Cufflinks predate the sewn-on buttons that are often used today and date back as far as the 17th century when wealthy men began wanting to fasten their sleeves with something more precious than ribbons or ties. Cufflinks began with small chains which had gold or silver beads fixed to each end. The chain would be put through the cuff and pulled taut until the bead was flush against the sleeve, hence the name was derived from the “cuff” of the shirt cuff and the “link” of the chain.
Cufflinks were now an important part of a gentleman’s apparel; however, it was not until the Industrial Revolution really set in motion that the availability of cufflinks increased beyond those that could afford to have them custom made.
Slowly, as the popularity for the cufflink grew, so too did manufacturing techniques. Chains were replaced with rods and easy to open and close clasps. During the early 1900s cufflinks started to be worn by the middle to upper classes, not just for formal occasions, but for everyday wear.
As a greater variety of cufflinks were now being manufactured, the designs became more sophisticated and tailored. Shirt makers increased their ranges of shirts and incorporated pre-cuffed shirts and even disposable cufflinks.
During the later part of the 20th Century, the cufflink has at times had varied popularity peaks. Formal events, one of the main reasons for the original rise in the cufflink’s popularity, became one of the reasons that they declined during the 1990s. This was because most people attending formal functions hired tuxedos and, more often than not, these were supplied with buttons!
Just an interesting fact you might be interested to know, is that over the past eight years we have tested dozens of different cufflinks backs from suppliers around the globe. Those that we use in most of our cufflinks are not from China or India as you might expect, but are actually produced in Ireland. They are a wonderfully engineered finding, the spring loading is perfectly balanced and they make that loud and reassuring click as you unfold them once past through your shirt.
However, in today’s media frenzied environment, major male icons including David Beckham, Pierce Brosnan and Lewis Hamilton have all been pictured donning gem set cufflinks. Large companies like Tiffany and Cartier and designer brands like Mattom and Tookalon are now promoting the wearing of cufflinks like never before and they are once again growing into a popular fashion item and a symbol of a gent’s status.
Several female clothing brands are now making formal blouses featuring cuffs suitable for use with cufflinks and I would not be surprised if in ten years time if they are as equally popular.
