What's the purpose of extra-long sweater cuffs?

[crinklecut]

Recently I was looking over the John Smedley website and noticed that the majority of their wool sweaters have extra-long ribbed cuffs, meant to be folded back on themselves. I have a couple of cable-knit sweaters with this feature as well and I kind of hate it - they don't stay folded over and flop around everywhere. What's the dealio? Is this supposed to reduce wear on the end of the cuff or something?

 

[Pully]

This allows a cuff seam to neither be in contact with your wrist nor visible on the outside of the cuff.

 

[Lord Asquith]

Originally Posted by crinklecut

Recently I was looking over the John Smedley website and noticed that the majority of their wool sweaters have extra-long ribbed cuffs, meant to be folded back on themselves. I have a couple of cable-knit sweaters with this feature as well and I kind of hate it - they don't stay folded over and flop around everywhere. What's the dealio? Is this supposed to reduce wear on the end of the cuff or something?

It is simply their style and that's how it's worn by upper class persons.. And they do stay folded over because this is the only type I have even even wore. It is also easier to adjust the sleeve length rather than have one size fits all.

 

[JamesX]

They should stay folded.