Cufflinks

A cuff link (also cufflink or cuff-link) is a decorative fastener worn by men that is used to fasten or link the two portions of a French cuff, typically on a shirt or blouse. Note the cuff is not fastened overlapping itself as casual button cuffs are designed to do. more...

These fasteners may be of very simple design, consisting of a post — a short cylindrical portion — or a chain connecting two disc-shaped parts, one of which is sized to fit through the button-hole of the cuff, the other, which is positioned on the most visible side of, is wider. The visible part of the cufflink is often monogrammed or decorated in some way. Since the purpose of cufflinks is to link and not clip (a la Francaise), it is proper that double-sided cufflinks are used, as opposed to the ubiquitous single-sided ones, which make it look as if one could not afford the gold or jewels on the other side.

Cuff link designs vary widely, as do many fashion accessories. An almost unlimited variety of designs and construction details may appear on a cuff link. For example, the 'hidden' side of a cuff link may have a portion which swivels on the central post, aligning with the post while the link is threaded through the button-hole, and swiveling into a position at right angles to the post when worn.

Silk knot

An alternative fastener to a cuff link is the cheaper silk knot, which is also known as monkey's fists. This object is far better-known in Europe than North America and, despite the lower cost than cuff links, is just as well regarded and just as formal. French cuff shirts are often accompanied with a set of color-coordinated silk knots instead of double-button cuff links.

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