Matching Cufflinks with Shirt Styles | A Gentleman’s Guide for the UK

Cufflinks may be small, but their impact on your outfit is anything but minor. For the modern UK gentleman, wearing the right cufflinks shows sophistication, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of personal style. But to make the most out of your cufflink choices, it’s essential to pair them correctly with your shirt style.

From French cuffs to convertible cuffs, every shirt has its own rules—and every man deserves to master them.

Here’s a full breakdown of how to perfectly match your cufflinks with different types of shirt cuffs for any occasion.

1. French Cuff Shirts: The Classic Canvas for Cufflinks

French cuff shirts are double-cuffed and designed specifically for cufflinks. This is the most formal shirt style, making it perfect for weddings, black-tie events, and business occasions.

Best Cufflink Matches:

• Metal cufflinks (silver or gold) for formal events

• Gemstone or enamel cufflinks for a splash of colour

• Engraved or monogrammed styles for weddings or personal milestones

French cuffs offer a wide, visible surface—so make your cufflinks count.

2. Convertible Cuff Shirts: Flexibility in Style

Convertible cuffs come with both a button and a hole for cufflinks, giving you the freedom to dress up or keep things casual. This is a great option for everyday business wear.

Best Cufflink Matches:

• Simple geometric styles for professional meetings

• Fabric or matte-finish cufflinks for more casual flair

• Personalized cufflinks if you're wearing them in place of buttons

This shirt style allows you to ease into the cufflink game without fully committing to French cuffs every day.

3. Single Cuff Shirts: Limited But Possible

Single cuff shirts are typically worn with buttons, but some formal single-cuff designs can be customized to accept cufflinks. These are often worn with tuxedos and morning dress in the UK.

Best Cufflink Matches:

• Classic black onyx or silver designs for evening wear

• Mother-of-pearl for wedding attire

• Subtle vintage designs to complement heritage suits

Note: These are less common but very elegant when tailored properly.

4. Wingtip Collar Shirts: For Black-Tie Perfection

Wingtip collar shirts are typically reserved for tuxedos and formalwear. These often feature French cuffs and require top-tier cufflinks.

Best Cufflink Matches:

• Luxury cufflinks with diamonds, crystals, or precious metals

• Elegant matching sets (tie bar, stud buttons, cufflinks)

• Custom engraved wedding cufflinks for grooms and best men

A wingtip shirt demands the very best—so bring out your finest pair from Wimbledon Cufflink Company.

5. Oxford or Button-Down Shirts: Not Typically for Cufflinks—but There’s a Way

These shirts usually come with standard buttons. However, if tailored or custom-made, some Oxfords can accommodate convertible cuffs.

Best Cufflink Matches:

• Novelty or fabric cufflinks to keep things fun and casual

• Minimalist cufflinks that align with smart-casual outfits

While not standard, cufflinks on Oxfords show you pay attention to the small things.

6. Coordinating Colours and Materials

The cufflink isn’t just about the shirt’s cuff—it’s also about how it fits with the rest of your outfit.

Colour Matching Tips:

• Match silver cufflinks with cool tones: white, blue, grey shirts

• Match gold cufflinks with warm tones: cream, brown, earth-toned shirts

• Use coloured stones or enamel to complement tie or pocket square shades

Material Consideration:

• Choose metal for formality

• Wood, leather, or fabric for texture and informality

• Gemstones or crystals for flair and special occasions

7. Occasion-Based Matching

Cufflinks should also reflect the event you're attending. Here’s a quick guide:

8. When in Doubt, Go Custom

A well-fitted shirt with tailored cuffs and a custom pair of cufflinks is always a win. At Wimbledon Cufflink Company, we offer a range of personalized cufflinks perfect for any shirt style and any occasion.

Custom options let you:

• Add initials, dates, or meaningful symbols

• Choose colour and material

• Match your unique cuff size and style

Nothing beats the elegance of wearing cufflinks made just for you.

9. Storage and Care: Keep Your Collection Sharp

Your cufflink collection deserves care just like your shirts.

Tips:

• Store cufflinks in a soft-lined box

• Avoid mixing metal types to prevent scratching

• Wipe with a clean cloth after use

Proper maintenance ensures your cufflinks stay ready for any shirt, anytime.

Final Thoughts: Style Starts with the Details

In the UK, men’s fashion is about subtlety, refinement, and individuality. Mastering the pairing of cufflinks with your shirt style helps you stand out in a world where details define true elegance.

Browse our full collection at Wimbledon Cufflink Company and find the perfect match for every cuff in your wardrobe.