Most men associate cufflinks with semi-formal evening wear, especially the tuxedo style. However, they are versatile types of accessories that can fulfill a surprising number of wardrobe roles. If you have long-sleeved shirts with cuff holes, then you can work these little fasteners into any outfit. They are both ornamental and functional.

If you’ve never tried unique cufflinks, there’s a lot you are missing. Women can quickly notice the details, and you are sure to receive compliments.

First things first,

Familiarize yourself with various types of shirt cuffs. Then understand the most popular materials for cufflinks, so you don’t end up with junk of add-ons. You want something you can pass on to your loved ones as heirlooms.

Cufflink Materials

Cufflinks are designed in just about anything from gold, platinum, silver, diamond, carbon fiber, crystals, enamel, glass, pearl, onyx, silk, and stainless steel. Titanium is one of the strongest and durable designs for unique cufflinks.

• Convertible barrel cuff: The traditional barrel cuff that is worn either like the classic or buttoned cuff. You can have cufflinks for this type.

• Classic rounded cuff: It is probably the most relaxed cuff that makes a perfect pair for classic button-down shirts with collars.

• French cuff: It is common in formal shirts and is also known as the barrel cuff. It is longer than most cuffs.

• Cocktail cuff: Also referred to as the James Bond cuff, this cuff features a similar fold like the French cuff but is often secured with buttons and not cufflinks.

Fastening Cuffs with Unique Cufflinks, cufflinks are ideal for single cuffs that are synonymous with regular buttons on dress shirts. Both sides of the opening must have holes lining up on top of each other when the cuff folds back. To fasten your cuff, insert the cufflink in the holes of either side of the cuff opening. Make sure the post is running through each hole. Then set the link into its closed position. Match the cuff sides in a ‘kissing’ manner with inner sides touching one another. The hemmed edges of the cuff should open outward atop each other.

It is okay to fasten cuff sides so that they overlap instead of kissing. The cuff edges’ underside lies on top of the other edge’s outer side in such an arrangement. You will have one hemmed edge pointing outward.

While cufflinks are many times overlooked, they are vital retrofits. They not only cover your wrists but also serve as an indication of the formality of your shirt. Your shirt cuff needs to snug comfortably on your wrist without being as tight as a bracelet. The cufflink makes the cuff small enough, so your hand cannot go through.