Wearing cufflinks is simple once the cuff is aligned correctly. Most frustration comes from trying to pass the link through holes that are not stacked or from attempting to close the cuff as though it were a barrel cuff. The decorative face generally belongs on the outside of the wrist, where it is most visible when your arm rests naturally.
At a glance
- Put the shirt on before inserting the cufflinks.
- Fold French cuffs back evenly and bring the four buttonholes into alignment.
- Insert the post from the outside face toward the inside wrist.
- Lock the backing and check that the cuff is secure without being compressed.
Insertion method by closure
| Closure | Before insertion | Final step |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet or whale back | Rotate the backing so it is in line with the post. | Turn or flip the backing crosswise after it clears the inner holes. |
| Fixed back | Angle the smaller back through one hole at a time if needed. | Seat the link so both ends rest flat without stretching the holes. |
| Chain link | Guide one decorative end through all holes. | Let the chain sit between the cuff sides without twisting. |
| Silk knot | Compress one knot gently and work it through the holes. | Centre both knots and avoid pulling on the connecting cord. |
Prepare the cuff
Unfasten any temporary cuff buttons and fold a French cuff back along its intended crease. The two open edges should meet like the covers of a book. They should not overlap in the way a standard button cuff does.
With one hand, pinch the folded cuff so all buttonholes line up. If the holes are stiff, work slowly rather than forcing a wide backing through at an angle. Repeated force can stretch stitching or snag the fabric.
Insert and orient the link
Place the decorative face on the outside of the wrist—usually the side facing away from your body when your arms hang naturally. Pass the post through all aligned layers. With a toggle closure, the narrow backing should be parallel to the post during insertion.
After the post clears the cuff, rotate or flip the backing ninety degrees. Fixed and chain styles do not rotate; guide the smaller end through and then settle both faces. The design should sit upright when your arm is relaxed, although symmetrical designs remove this concern.
Check fit and sleeve length
A properly fastened cuff should stay closed but still move with the wrist. It should not pinch, bunch the fabric, or pull the buttonholes into a long oval. If the link is too short for a heavy cuff, use a longer post rather than forcing it.
A small amount of shirt cuff commonly shows beyond a jacket sleeve, but exact proportions vary with tailoring, movement, and personal preference. The link may appear briefly rather than being displayed continuously.
Avoid predictable mistakes
Do not wear a cufflink through only the outer layer of a French cuff, leave a toggle unlocked, or pair two different links by accident. Keep spare silk knots or a basic pair in a travel kit if cufflinks are essential to the event.
Before leaving, flex both wrists and gently tug each cuff. This quick check catches a backing that was never rotated, a chain that is twisted, or a loose mechanism.
- Never use pliers or excessive force on a stuck closure.
- Remove cufflinks before pulling the shirt over your hands.
- Store pairs together immediately after wear.
Reviewed: August 6, 2026. This guide is general information, not an appraisal, legal opinion, or substitute for a jeweller’s inspection.