How to Choose Cufflinks: A Buyer's Guide for Style, Material & Occasion
Choosing your first pair of cufflinks isn't just about picking a color. The material, finish, shirt style, and the occasions you'll wear them all determine whether they'll become a timeless wardrobe staple—or spend years forgotten in a drawer.
For most men, one well-made pair of cufflinks is enough to cover everything from business meetings to weddings. The key is choosing a design that's versatile, durable, and appropriate for the occasions you attend most often.
This guide explains what actually matters when buying cufflinks, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose a pair you'll enjoy wearing for years.
What Are Cufflinks Used For?
Cufflinks are functional fasteners designed to secure the cuffs of French cuff or convertible cuff shirts. Unlike standard shirts with sewn buttons, these shirts require removable fasteners to close the cuffs.
Today, cufflinks do much more than hold sleeves together. They also communicate attention to detail and complete a formal outfit in a subtle way.
Common occasions for wearing cufflinks include:
- Business meetings
- Weddings
- Black-tie events
- Graduation ceremonies
- Formal dinners
- Special celebrations
At Kemstone, many first-time buyers tell us they don't want accessories that attract attention—they simply want their suit to look more complete. That's exactly where a classic pair of cufflinks excels.
Can You Wear Cufflinks with Any Shirt?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that cufflinks work with every dress shirt.
They don't.
Before buying cufflinks, check which cuff style your shirt has.
French Cuffs
French cuffs fold back and require cufflinks to fasten them. They're the traditional choice for formal occasions and business attire.
Convertible Cuffs
Convertible cuffs include both buttonholes and buttons, allowing you to wear either buttons or cufflinks.
They're an excellent option if you're new to cufflinks.
Button Cuffs
Most everyday dress shirts have permanently attached buttons.
These shirts cannot normally be worn with cufflinks unless they're specifically designed as convertible cuffs.
Checking your shirt before purchasing cufflinks is one of the simplest ways to avoid disappointment.
Start with the Occasion
Not every pair of cufflinks suits every event.
Thinking about where you'll wear them most often makes choosing much easier.
Business & Office
Professional environments generally reward understated accessories.
Look for:
- Simple square or rectangular designs
- Polished or brushed finishes
- Stainless steel construction
- Silver or black colors
Minimalist cufflinks pair effortlessly with navy, charcoal, and grey suits while remaining appropriate in conservative workplaces.
Weddings
Weddings allow slightly more personality.
Silver remains the safest choice because it complements almost every shirt and suit combination.
Gold finishes work beautifully with warm-toned accessories, while engraved cufflinks often become meaningful keepsakes for grooms and groomsmen.
Black-Tie Events
For tuxedos and evening wear, timeless simplicity almost always looks better than novelty designs.
Clean geometric cufflinks age gracefully and remain appropriate regardless of changing fashion trends.
Which Material Is Best?
Material affects durability just as much as appearance.
Stainless Steel
For everyday wear, stainless steel is one of the most practical materials available.
Benefits include:
- Scratch resistance
- Corrosion resistance
- Easy maintenance
- Long-lasting shine
- Excellent durability
This combination makes stainless steel cufflinks ideal for professionals who expect to wear them regularly rather than only once or twice a year.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver offers a premium appearance with a softer, warmer finish.
However, it requires regular polishing to prevent tarnishing and is generally better suited to collectors or luxury gift buyers.
Gold-Plated Cufflinks
Gold-plated designs provide a classic formal appearance at a more accessible price than solid gold.
They're particularly effective when paired with a gold watch or tie bar.
Choosing the Right Color
Color has a greater impact on versatility than many people expect.
Silver
If you're buying your first pair of stainless steel cufflinks, silver is usually the smartest investment.
It works with almost every suit color and never feels out of place.
Black
Black cufflinks have become increasingly popular among younger professionals.
They pair especially well with charcoal, black, and dark navy tailoring while creating a modern, understated appearance.
At Kemstone, we've noticed customers choosing black cufflinks often prefer minimalist wardrobes with fewer but more versatile accessories.
Gold
Gold creates a warmer, more traditional look.
It works best when coordinated with other gold accessories such as watches, rings, or tie clips.
Why Minimalist Designs Last Longer
Fashion trends change, but simple geometry rarely goes out of style.
Square and rectangular cufflinks remain among the most versatile options because they:
- Match almost every shirt style
- Complement both business and formal wear
- Pair easily with modern or classic tailoring
- Continue looking relevant year after year
Rather than relying on decorative patterns or novelty themes, minimalist cufflinks allow the quality of the material and finish to speak for themselves.
Plain or Engraved Cufflinks?
Both have advantages.
Plain Cufflinks
Best for:
- Daily business wear
- First-time buyers
- Maximum versatility
- Building a capsule wardrobe
Engraved Cufflinks
Ideal for:
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Graduation gifts
- Father's Day
- Retirement celebrations
If you're only buying one pair, plain cufflinks generally offer the greatest flexibility.
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
Many people buy cufflinks without considering how they'll actually wear them.
The most common mistakes include:
Buying cufflinks before checking the shirt cuffs.
Always confirm your shirts have French or convertible cuffs.
Choosing novelty designs first.
Fun designs have their place, but classic geometric cufflinks are far easier to wear repeatedly.
Ignoring other accessories.
Matching the metal tone of your watch, ring, or belt buckle creates a cleaner overall appearance.
Buying solely for one occasion.
A timeless pair of stainless steel cufflinks will likely serve you through many weddings, interviews, and formal events over the years.
Featured Choice
If you're looking for a pair that balances versatility, durability, and timeless style, the Kemstone Men's Stainless Steel Square Cufflinks are designed with everyday formal wear in mind.
Their gently curved square profile creates a clean, refined appearance suitable for business meetings, weddings, and evening events alike. Available in silver, gold, and black, they're crafted from durable stainless steel that resists scratches, tarnishing, and everyday wear.
Instead of following short-lived trends, the minimalist design focuses on balanced proportions and lasting versatility—qualities that make a good pair of cufflinks worth wearing for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shirts can you wear cufflinks with?
Cufflinks are designed for French cuff shirts and convertible cuff shirts. Standard button-cuff shirts generally cannot accommodate cufflinks.
Are stainless steel cufflinks good quality?
Yes. Stainless steel is durable, corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant, and requires very little maintenance, making it one of the best materials for everyday cufflinks.
Should cufflinks match your watch?
They don't need to be identical, but matching the metal color usually creates a more coordinated appearance.
Can you wear cufflinks every day?
Absolutely. Many professionals wear minimalist stainless steel cufflinks regularly with business attire.
Are square cufflinks timeless?
Yes. Square cufflinks have remained popular for decades because their clean lines complement both classic and modern tailoring.
Are cufflinks a good gift?
They're an excellent gift for weddings, graduations, promotions, anniversaries, Father's Day, or anyone building a professional wardrobe.
Final Thoughts
The best cufflinks aren't necessarily the most expensive—they're the pair you'll confidently reach for every time you dress for an important occasion.
By choosing durable materials, a versatile finish, and a timeless design, you'll own an accessory that works just as well at a business meeting as it does at a wedding years from now.
For most men, a simple pair of stainless steel square cufflinks offers exactly that balance: understated style, dependable durability, and lasting versatility that never feels out of place.