There's an old adage that says "the more elaborate the cuff links, the less trustworthy the man."
In many respects, we'd have to agree - there's nothing good that will come from someone trying to light my Nat Sherman from one of these.
What you're looking for is something that will add a nice accent to an already well put together outfit. For doing cuff links right, there are more than a few options - we're here to point you in the right direction.
What Type Of Shirt Do You Need?
First things first. Make sure your shirt is either french cuff, or convertible cuff. However, convertible cuffs wreak of a prom tuxedo rental so we don’t recommend that. The French cuff has multiple shapes and styles that you can choose from. The round, notch, and cutaway to name a few. These allow for some unique options so you’re not stuck with one design.
What Type of Cuff Link is Best?
Let's go beyond silk knot cuff links for a moment, though they're a good option if you're going casual. We'd say stick to the pocket square rule - you don't want to match the color exactly, so much as you want to complement. They're also very cheap (if not free from many shirt makers).
For a more traditional option, metal knots or studs - we recommend matching the metal to your watch (i.e. silver, gold,etc. - more on watches later...).Tiffany links
There are also numerous options with a flat surface which are nice, though we'd shy away from having your initials engraved (you're already important enough for people to know your name), but if you must... Diana Vincent Links
Too many options to list, but we'd recommend you invest in quality and something that means something to you. After all, quality is what remains long after you've forgotten about price. A couple that are like tap water (have always been fine, will always be fine)
What I've been wearing a lot lately are these (shameless plug for el Jefe).
But here's a few reasons why.
1. The fabric (which is wonderful and sourced from old suit fabrics), is a nice bridge back to the more casual side of things.
2. The etch-work on the metal is understated but elegant - those with a fine eye for detail will appreciate the nuance. Those that don't will never bother you with unwanted attention.
3. These complement my Seamaster better than anything I've come across and 99% of my shirts.
All of that said, make this purchase personal, but versatile. This is something more akin to the lining of your jacket - just be aware that people will see it.
Final thought, which goes without saying - make sure you put these in the right shirt. If you come to us, we obviously wouldn't let this happen to you...
Cheers,
B.C. Short
Lifestyle Editor
