When it comes to dressing sharply, many men focus on ties, shoes, and suits, but cufflinks deserve a spot in the spotlight too. However, the relationship between cufflinks and your shirt collar style is often overlooked. Different shirt collars have unique shapes and fits, which can influence which cufflinks complement them best. Choosing the right cufflinks to match your collar can elevate your entire look subtly and smartly.
Understanding Shirt Collar Shapes
Before pairing cufflinks, it’s useful to recognize common collar types. The most popular ones are the classic point collar, spread collar, button-down collar, and the wingtip collar, often reserved for formalwear. Each of these collars frames your face differently and works best with certain cufflink styles and sizes.
The point collar is narrow and traditional, with collar points close together. The spread collar has a wider gap between points, lending itself to larger tie knots and a more contemporary look. Button-down collars are casual, with buttons securing the collar tips in place, while wingtip collars have small folded wings and are typically paired with tuxedos.
Cufflink Size and Shape for Narrow Collars
For narrow collars like the point collar, cufflinks with a slimmer profile and more subtle designs work best. Oversized or bulky cufflinks can appear disproportionate next to a tight collar frame. Consider small to medium-sized oval or rectangular cufflinks, which maintain a balanced, refined look.
Minimalist designs or classic materials such as silver or gold also harmonize with narrow collars without overwhelming the shirt’s lines. Thin, elongated cufflinks can even complement the collar’s vertical shape, enhancing an elegant silhouette.
Pairing with Spread Collars
Spread collars offer more visual space and often accompany wider tie knots like the Windsor. This extra room lets you experiment with bolder cufflink styles. Larger cufflinks, including square or round shapes with decorative details, work well here.
Because spread collars appear more modern, pairing them with cufflinks that show character—such as mother-of-pearl inlays, engraved patterns, or colorful accents—can strike the right balance between classic and contemporary. Don’t shy away from statement pieces that become conversation starters, especially for business or social events.
Considerations for Button-Down Collars
Button-down collars are more casual and often seen with less formal shirts. Because the collar is already secured by buttons, this style doesn’t typically call for cufflinks in the traditional sense, as these shirts usually have barrel cuffs rather than French cuffs.
However, if you do wear French cuff shirts with a button-down collar—such as in a business casual setting—stick to simple, understated cufflinks. Small, round or knot-style cufflinks in muted metals or matte finishes often suit the casual yet polished vibe of button-down collars.
Wingtip Collars and Formal Cufflinks
Wingtip collars are iconic for black-tie and formal events, worn almost exclusively with tuxedos. They call for a specific approach to cufflinks, focusing on elegance and tradition.
Classic, symmetrical cufflinks made from precious metals such as platinum, silver, or gold are a natural fit. Designs often feature understated details like mother-of-pearl or initial engravings. Sizewise, medium to slightly larger cufflinks work best, as they must hold their own alongside the crisp, angular wings of the collar.
Always avoid flashiness; the goal is timeless sophistication that complements the formality of the wingtip collar and tuxedo ensemble.
Additional Tips for Matching Cufflinks and Collars
Besides shape and size, consider the overall color palette and fabric textures. Matte cufflinks suit matte shirt finishes, while shiny cufflinks pair well with glossy shirting fabrics. Also, the occasion should influence your choice—subtle cufflinks for professional settings, more expressive pieces for social gatherings.
Finally, don’t forget the proportions of your wrist and hands. Smaller wrists look better with medium-sized cufflinks rather than large, chunky ones that can overwhelm your look.
By paying attention to the relationship between cufflinks and shirt collars, you ensure every detail of your outfit works harmoniously. It’s a small step with a big impact—one that turns your shirt cuffs from an afterthought into a distinctive feature of your style.