Standing at the mirror with a double cuff flapping open is a frustrating way to start an important day. Follow these steps and you'll be able to put on cufflinks calmly and securely, so the decorative face sits exactly where it should. The guide walks through identifying your cuff, aligning the holes, fastening the backing, fixing common problems and storing the pair safely afterwards.
Once the shirt is compatible, putting on cufflinks is straightforward. The key is to align all cuff holes, pass the post through without forcing it and secure the backing so the decorative face sits outside the wrist. Practise before you are fully dressed, especially with an unfamiliar fastening.
1. Identify the cuff type
A French or double cuff folds back on itself and presents four aligned buttonholes. A convertible cuff normally has a button but also provides holes for cufflinks. Ordinary barrel cuffs are usually button-only. If the holes are still stitched closed, ask a tailor rather than cutting fabric blindly.
2. Fold and align
Put on the shirt and fold a French cuff back neatly so the edges meet. You can arrange the two sides like a kiss, with inner faces together, which produces the familiar paired edge. Hold all layers so the buttonholes form one clear channel. It is often easier to fasten the non-dominant wrist first.
3. Prepare the cufflink
For a bullet or whale-back link, rotate the toggle so it forms a straight line with the post. For a fixed-back design, identify the narrower end that passes through first. Chain links have decorated ends connected by chain and may require more careful feeding through each layer.
4. Insert from the outside
Push the post through the outer buttonhole and then through every remaining layer. The decorative face should stay on the visible outside of the cuff. Never force a broad backing through a tight hole; realign the fabric and try again to avoid stretching or tearing the stitching.
5. Secure the backing
Rotate the toggle perpendicular to the post, or settle the fixed backing against the inner cuff. For chain links, make sure both decorative ends sit correctly and the chain is not twisted. Gently pull the cuff apart to confirm the link is locked.
6. Check comfort under the jacket
Move your wrist and slide on the jacket. The cuff should close securely without pinching, and the link should not catch the sleeve lining. A small portion of shirt cuff is usually visible, but the exact amount depends on tailoring and movement.
Fix common problems
If holes will not align, unfold and refold the cuff cleanly. If the link falls out, check that the toggle fully rotates and is not damaged. If the cuff feels too tight, confirm shirt size and link depth rather than forcing it. If the cufflink spins, a lighter or smaller face may sit more steadily.
Remove and store safely
Open the backing before pulling the post out. Place both links in the same lined compartment so one is not lost. Wipe away skin oils before storage and inspect the fastening occasionally. A minute of care makes the pair ready for the next event.
Next step
See our cufflink buying guide for material and proportion advice, then explore the current cufflink collection.
Cufflinks for weddings and groomsmen
On a wedding morning, nobody wants to learn a new fastening. Choose pairs with a simple bullet or whale-back toggle for the groom and groomsmen, and ask everyone to practise once before the day. Matching pairs look neat in photographs; the groom can stand out with a distinctive design such as engraved sterling silver ovals or a mother of pearl pair. Browse wedding cufflinks and engravable cufflinks, and see our groomsmen gift ideas. Many designs are held in small quantities, so contact us early if you need several matching pairs.
Before you buy
Check that the shirt has French (double) or convertible cuffs, then confirm the fastening type and face size on the product page. If you are buying for a particular event, order with time to practise. Eligible returns are accepted within 14 days of receiving your order; see Returns & Refunds.
Quick answers
Which way should the cufflink face?
The decorative face sits on the outside of the cuff, facing away from your body, so it is visible when your arms are at your sides.
Can I wear cufflinks with a normal button cuff?
Only if it is a convertible cuff with a buttonhole on both sides. Standard barrel cuffs are button-only.
Which fastening is easiest?
Bullet and whale-back toggles are the quickest to fasten one-handed. Chain links take a little more practice.
Shop the look: practise with an easy everyday pair such as the Watch Gear Cog Mechanism Cufflinks or the Round Black Enamel Cufflinks, and keep them in a cufflink case.
