Cufflinks, also known as cuff buttons in Japan due to their structure, are an item that many people are interested in, but it's also true that it can be difficult to know how to choose and wear them correctly. However, once you get the hang of it, they can be an item that subtly expresses your individuality. This time, we asked fashion critic Takahiro Iino about how to wear cufflinks, how to choose them according to the occasion, and how to store them.

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*The image is for illustrative purposes only.

The key to the evolution of cufflinks is a secure fit and ease of wear.

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When it comes to the differences between cufflinks, the first thing that comes to mind is the difference in materials such as metal, gemstones, and enamel, but various structures have also been devised over the years. From those that are completely fixed on both sides with a single thin rod, to those connected by a chain, those that interlock like a snap button, and those that are retractable by wrapping a chain around one side like a fishing reel, the shapes are also diverse.

The most common design today is the "T-bar" structure, which involves rotating a bar at one end 90 degrees to secure it. This design is said to have been developed in the 1920s by the French cufflinks brand Louis Fagran.
The decoration is only on one side, but its sturdiness, excellent fit, and significantly easier attachment and removal compared to other designs are the reasons for its popularity.

▶Click here for more details on the history of cufflinks.

"MY BELOVEED ITEMS - A Gentleman's Preciousness": Tracing the History of Cufflinks

Left: French cuff (double cuff), Right: Convertible cuff
*The image is for illustrative purposes only.

First, check if the shirt is suitable for wearing cufflinks.

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Not all dress shirts can be fitted with cufflinks. Specifically, they need to have buttonholes at both ends of the sleeves.

For example, almost all French cuffs (known as double cuffs in Japan), which have a folded-over structure, have that same structure.
On the other hand, for barrel cuffs that don't fold back (known as single cuffs in Japan), while it's not possible to attach them to typical cuffs, it is possible to attach them to convertible cuffs or cuffs with a buttonhole next to the button.

Recently, some dress shirts feature a convenient design where the button's base is extended, allowing you to hide the button on the back when wearing cufflinks. Be sure to visit a store and find a shirt that suits you.

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