Men's Cufflinks Guide: How to Choose, Wear and Clean Cufflinks

By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 28 September 2026

The short answer: choose cufflinks that match the formality of the occasion and the metal of your watch: simple silver-tone or gold-tone cufflinks for business, onyx, enamel or mother-of-pearl for black tie and weddings, and colourful or novelty designs for relaxed events. Wear them only with double (French) cuff or convertible-cuff shirts. To clean them, wipe with a soft cloth, wash gently in warm soapy water, dry thoroughly and store them separately so they don't scratch.

How to choose cufflinks

What do cufflinks mean?

Cufflinks fasten a shirt cuff that has buttonholes on both sides instead of buttons. They date back to the 17th century and became popular in the 19th, when double cuffs became fashionable. Today they signal a formal or special occasion, and they are a traditional gift for a groom, best man or new graduate.

How to wear cufflinks

• Wear them with double (French) cuffs, folded back and fastened with the decorative face outward.
• Match the metal to your watch, belt buckle and tie clip.
• Coordinate, don't match exactly: pick up a colour from your tie or pocket square. See our tie guide.
• Keep business cufflinks small and simple.

Cufflink fastenings

The swivel bar (or bullet back) is the most common and easiest to use: you push the bar through the holes and turn it flat. Our cufflinks use a swivel bar closure and come in a gift box. Other types include chain links, fixed backs and silk knots.

How to clean cufflinks

1. Wipe with a soft, dry microfibre cloth after each wear to remove skin oils.
2. For dirt, dip a soft toothbrush in warm water with a drop of mild soap and clean gently around the stones and bar.
3. Rinse briefly and dry completely, especially the hinge.
4. Silver: use a silver polishing cloth for tarnish. Gold: soap and water only.
5. Plated, enamel and stone-set cufflinks: avoid abrasive polish and never soak them, which can loosen stones and wear the plating.

How to store cufflinks without scratches

Keep each pair in its own compartment in a lined box or pouch, away from moisture. Don't let them rattle loose in a drawer with other metal.

Cufflinks as a gift

Cufflinks are a classic gift for weddings, milestones and promotions. Coordinated pairs for the groom and groomsmen look good in photos. See our gift guide for him.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose men's cufflinks?

Match the occasion and your metals: simple metal for business, black onyx or enamel for black tie, colour for weddings and fun designs for casual events.

What do cufflinks mean?

They fasten double-cuff shirts and signal a formal occasion. As a gift, they mark milestones like weddings and promotions.

How do you clean gold cufflinks?

Wipe with a soft cloth, clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, rinse briefly and dry thoroughly.

How do you clean silver cufflinks?

Wipe with a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish, then buff with a soft dry cloth.

How do I store cufflinks so they don't get scratched?

In a lined box or pouch with a separate compartment for each pair.

Do cufflinks work with any shirt?

No. They need a double (French) cuff or a convertible cuff with holes on both sides.

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