5 Tips for Choosing the Right Cufflinks

[Harapriya Debata]

Many men rely on their cufflinks to add an extra element of style to their outfit and really make it pop, whether they’re dressing up for an important business meeting or heading out to hit the town on the weekend. When you invest in a nice pair of cufflinks, you want them to last as long as possible, so it’s important to take some factors into consideration when buying them. Here are five tips for choosing the right cufflinks.

1) Style
Let’s face it. Women get all sorts of great fashion advice, but men often don’t get much direction when it comes to clothing. It can be tricky to know what looks good and what doesn’t, especially if you have never worn cufflinks before. Luckily, there are a few easy things that any man can do to ensure that he is dressed stylishly.

2) Material
If you’re going to be wearing your cufflinks every day, it pays to invest in quality materials. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a set of links, but check that they’re made of good-quality metals and pick a design that can take a beating. Avoid links that are overly decorative or feminine—if you want people to notice your cufflinks, let them do so because they match your suit perfectly.

3) Size
The number one thing you should consider when buying a cufflink is its size. As a rule of thumb, most men's shirts will have between 11 and 13 buttons on them, with one or two more towards either side. Take your shirt to a tailor and ask them to measure your sleeve openings (from buttonhole to buttonhole) so that you can get an idea of what size cufflink will be right for you.

4) Color
Cufflinks are a great way to spruce up an outfit, but it’s important to pick colors that match your outfit. Rather than following what fashion trends suggest, look at your wardrobe and choose colors that you already own. For example, if you have a brown suit and blue tie, grab a set of brown cuff links to wear with them.

5) The Purpose
Many men have difficulty finding fashionable clothing accessories. For example, a man might want to buy a pair of cufflinks that can go with his formalwear or business clothes. It’s important to think about design and practicality when shopping for cufflinks. If you make sure they look good but are functional at an everyday level, you’ll be able to wear them again and again—meaning they won’t just be a single-use accessory.