Interesting Articles

The History of the Cufflink

Cufflinks have been a part of men’s wardrobe’s for over a millennium. Royal families have commissioned cufflinks to mark weddings or other special events for centuries and historians have even noted the cufflinks’ presence in ancient Egyptian paintings!

But what are the origins of the cufflink?  The first time that the cufflink was brought to attention was in the nineteenth century novel The Count of Monte-Cristo. It was this book that discussed in detail Baron Danglars ‘French Cuff’ and how great envy was sparked when onlookers saw the enormous diamonds that glittered in his shirt sleeves. The description was so fantastic that tailors immediately recognized how outfitting french society with such details could distinguish their clients.

It wasn’t long before a cuffed shirt sporting cufflinks  became a characteristic mark of a true, modern gentleman. It wasn’t long before cufflinks started to commonly appear at the wrists of men wanting to look extra special.

Cufflinks’ materials and styles have varied due to fashion trends, but regardless of what they look like and what they are made of, the addition of cufflinks can still personalize a suit.

Tradition says a man should never buy his own cufflinks, they should be gifts meant to mark an occasion.

These days men have come to recognize the importance cufflinks passed-down from a grandfather, or given by a best friend at his wedding and might solely rely on such pieces for formal affairs.

The main thing to remember in choosing your cufflinks especially for your wedding day, is to keep in mind the fact that they should compliment your other accessories. Your cufflinks should match your watch and other jewelry you’ll be wearing.

Positioning the flower (Boutonniere) on the guys jacket

I have seen so many photos of my grooms and unfortunately, many have had their Boutonniere (flower) pinned in the wrong position. Here are some points to follow so that you don’t end up getting it wrong!

  • The flower should always go on the Left lapel.
  • It should be positioned half way between the top of the pocket and the Peak / Notch of the lapel.
  • The flower should be pinned ON the lapel, Not on the breast of the jacket.
  • The angle of the flower should be parallel to the outside edge of the lapel.
  • It should NOT be in line with the pocket
  • It should NOT be put in the button hole that is on many jacket lapels

Real flowers are lovely to smell and look at, but unfortunately, when pinned against a warm body, the flower can start to droop or turn brown before it should! This is especially the case on a warm day. Flowers also don’t like to be hugged!  A good alternative would be to have an artificial boutonniere. There are many options available – so realistic that no one will ever guess that they are not the real thing. A big plus is that the Boutonniere will stay looking great all day and you will have something to keep long after the wedding is over.

Trouser Length

The length of your suit’s pants can make you look longer, shorter, trendier or old-fashioned. The length depends on your personal preference. That is rule number one; follow your personal style rather than what a salesperson is telling you. However, there is certain etiquette you might want to know about. In most cultures, the pants of the suit should be 1 cm above the sole of your shoe when standing up straight (measured from the back of the pants). Just remember – Trousers that are any shorter will show more of your sock / calf when you sit down. Longer trousers will just bag around the ankle which just looks like you couldn’t be bothered to get them tailored. They will spoil the total look of the outfit.

Pocket Hankies – to wear or not to wear ?

Nothing finishes off a look to a men’s suit like adding a pocket square or men’s handkerchief to your ensemble. It’s an easy and inexpensive accessory to add class to your appearance and a dash of color to your suit. Pocket hanks are for decoration – they are not for blowing your nose on.

While a simple white men’s handkerchief with satin stripes is all that is necessary to complete the look, there are several different ways to fold a handkerchief depending on the look you want to achieve. Once the handkerchief is folded and put into the breast pocket of the jacket, the top of the hanky should protrude approximately an inch to an inch and half.

The pocket hankie is also referred to as a pocket square and dress handkerchief. The only difference being the size, a pocket square being smaller.

Types of ways to fold your hankie:

  • Triangle
  • Straight
  • Pleated (JFH signature fold)
  • Puff

Pocket Square Folds

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