French cuff shirts with spread collar worn casually

[Galen129]

Hi

I'm new to the forum and let this be my introductory post.

I just bought some really nice and well fitting shirts from England (I live in Finland and the selection is not that good). However, being unaccustomed to buying shirts, I only noticed at home that the shirts I bought are French cuff. I rarely wear a jacket and tie and would like to wear my shirts more casually, ie. unbuttoned with cufflinks/silk knots with slacks or nice denims.
I'm a bit self-conscious about doing that as I haven't seen anyone sporting such a style. Do you think it would be appropriate or a major faux pas?
Btw, I have a lean build and I'm in my mid-20's in case that makes a difference.

Galen

 

[tobiasj]

Welcome Galen.

'Major faux pas'. Send them back and get barrel cuffs instead.

 

[justsayno]

Rules are meant to be broken. Just do as you like.

 

[Blackhood]

Out of 100~ shirts I have maybe 6 that are barrel cuffs. In the UK French cuffs are meaningless, no one even notices them, but in the US I get the impression that you'd be arrested for wearing them unless you have several private jets and a yacht.

Americans use them a class divider whereas the rest of the world uses them to keep the ends of their sleeves shut. I can't speak for Finland but in the UK it is more than acceptable to wear FC shirts without a tie.

 

[Gdot]

The spread collar worries me more than the French Cuffs.

 

[GBR]



Welcome Galen.
'Major faux pas'. Send them back and get barrel cuffs instead.

Absolute rubbish.

There is nothing whatever wrong with doing what you suggest.

 

[GBR]



Out of 100~ shirts I have maybe 6 that are barrel cuffs. In the UK French cuffs are meaningless, no one even notices them, but in the US I get the impression that you'd be arrested for wearing them unless you have several private jets and a yacht.
Americans use them a class divider whereas the rest of the world uses them to keep the ends of their sleeves shut. I can't speak for Finland but in the UK it is more than acceptable to wear FC shirts without a tie.

Correct - this American phobia never ceases to amaze me.

 

[SpooPoker]

I really hope Vox drops by and lays down a fantastic explanation of the history behind french cuffs. Really.

 

[Galen129]

Thank you for your replies so far.
I think I might be able to pull off the cuffs.
What about the spread collar sans tie?
Some say the collar "rides higher" when worn like this,
but I honestly don't know if anyone not paying a lot of
attention would notice this.

Galen

 

[Ich_Dien]

If you roll up the sleeves its fine.

 

[Galen129]

Some Internet sources claim that you can fasten the French cuff "barreled" style as opposed to the "kissing" style for a more casual approach
Any opinions on this?

 

[GBR]



Some Internet sources claim that you can fasten the French cuff "barreled" style as opposed to the "kissing" style for a more casual approach
Any opinions on this?

 

Don't fret so much about it - just get on and wear them as you suggested in the first place.

 

[Galen129]

Don't fret so much about it - just get on and wear them as you suggested in the first place.

I think I'll do that. Thanks everyone for the help!

Galen

 

[deandbn]

You see OP no one really knows what they are talking about here. It is all conjecture and personal opinions. If you like your shirts, wear them and enjoy them any way you want. Roll the sleeves up or down or left or right, and button the collar up or down or with a tie or without, maybe even with a bowtie my friend. After all it is what makes you happy because you are the guy that is wearing it. If some one says they do not like it, tell them from me that they are jealous or resentful of your beautiful shirt, or both.

 

[TimelesStyle]

I do this all the time. Just avoid heavy metal links (silk knots are my preference) and you'll be fine. Also, just about all of my shirts are spread collar; the only type I find looks a little odd worn open is a cutaway collar.