All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Think of cufflinks as the punctuation mark at the end of a perfectly written sentence — small, often overlooked, but capable of changing the whole meaning. Even in a world of smart-casual dressing, cufflinks bring intentionality to an outfit. They turn a plain shirt into a statement, signal attention to detail, and can reflect personality without speaking a single word. Whether you’re dressing for a wedding, a board meeting, or a date night, the right cufflinks can elevate your look instantly.
Some people collect cufflinks like postcards from moments in time: a pair from a honeymoon, vintage ones from granddad, or custom engravings for milestone birthdays. That narrative quality is what separates cufflinks from other accessories. They’re functional, but they’re also sentimental. Wearing them feels like carrying a small piece of identity on your sleeve — literally.
Not all cufflinks are created equal. Styles vary by mechanism, face shape, and decorative technique. Knowing the basic types helps you pick the best pair for your shirt and the occasion. Here’s a quick primer to decode what you see in stores.
Bullet back and whale back cufflinks feature a swiveling bar that makes them easy to use. The face is visible on the outside of the cuff while the hinged bar secures it inside. They’re durable, simple, and a safe bet if you want something you can put on in a hurry.
Chain link cufflinks have two decorative ends joined by a short chain, lending a slightly vintage or formal vibe. Stud-style (or button) cufflinks are compact and often favored for very formal black-tie looks. Both are excellent for delicate fabrics where you want less pressure on the buttonholes.
From enamel superheroes to engraved initials, novelty and personalized cufflinks let you inject personality into an outfit. They work well when the dress code allows a little flair — think receptions or creative industries. Personalized pieces also make thoughtful keepsakes for groomsmen or anniversaries.
The material and finish determine both the look and longevity of a pair of cufflinks. Some materials read luxe and timeless, while others bring texture and color. Let’s break down common options so you can decide what suits your lifestyle and budget.
Gold and silver are classic choices. Gold (yellow, rose, or white) adds warmth and pairs beautifully with brown leather and brown-toned suits. Silver and white gold offer a cooler, sleeker look that complements charcoal and navy. Platinum is rarely used for cufflinks unless you’re buying a high-end, investment-level piece — it’s durable and richly priced.
If you want affordable durability, stainless steel and brass deliver. Enamel offers bright, long-lasting color, while stone insets — mother of pearl, onyx, lapis — lend texture and a timeless appeal. These materials let you build a varied cufflink wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Choosing cufflinks is like choosing the right footwear: formal events demand classics; casual nights call for relaxed or playful choices. Here’s a quick guide to matching cufflinks with the occasion so you always look put-together.
For ceremonies and black-tie events, opt for simple, elegant pairs: mother of pearl, plain silver, or classic gold. Small details like engraved initials or a subtle monogram are tasteful without being loud. Remember, less is more when the event is formal and photographed closely.
In the workplace, cufflinks should whisper not shout. Choose small, understated designs — geometric shapes in silver or gunmetal, or a conservative stone like onyx. These pieces show attention to professionalism while keeping the focus on your competence, not your accessories.
Casual settings invite fun. Try enamel designs, novelty motifs, or colorful stones. Mix textures by pairing wooden or leather accents with denim jackets or sport coats. The key is to keep them proportionate; oversized or gaudy pairs can clash with a relaxed outfit.
The United States hosts a wide range of retailers that specialize in cufflinks and men’s accessories. Below are some reliable places to shop, spanning from luxury houses to indie artisans. Each offers a distinct style and price point, so you can find the right piece whether you’re hunting for a heirloom or an everyday pair.
Brooks Brothers is synonymous with classic menswear and carries a solid selection of timeless cufflinks. Their pieces complement traditional dress shirts and are ideal for formal and business settings. Expect clean lines, conservative stones, and reliable mechanisms.
