one-size-fits-all, but they might not always fit the use case at hand. That’s why the event or setting will always determine what cufflink style you need to go with.
- When you are attending a formal event, mother-of-pearl, gold, or silver mens cufflinks are usually preferred.
- For a creative or casual setting, you can choose novelty pieces, materials, colors, and bolder designs.
- In the case of business and office wear, you have muted tones and minimal patterns.
Clearly, you will have a variety of options when it comes to cuff links. Attaching them to a specific style and event is going to matter quite a bit here.
Think of the shirt cuff type
Usually, mens cufflinks work only with the French cuffs or the convertible cuffs. In fact, French cuff shirts always require cufflinks, so those mandate the use of a cufflink to begin with. When it comes to convertible cuffs, things are a bit more lenient. You can choose cufflinks, but you can also go with convertible cufflinks, too, depending on the situation.
Selecting the best material
Every material will have its ups and downs, from the durability it provides to pricing. Here’s a table to help you narrow down the best cufflink material.
| Material | Price | Style and notes |
| Gemstones | Will vary based on the stone | Great for dressy or statement pieces, very elegant |
| Enamel | Such cufflinks are quite expensive | They are suitable to express your personality, very colorful |
| Titanium | Mid to high prices | Modern aesthetic, yet very strong and lightweight |
| Stainless steel | Affordable | Low maintenance, durable, and sleek |
| Gold | High prices | Great for any special, luxurious, or formal wear |
| Silver | Mid prices | Timeless, durable, and classic |
What style reflects you?
A good idea is to narrow down the style that you like the most and adapt to that. Timeless, classic mens cufflinks have simple shapes and smooth metal, and they work for pretty much everything. Textured/patterned ones have subtle details, and they add visual interest.
Mother-of-pearl cufflinks or onyx cufflinks are great for gemstone cufflinks, but these are suitable for special, formal occasions. There are also novelty items like monograms or initials. Naturally, these are better for casual wear or sharing them as a gift.
Understand the fastening types
You can access a variety of fastening types, each with its own benefits and challenges:
- Bullet back closure is easy to secure and use
- Whaleback closure has a slightly curved anchor
- Toggle or bullet bars are convenient and good for daily wear
- Chain link styles are quite traditional and slightly casual
- Button-style or stuff similar to that is classic, with a fixed back
Select the right shape and size
If you go with the standard mens cufflinks size, it will fit most shirts. The problem appears when you get cufflinks that are too large or too small. If they are too large, they appear bulky, and if they are small, people might barely notice them. That’s why it makes sense to opt for classic shapes and a regular size. Classic shapes include barrel, knot, oval, square, or round.
Coordinating with the outfit
If you want to make the cufflinks stand out, over any other unique mens jewelry you may be wearing, you always want to coordinate them with the outfit. Try to match metals with the other accessories. That means having the same metal for your belt buckle and watch, for example. At the same time, it also helps if you balance colors with the tie and shirt. And in case you go with patterns, it makes sense to have simple cufflinks, as those will fit everything without worries.
Avoid following trends
There might be trendy cufflink designs that you like now, but those don’t have a lot of longevity. When buying any mens cufflinks, a good rule of thumb is to ensure that these are pieces that are timeless and which will last for decades. Perform a quality check every time you buy cufflinks. Look for smooth edges, a clean finish, a solid feel, a sturdy closure mechanism, and so on.
If you buy cufflinks as a gift, you can engrave or monogram them, which adds an extra special touch and makes them more valuable for the recipient. Also, if you buy them as a gift, go for a classic style, as that tends to fit most looks. A wonderful presentation box will add value and quality to the gift, too.
Taking care of the cufflinks
It’s important to always take good care of the cufflinks. The reality is that these are pieces of jewelry as well, so you do need to perform a bit of maintenance from time to time. Here’s what you should do:
- Wipe the cufflinks after every use. That will remove any grease, fingerprints, and oils that could potentially damage the piece.
- Storing cufflinks in a pouch or a soft box will also help. That will protect them from the elements or even physical damage.
- Avoiding harsh chemicals and moisture is crucial here as well.
- If the cufflinks are silver-based, clean them using a soft cloth.
Conclusion
It can always be difficult to choose the best mens cufflinks, and it comes down to personal preference. But outside of being within your budget, the cufflinks also need to be visually appealing while matching your outfit. At the same time, it’s just as important to perform adequate maintenance as well. In doing so, you preserve the look and value of these amazing pieces. Don’t rush as you buy mens cufflinks, and instead focus on quality, legacy, and durability. That way, it will be easier to buy pieces you actually appreciate and will enjoy for years to come.
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