Introduction: What’s the one detail that separates a good outfit from a great one?

For many successful men, the answer lies in the details, specifically, the cufflinks. They’re not just decorative accessories. Cufflinks are powerful symbols. They communicate precision, confidence, and a quiet mastery of style.

If you’re a CEO, founder, or high-performing professional, you already know the importance of presence. Every meeting, every handshake, every room you walk into, your style sets the tone before you even speak. And nothing elevates that style quite like a well-paired set of cufflinks.

But here’s the problem: most men either avoid them completely or wear them the wrong way.

This blog is your solution. We’re not just talking about how to wear cufflinks. We’re showing you how to own them.

Whether you’re getting dressed for a board meeting, black-tie gala, or private dinner in Banana Island, this step-by-step guide will show you:

• What type of shirts work best with cufflinks
• How to wear cufflinks properly
• How to match them with ties, suits, and shirt studs
• When and where to wear them with maximum impact
• The best cufflink styles for modern Nigerian professionals
  

We’ll even explore luxury options and personalised pieces that reflect your brand and identity as a founder or executive.

By the end, you’ll be able to wear cufflinks with the kind of effortless elegance that turns heads, but never screams for attention.

Why Cufflinks Are a Subtle Power Move in Modern Menswear

What Do the Most Influential Men in the Room Have in Common?

They understand that power isn’t always loud. In the world of modern menswear, true style power lies in subtlety, and cufflinks are a prime example. These tiny accessories may seem minor, but they hold major influence when it comes to communicating confidence, sophistication, and quiet luxury.

Let’s break it down.

From Classic to Quiet Luxury: The Evolution of Cufflinks

Cufflinks have evolved far beyond their royal European roots. Once reserved for aristocrats and formal ceremonies, they’ve become a staple for men who understand timeless style, especially those who lead.

In today’s culture of quiet luxury, where understated elegance outweighs flashy logos, cufflinks are the wristwear equivalent of a tailored navy suit or a luxury watch without a nameplate. You’re not wearing them to show off. You’re wearing them because you know exactly what they mean.

Why Founders and CEOs Use Accessories to Lead with Style

As a leader, you don’t have time for trends. You need a wardrobe that reflects your stability, competence, and attention to detail. Accessories like cufflinks give you that edge, especially in environments where your reputation enters the room before you do.

Consider this:

• In a boardroom filled with tailored suits, cufflinks are a quiet signal that you’ve taken your presentation seriously, down to the last detail.
• On a speaking stage, a sharp cuff with a glint of gold or onyx catches the spotlight without stealing it.
• In business-class lounges, private clubs, and investor dinners, your choice of accessories often speaks before you get the chance to.

This is why some of the most successful men, including Ralph Lauren and Aliko Dangote, are rarely caught underdressed. The details matter.

The Psychology of Style, Confidence and Attention to Detail

You might be thinking, “It’s just an accessory, does it really matter that much?”

Absolutely. Here’s why:

Psychologically, accessories like cufflinks tap into the Halo Effect, a principle where one strong visual impression influences how others perceive your entire personality. If you’re meticulous about your shirt cuffs, people assume you’re meticulous in business, too.

Wearing cufflinks signals:

• Confidence without arrogance
• A refined sense of self
• An understanding of the rules and when to bend them

And more importantly, when worn correctly, cufflinks don’t just boost how others see you, they enhance how you see yourself. You feel sharper, more deliberate, and fully in control.

In short, cufflinks are more than a style statement; they’re a power move. And if you’ve been overlooking them, it’s time to change that.

The 4 Shirt Types That Work with Cufflinks

Want to Wear Cufflinks the Right Way? Start with the Right Shirt

Before you even pick out a pair of cufflinks, you need one thing: the right kind of shirt. Not every shirt works with cufflinks, and forcing them onto the wrong cuff is a rookie mistake no CEO or founder should make.

Whether you’re dressing for the boardroom or black-tie, here’s your definitive guide to the only shirt types that deserve to meet your cufflinks.

1. French Cuff Shirts: The Gold Standard of Elegance

If cufflinks had a soulmate, it would be the French cuff shirt.

This shirt style features extra-long cuffs that are folded back and fastened with cufflinks, not buttons. It’s formal, clean, and undeniably powerful.