Tiffany’s cufflinks are investment pieces. Crafted with precious metals and impeccable finishing, they’re perfect if you’re looking for jewelry-grade quality. While they sit at the luxury end, these cufflinks often become heirlooms passed down through generations.
Nordstrom is a go-to when you want variety under one roof. They stock everything from affordable fashion brands to premium designers. If you’re indecisive, Nordstrom’s selection and helpful filters make it easy to compare metals, styles, and price ranges.
Macy’s is a good spot for affordable, stylish cufflinks and seasonal trends. They often carry sets and matching accessories, which is handy if you want coordinating tie bars or lapel pins without searching multiple sites.
Both Neiman Marcus and Saks curate high-end designer cufflinks that appeal to fashion-forward buyers. These stores are ideal for discovering designer collaborations, unique materials, and seasonal collections you won’t find everywhere.
If you want something unique or custom-engraved, Etsy hosts independent US makers who offer handcrafted and personalized designs. You can often request sizing tweaks, custom motifs, or specialty materials for a truly one-of-a-kind pair.
Amazon massive marketplace is useful when you need something quickly or want to compare hundreds of styles at once. Look for trusted sellers and read reviews closely, especially for mechanism quality and material accuracy.
For modern, casual-ready cufflinks, J.Crew and Huckberry carry contemporary styles that pair well with casual suits, denim, and sport coats. Expect minimalist designs, matte finishes, and pieces that suit a relaxed yet curated wardrobe.
Deciding how much to spend on cufflinks depends on how often you’ll wear them and whether they’re a one-off gift or an investment piece. You don’t need to spend a fortune to look sharp, but some items are worth investing in for durability and sentimental value.
Under $50 you’ll find stylish, well-made cufflinks in stainless steel, brass, or enamel. These are great for everyday wear, novelty pieces, or experimenting with color. They’re also ideal as gifts for groomsmen or as starter pieces for a growing collection.
Over $250, you start to move into precious metals, superior craftsmanship, and designer names. These pieces often use solid silver or gold plating, genuine stones, and high-quality mechanisms. If it’s a wedding set or a keepsake you want to last decades, it’s worth considering this range.
Caring for cufflinks is easy and doesn’t require a jeweler for most routine maintenance. Proper care keeps them looking sharp and prevents tarnish or mechanical failure. Here’s how to handle different materials.
For silver, use a gentle silver polish occasionally and store in a soft pouch. Gold can be cleaned with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Enamel and inlaid stones should be wiped carefully to avoid chipping. For delicate mechanisms, avoid soaking; instead, use a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. If leather or wood is used, treat with an appropriate conditioner every few months to prevent drying.
Think of your cufflinks as part of a broader accessory ecosystem: watches, tie bars, belts, and shoes. Coordinate metals (silver with silver, gold with gold) for a cohesive look. If you’re wearing a patterned tie, choose cufflinks with a single dominant color to avoid visual overload. The goal is to complement, not compete.
If you want something personalized, many jewelers and online artisans offer engraving and bespoke services. Decide on initials, dates, or a special motif beforehand. When ordering bespoke, provide clear measurements in inches for any inlay size or plate dimensions to ensure the final piece fits your shirt cuff proportions.
Keep it proportional: smaller cuffs call for compact cufflinks, while a thicker French cuff can handle larger faces. Match the mood: simple metal pairs for business, colors and novelty for casual settings. And remember balance: if your cufflinks are ornate, keep other accessories understated. A little restraint often reads as elegance.
Whether you’re building a signature accessory collection or buying a single pair for an important day, cufflinks are a small investment that makes a big impression. With the right information and a few reliable retailers in mind, you can pick pieces that last, tell your story, and elevate your outfits for years to come.
Conclusion: Cufflinks are timeless accessories that combine function and fashion. From budget-friendly enamel designs to heirloom-quality gold pieces, there’s a pair for every taste, occasion, and budget. Shop thoughtfully, care for your pieces, and let these small details do the heavy lifting when it comes to style.
