On the other hand, more casual occasions, like dinner dates or parties, allow you to wear cufflinks that show a bit more personality. Knowing the difference and understanding your audience is key in making the decision about what cufflinks to wear, and indeed whether or not to wear them. There are dozens of variations on the basic theme of the hinged cufflink, and several other mechanical alternatives as well. Here are some of the most common types of cufflinks:

Cufflinks have long been traditionally associated with men’s formal or semiformal wear such as a tuxedo ensemble. Others refer to these versatile accessories as “formal jewellery.” They are great if you want to add a personal touch to your tuxedo, cufflink shirt or suit. Though small, cufflinks can make a big impression, and there’s a lot to know about them if you want to wear them well.Formal suspenders are always the button-on variety– never clip-on– and they customarily feature soft, knitted ends instead of the stiffer and bulkier leather tabs found on ordinary suspenders. Gents don’t often get the chance to make a splash at the office – after all, there’s only so many ways you can style a navy or charcoal suit. In contrast, cufflinks provide an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Towards the end of the 1700’s, when the Industrial Revolution brought about newer, cheaper manufacturing methods, chains were replaced with simple rods and clips. Mother-of-pearl – a pale, glossy material sourced from seashells. This is the same material used to make high-quality shirt buttons, so cufflinks made from it can closely resemble shirt buttons. Commonly seen on the cufflinks for formal and semiformal outfits. The forerunner to the modern cufflink appeared in the early 1500’s, when prominent men began wearing their shirts with ruffled wristbands tied together with strings.

Knot Cufflinks are similar to chain link, with two heads connected by a short, flexible length, but they are made of soft cord (usually silk) rather than metal, and the heads are decorative knots. The irregular surface of the knotwork makes this a more casual style, particularly when multiple colors are involved. Unless trousers are custom tailored to stay securely in placewith side adjusters, suspenders ( bracesin the UK) are always worn with a tuxedo.

1. The Tie Bar [Value Accessory Brand]

As a rule, I only ever wear cufflinks with a French cuff shirt. They tend to have a weight and formality which feels in keeping with the tradition of this sartorial accoutrement. However, this isn’t the only option. Insert the cufflink closure through the two outside cuff panels, making sure that the cufflink’s face is visible on the outside of the cuff. If you’re just out and about in a suit, cufflinks are a great option to add some personality and / or dressiness to the suited ensemble. Think dinner dates, evening social events, and similar outings. Your cufflinks in this case can be pretty much anything you want: bright colors, novelty designs, customized materials, or anything else you prefer.