• Why it works: French cuffs create a sharp, structured look that frames your watch and wrist beautifully.
• Where to wear it: Perfect for weddings, gala events, executive meetings, or when you want to project absolute polish.

Pro tip: Choose high-quality cotton or poplin French cuff shirts in neutral tones like white, pale blue, or grey. Let the cufflinks do the talking.

If you’re looking for premium options, Turnbull & Asser and Thomas Pink offer impeccable tailoring for the modern professional.

2. Convertible Cuffs and Tuxedo Shirts: Flexibility with Style

Convertible cuffs are the smart-casual cousin of French cuffs. These sleeves come with buttonholes and can be fastened with either buttons or cufflinks.

They’re ideal if:

• You want a versatile shirt for both casual business days and formal events.
• You’re just starting to build your cufflink collection and don’t want to commit to French cuffs every day.

Tuxedo shirts, typically worn with formal eveningwear, often feature pleated fronts and French or convertible cuffs. If you’re attending a black-tie gala or high-level awards dinner, this is your go-to style.

Need options? Check out Brooks Brothers or Hugo Boss for modern takes on classic formalwear.

3. What to Avoid: Shirt Cuff Types That Don’t Work

Not every shirt is cufflink-compatible. Here’s what not to wear:

• Barrel cuffs (with sewn-in buttons): These are the everyday office shirts you can’t pair with cufflinks. No buttonholes = no entry.
• Button-down collars on cufflink shirts: While not technically a cuff issue, mixing a button-down collar with French cuffs can clash. The styles don’t complement each other.
• Short-sleeved shirts: This shouldn’t even need to be said, but if your sleeves don’t reach your wrist, cufflinks have no home.

Stick with formal, structured cuffs for maximum impact and elegance.

4. Hidden Button or Modified Cuff Shirts: The Stylish Hybrid

Ever seen a shirt that looks sleek and minimal, but has the option to showcase cufflinks when you need them? That’s the charm of hidden button or modified cuff shirts.

These are hybrid designs created for modern gentlemen who love streamlined fashion but still want the freedom to flex a pair of sharp cufflinks.

• What makes them special: They look like a regular dress shirt at first glance, but come with discreet cufflink holes hidden within the fold or double-stitched layers.
• Where to wear them: Excellent for business dinners, networking events, or stylish brunches where you want elegance without overdoing it.

These are harder to find but growing in popularity among tailored streetwear designers and African luxury brands. Look out for custom-made shirts from Nigerian tailors or bespoke outfitters in your city.

If you value unique fashion with function, this is a forward-thinking option that gives you flexibility without sacrificing class.

Quick Recap: Choose Wisely, Style Powerfully

The four shirt types that work best with cufflinks are:

• French cuff shirts – classic, bold, and formal
• Convertible cuff shirts – versatile for semi-formal and formal wear
• Tuxedo shirts – essential for black-tie and eveningwear
• Modified cuff shirts – for stylish professionals who favour sleek, smart details

Each shirt type offers its own vibe, but they all serve the same goal: to help you wear cufflinks with precision and purpose.

Now that you know which shirts to wear, let’s walk through how to actually wear your cufflinks, like a seasoned pro.

Step-by-Step: How to Put On Cufflinks Like a Pro

Ever fumbled with cufflinks in a hotel bathroom before a big event? You’re not alone.

Wearing cufflinks is a power move, but only if you know how to do it right. Whether you’re headed to a black-tie gala or a boardroom presentation, mastering the steps makes a big difference in your confidence and presence.

Toggle Cufflinks vs Fixed Back vs Chain Link: What’s the Difference?

