Were French Cuffs ever a staple of American menswear?

[micbain]

Just curious as I've been watching a lot of Mad Men lately. Seems like everyone wears 'em on the show and I was wondering if this is accurate. I hardly run in to anyone with French Cuffs these days (Canada or USA) and given the hatred of anything French (see freedom fries) I wonder if they were every really popular.

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by micbain

Just curious as I've been watching a lot of Mad Men lately. Seems like everyone wears 'em on the show and I was wondering if this is accurate. I hardly run in to anyone with French Cuffs these days (Canada or USA) and given the hatred of anything French (see freedom fries) I wonder if they were every really popular.

I see men only wear them with suits here in the US, but they seem to be perceived as a little pretentous here...

 

[yachtie]

The mark of the plutocrat. ( along with suspenders)

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by yachtie

The mark of the plutocrat. ( along with suspenders)

Then what would contrast collars be perceived as?

 

[Dewey]

for formalwear, i think yes.

 

[Illuminate07]

well of course formal wear, he's probably wondering if they ever wore french cuff shirts casually without jacket and tie.

 

[Spats]

Originally Posted by mkarim

Then what would contrast collars be perceived as?

The mark of an overpaid plutocrat. To my mind, nothing says, "I don't get my hands dirty" more than a contrast collar. Not even french cuffs. As for contrasting french cuffs...

 

[smoothie]

The hatred of the French? Now really does anyone in America seriously hate the french. Does anyone in America really say freedom fries?

 

[Icarium]

GQ says, "Wear your double cuffs proudly, sir. We’re living in a global economy."

I happen to like double cuffs with silk knots when not wearing a jacket. Although, I do think it looks better with the jacket. I get a comment here and there, but most people honestly don't pay much attention... I only really get comments if I choose a highly contrasting knot color that draws the eye.

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by Illuminate07

well of course formal wear, he's probably wondering if they ever wore french cuff shirts casually without jacket and tie.

That's what I am wondering (with dress trousers)...

 

[KObalto]

Originally Posted by smoothie

The hatred of the French? Now really does anyone in America seriously hate the french. Does anyone in America really say freedom fries?

Yeah, we all call them Belgian fries now that we've learned better.

 

[RyJ Maduro]

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by smoothie

The hatred of the French? Now really does anyone in America seriously hate the french. Does anyone in America really say freedom fries?

Believe it or not, when France and Germany voted against the Iraq war, enrolment in French and German languages classes here in Atlanta dropped 70-80%. Why people would abstain from learning a language (which actually opens doors in life) just because of some political decision is beyond me.

Isen't expressing opinions (to vote against the war) considered freedom of speech?

 

[Icarium]

Originally Posted by smoothie

The hatred of the French? Now really does anyone in America seriously hate the french. Does anyone in America really say freedom fries?

There was once this war called the American Revolutionary War, in which without France, we would still be staying, "Long live the Queen." Americans are dumb.

Every time I go to Paris to visit my girlfriend's family, I am legitimately embarrassed to admit to people where I'm from. They, on the other hand, are generally very nice and don't seem to hold a grudge.

 

[agoldf]

"There was once this war called the American Revolutionary War, in which without France, we would still be staying, "Long live the Queen." Americans are dumb."

I suppose that means Americains should still hate the brits over Bunker Hill?