How to Wear Cufflinks and Studs

Cufflinks and Studs are generally worn with most formal shirts and may also be referred to as “formal jewelry”. They’re a great way to add personal style to any tuxedo, suit, or dress shirt.

A complete set of formal jewelry will include two cufflinks and four studs.

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to see how easy it is to wear cufflinks and studs with a formal shirt.

STUDS

Studs > Step 1

Look for the stud hole next to each pearl button on the front of your tuxedo shirt. Insert the front or decorative side of the stud through the stud hole starting from the inside of the shirt. You can ignore the pearl buttons found on your tuxedo shirt, as they are not needed when wearing studs.

Studs > Step 2

With the stud acting as a button, feed it through the front buttonhole on the formal shirt. Once the stud is through, you should repeat the steps for all four studs. When you are finished, straighten the front of your shirt, so it lays nicely.

CUFFLINKS

Cufflinks > Step 3

With your shirt on, pinch the cuffs of your sleeve together so that the insides of both sides of the shirt sleeve are pressed together.

Cufflinks > Step 4

Prepare your cufflink by rotating the clasp so the cufflink looks like a “T.” Insert the cufflink through both holes in the shirt’s cuff. The colored, decorative part of the cufflink should face the outside when your arm is at your side.

Cufflinks > Step 5

Depending on the cufflink style, you may need to secure the cufflink on the backside of the shirt’s cuff…

Bullet Back or Toggle Closure Style – The most common of all cufflink styles and the easiest to put on. This style has a bullet-shaped or narrow bar that is suspended between two posts. Prior to inserting it through the shirt’s sleeve holes, the bar should be flipped 90 degrees, so that it lines up with the posts. The bar is then flipped back to the horizontal position, securing the cufflink in place on the shirt (see photo below).

Fixed Backing Style – Fixed backings are an extension of the cufflink. This means that the cufflink post and backing are one solid piece and are affixed to the decorative side of the cufflink. The backing does not bend or move in any way. The rounded backing may be a bit harder to insert through the shirt’s holes, but the non-moving parts make it more resilient in the long run.

Cufflink and Stud Styling

Although black is the traditional color for tuxedo jewelry, the color of your formal jewelry may vary depending on your choice of tuxedo or suit.

Cufflinks arrive as a pair and studs arrive as a set of four. Plan to wear both cufflinks. If you’re wearing a bow tie with your tuxedo or suit, you should wear all four studs.

However, if you choose to wear a Windsor tie and vest with your tuxedo or suit, you may choose to skip wearing the studs, since they won’t be visible under the Windsor tie. But do wear both cufflinks, always!

Jim’s Formal Wear is Happy to Help!

Now that your formal jewelry is in place, tuck in your shirt, slip on your jacket and shoes, and have a great time at your formal event! Keep Jim’s Formal Wear in mind for any future events. We’d love to be a part of the best days of your life.