Before you slide them into your shirt, you’ve got to know what you’re working with. Not all cufflinks are created equal.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of cufflinks you’ll come across:

1. Toggle (or Bullet Back) Cufflinks

• Most popular and beginner-friendly
• Has a small bar (like a bullet) that flips horizontally to lock the cufflink in place
• Easy to put on with one hand
• Best for: Daily business wear, weddings, or when you’re in a hurry
  

2. Fixed Back Cufflinks

• No moving parts, just a solid, one-piece design
• More durable and minimalist
• Slightly harder to insert, but adds an air of permanence
• Best for: High-end events, minimalist dressers
  

3. Chain Link Cufflinks

• Two decorative ends connected by a short chain
• Offers a more relaxed, traditional vibe
• Requires more effort to align both sides
• Best for: Vintage lovers, creative professionals, heritage events
  

4. Whale Back, Ball Return, and Silk Knots

• Less common, but good to know
• Whale back = similar to toggle but with a broader tail
• Ball return = features a small decorative ball at the end
• Silk knots = soft, informal, great for semi-casual settings

Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, stick with toggle cufflinks. They’re secure, stylish, and stress-free.

Inserting Cufflinks into Double and Convertible Cuffs

Now that you’ve picked your cufflink style, let’s get into how to actually wear them.

–For French Cuffs (Double Cuffs)

1. Fold the cuff back so the inside faces out.
2. Align the cuff holes on both layers (they should form a neat square edge).
3. Insert the cufflink through the aligned holes from the outside in.
4. Secure the back (flip the toggle, slide in the chain, or let the ball rest).

Result? A polished finish that subtly says, “I know what I’m doing.”

–For Convertible Cuffs

1. Buttoned up? Unfasten the button on the cuff.
2. Slide the cufflink through the holes.
3. Close it using your chosen style (toggle, fixed, etc.)

Convertible cuffs give you the best of both worlds. Wear them plain one day, elevated with cufflinks the next.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Wearing Cufflinks

Even the sharpest CEOs sometimes mess this up. Don’t be that guy.

Here are a few slip-ups to avoid:

• Forcing a cufflink through misaligned holes
  (You’ll stretch or tear the fabric. Always line them up properly.)
  
• Wearing cufflinks with casual shirts
  (Stick to the shirt types we outlined earlier. No shortcuts.)
  
• Mismatching metals
  (Gold watch, silver cufflinks? Not a good look. Keep your metals consistent.)
  
• Wearing novelty cufflinks to serious meetings
  (Cartoon characters are fine for parties, not boardrooms.)
  
• Rushing the process
  (Give yourself an extra 2 minutes before stepping out. Style requires stillness.)
  

In summary, mastering how to wear cufflinks doesn’t require a stylist. It just takes a little practice, the right shirt, and a bit of know-how.

You’ve got the technical part down. Now, let’s get into the art of pairing cufflinks with the rest of your outfit, so you always look refined, never forced.

Ready for the next section: Pairing Cufflinks with Shirts, Ties, and Studs?

Perfect. Now let’s elevate your style game even further by mastering how to pair cufflinks with shirts, ties, and studs, a step that separates the well-dressed from the truly unforgettable.

Pairing Cufflinks with Shirts, Ties, and Studs

Ever looked in the mirror and felt something was… off? The suit fits, the shirt is crisp, but the whole outfit doesn’t sing. That missing harmony often comes down to poorly matched accessories.

Cufflinks aren’t just a finishing touch, they’re the quiet signature of a man who gets style. Here’s how to make them blend and stand out at the same time.

Matching Metals and Colour Schemes for Formal Wear

Why it matters: You wouldn’t wear mismatched shoes and a belt. The same rule applies to your accessories. Cufflinks, watches, tie clips, and belt buckles should be in visual harmony.

–How to Match Metals:

• Gold cufflinks = pair with gold watch, gold ring, or belt with gold buckle
• Silver cufflinks = silver tie clip, silver watch, silver lapel pin
• Rose gold cufflinks = perfect for deep blue suits and warm-toned accessories

Example:
Heading to a black-tie gala in a navy tux? Go for silver cufflinks with navy enamel detailing and a brushed silver watch. Instant cohesion.

–How to Match Colours:

• Complement cufflink colours with subtle tones from your shirt or tie
• Monochromatic looks (e.g., black on black) scream elegance
• Patterned or engraved cufflinks? Let the rest of your outfit be the supporting cast

Quick Fix Rule: If in doubt, keep it classic. Silver and black or gold and deep burgundy rarely go wrong.

How to Match Cufflinks with Shirt Studs for Events

What are shirt studs?
They’re decorative buttons, usually worn with tuxedo shirts, replacing regular front buttons for formal occasions.

