Any love for colored silk knot cufflinks?

[MBreinin]

I have a few pair. They are blue, and they came with Polo shirts. Every once in a while I will wear them for a change. I used to think they were cheap, but now I kinda dig them.


Mike

 

[Oleg]

I happily wear them from time to time - sometimes feel like adding a bit of colour. They don't need to look cheap at all. Also tend to leave spare pairs in my desk, briefcase and in my sponge bag when travelling in case I lose a metal link.
Not sure if we're getting a different perspectives from either side of the pond: from the UK, I can't see them as an even remotely controversial choice.

Noticed Patrick Grant wearing them happily enough in this:
http://putthison.com/post/1293489667...rant-the-owner

 

[jesask]

I don't have a problem with them at all. I wear them from time to time when I want something a little different.

 

[cold war painter]

Originally Posted by Oleg

from the UK, I can't see them as an even remotely controversial choice.

+1

 

[East Oakland]

I'm also having trouble understanding all the hate for silk knots--they're a trad classic.

I have tons of vintage sterling links but I almost always go for the silk knots instead.

It may be due to the fact that I work in a fairly casual office and am only one of two guys who ever wears double cuff shirts. I feel like the knots stand out less and work better in a casual environment.

The ebay knots are rarely made of silk, but I do find it hard to shell out the $12 or so you pay for real silk knots at retail.

 

[Threadbearer]

Many posts in this thread seem to share an underlying assumption that one must choose between silk knots and metal links. There is, however, a Third Way: https://www.kentwang.com/cuff-links.

 

[Bill Smith]

Originally Posted by jesask

I don't have a problem with them at all. I wear them from time to time when I want something a little different.

+1.

 

[Xenos]

I was "raised" (in the style world) to think of silk knots as appropriate only for black-tie. Is that wrong?

 

[Ianiceman]

Originally Posted by Xenos

I was "raised" (in the style world) to think of silk knots as appropriate only for black-tie. Is that wrong?

I would say it's wrong. They are less formal. For black tie you want your most formal set.

 

[SuitMyself]

You know what the really funny thing is? I saw a photo of a guy on SF who was wearing what looked like a silk knot inserted in the boutonniere hole on his jacket's lapel.

Darnest thing! It actually looked quite good!

 

[1up2down]

Originally Posted by Ianiceman

I would say it's wrong. They are less formal. For black tie you want your most formal set.

+1

 

[blahman]

I'm a big fan of silk knots. They are cheap yet looks very elegant when matched properly. Much more elegant than those ridiculous novelty cufflinks no matter if theyre made of platinum and diamonds. I also find them more comfortable than the other cuff links.

I think for most people who are against silk knots, their main reason is that they don't cost much to buy. Because they are not expensive, they must be nasty.

A juicy burger from the shop down the road may not cost much but that doesn't make it any less delicious.

 

[Srynerson]

Originally Posted by bleachboy

I have a few. Charvet makes very nice ones. I do not presently own any French cuff shirts, however!

There's an Ionesco play somewhere in that....

 

[JayJay]

I'm not a fan, in fact, I hate them. I prefer double-sided cufflinks.

 

[Threadbearer]

Originally Posted by blahman

I think for most people who are against silk knots, their main reason is that they don't cost much to buy. Because they are not expensive, they must be nasty.
I think another reason people dislike silk knots is that some shirts are sold with a pair of knots already in the cuffs. This makes them seem disposable, like the thin plastic collar stays that come with most shirts.

Tangential question: Would anyone here wear black silk knots to a funeral? It seems to me that a black grenadine tie, a charcoal suit, and a pair of black silk knots would be a very classy and understated combination. It would look sharp without calling any attention to itself. I may try that the next time I'm unfortunate enough to have the occasion.