Cuff Links Basics

mrpologuy · Sep 1, 2006

Thanks to you guys, I have invested in 3 french cuff shirts. One shirt is white, the other french blue and the other is green(almost the same color as an apple. I was jsut wondering what the rules are for cuff links. When is it ok to wear them? How do I go about matching them? Does it go by shirt and tie color or the color of my suit? Are some style better than others? What are some good online sources for the? Thanks for all the help!

chorse123 · Sep 1, 2006

To start, I would recommend one pair in sterling silver (or lookalike) and a couple pairs of silk knots. As far as sources, you can get good vintage pairs on ebay. My first pair came from Filene's or something like that - a silver knot (well, not actually silver) with the dreaded toggle back. They've served me well. Vintage Gent has bought from Eve's Addiction, which knocks off Tiffany's designs. I like these: http://www.evesaddiction.com/cuf10004.html

And they are much less expensive than at Tiffany.

mrpologuy · Sep 1, 2006

What are the toggle back kind? Are there othe ways to fastem them besides toggle back?

Vintage Gent · Sep 1, 2006

Originally Posted by chorse123

To start, I would recommend one pair in sterling silver (or lookalike) and a couple pairs of silk knots.

That's a solid recommendation. I'd recommend that your first sterling pair be a set of silver knots like these from Brooks Brothers:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...&Parent_Id=228

Originally Posted by chorse123

Vintage Gent has bought from Eve's Addiction

To be fair, it was Mrs. Vintage Gent, being kind to her hubby on our anniversary.

chorse123 · Sep 1, 2006

Originally Posted by mrpologuy

What are the toggle back kind?

These are the toggle back. The problem with them is that they are not double sided -- the business end shows, which is not very elegant.

These are double sided. Much preffered. I'm not a huge fan of either these styles - they are for illustration purposes only.

AlanC · Sep 1, 2006

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

That's a solid recommendation. I'd recommend that your first sterling pair be a set of silver knots like these from Brooks Brothers:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...&Parent_Id=228
I agree with VG's suggestion. I think sterling knots are the most versatile cufflinks.

For designer 'inspired' cufflinks, you might also look at Overstock, which seems to be similar to Eve's Addiction. The EA prices seem to be a bit better, but Overstock has a wider selection. (Man, those EA sterling eternal circle cufflinks at $36 sure are tempting!)

These sterling knots from Overstock are quite handsome.

As chorse says, whatever you do, buy double-sided links (I like the argyle links, but probably not a good first choice.)

Of course, ebay is the source of great vintage finds, but buying new sterling knots will put you on firmer footing at this point.

Renault78law · Sep 1, 2006

it is ok to wear cufflinks when you're wearing a suit and tie, imo.

Bradford · Sep 1, 2006

The only rule I follow with cufflinks is to match the metal to my belt buckle, i.e. silver belt buckle = silver cufflinks, gold = gold.

You also may want to keep this in mind if you are wearing a pair of monkstrap shoes.

Other than that - have fun and express your individuality.

thinman · Sep 1, 2006

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

That's a solid recommendation. I'd recommend that your first sterling pair be a set of silver knots like these from Brooks Brothers:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...&Parent_Id=228

To be fair, it was Mrs. Vintage Gent, being kind to her hubby on our anniversary.

I bought these as my first pair of cuff links and they're still my default cufflinks whenever I don't have a color match between cufflinks and something else I'm wearing. I follow Bradford's "golden rule" (or silver rule in my case) and match the metal in my cufflinks to the metal in my belt buckle (and watch), though I don't care to try and match the buckle on my monkstraps.

gmac · Sep 1, 2006

You'll find that thrift and consignment stores are excellent places to pick up cheap and fun cufflinks. I've found some beauties in this kind of store, often for <$10.

Not to diss anybody else's advice but I personally am not a fan of silver cufflinks other than for formal/semi-formal occasions. I tend to go for something a little more colourful. Simply by wearing cufflinks you will be out of the ordinary and attract attention - might as well give the people a show!

And I have no problem with toggle backs, particularly because I don't have to get my wife to help me put them on like I often do with double sided.

Jovan · Sep 1, 2006

Correction: It is okay to wear cufflinks whenever the **** you want to.

gmac · Sep 1, 2006

Originally Posted by Jovan

Correction: It is okay to wear cufflinks whenever the **** you want to.

Amen!!!

Where is that picture of Ewan McGregor from?

DocHolliday · Sep 1, 2006

On a related note: I'm interested in learning more about the history of the cufflink. Anyone knowledgeable on the subject, or know of a good source for more information?

Gradstudent78 · Sep 2, 2006

this might be informative:
http://www.adwinang.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=4

jml90 · Sep 2, 2006

I'd search ebay for vintage ones that's what I do the most I've payed is $20 and that was because I really liked this pair. I like snap cufflinks myself

Cuff Links Basics

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