Why it matters:
Clashing cufflinks and studs are a rookie mistake. Imagine silver studs with gold cufflinks. Your audience may not say anything, but they’ll notice.

–Tips for Perfect Match:

• Buy cufflinks and studs as a set when possible
• If mixing, stick to the same metal and design family
• Ensure both pieces reflect the event’s tone: matte finish for business; gloss for black tie
  
  

Boardroom-Ready: Style Without Overdoing It

You want to lead the meeting, not distract it. Understated elegance is the CEO’s style code.

–Everyday Business Pairings:

• White shirt + navy suit + gold cufflinks = confident and classic
• Striped shirt + solid tie + silver cufflinks = clean contrast
• Patterned cufflinks? Tone down your tie to avoid visual noise

Pro Tip: If your shirt or tie is doing the talking, let your cufflinks whisper.

–Cufflinks to Avoid in the Office:

• Anything novelty (sports logos, cartoons, jokey slogans)
• Too flashy or oversized
• Rhinestones or bling-heavy styles (save those for weddings or fashion events)

The goal is subtle power, not overcompensation. You’re not trying to impress, you’re affirming what’s already obvious.

When and Where to Wear Cufflinks with Impact

Cufflinks aren’t just for weddings or boardroom power plays; they’re tools for commanding attention, communicating taste, and elevating your presence when it matters most.

Whether you’re trying to make a lasting impression or simply stand out in a sea of basics, knowing when to wear cufflinks is just as important as knowing how.

Corporate Settings: Commanding Respect Without Saying a Word

In business, appearances speak before you do. And details like cufflinks separate a professional from a leader.

When to Wear Cufflinks to Work:

• Pitch meetings and client presentations
• Company anniversaries or shareholder events
• Important interviews or internal promotions
• First day at a new job (subtle flex, big energy)

Example:
Rock a double-cuff shirt with silver knot cufflinks and a charcoal suit. You’ll look sharp, intentional, and trustworthy, without saying a word.

Weddings, Galas, and Red-Carpet Moments: All Eyes on You

This is your green light to go bold. Weddings and black-tie affairs are where your cufflinks can be ornate, gem-studded, or themed, so long as they still match the outfit.

–Go-to Events for Statement Cufflinks:

• Weddings (especially if you’re the groom or groomsman)
• Formal galas and award dinners
• Holiday parties and exclusive brand launches
• Luxury dinners and upscale night events

Example:
Pair mother-of-pearl cufflinks with a midnight blue tux and black bow tie. You’ll look like a man who understands both elegance and expression.

Pro Tip: If you’re wearing a pocket square or lapel pin, keep your cufflinks within the same color family for a fluid, intentional look.

Date Nights and Social Events: The Subtle Flex

When you’re trying to impress, without looking like you’re trying too hard, cufflinks can be your secret weapon.

They’re like luxury cologne: the right ones get noticed, but never overpower.

–Best Cufflink Looks for Dates and Socials:

• Casual double-cuff shirt with jeans and a blazer
• Monochrome outfit with matching metallic cufflinks
• Minimalist silk knot cufflinks for chill but classy vibes

Example:
A white French cuff shirt, black slacks, and gold cufflinks for a rooftop dinner = quiet luxury in motion.

Style Tip: On a first date, avoid loud or jokey cufflinks. Show you’re a grown man with grown style.

When Not to Wear Cufflinks

Just because you can wear cufflinks doesn’t always mean you should.

Here’s when to skip them:

• Casual t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts (they don’t pair, ever)
• Outdoor sports events (unless it’s the Kentucky Derby)
• Hands-on or manual workdays (risk of damage or snagging)

Rule of thumb: If the shirt doesn’t have the right cuff, leave the cufflinks at home.

Conclusion: The Gentleman’s Secret Weapon

Wearing cufflinks is more than a style choice, it’s a leadership move. It shows you pay attention to the smallest details, respect tradition, and embrace quiet luxury. Whether you’re owning the boardroom or toasting at a black-tie gala, the right pair can elevate you from well-dressed to unforgettable.

So the next time you slide those cufflinks into your shirt, remember: You’re not just accessorising. You’re setting the tone.

If you found this style guide helpful, consider checking out Mandilax blog for more luxury fashion insights.