How to Use Cufflinks and Studs: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Cufflinks and shirt studs can make a formal outfit look polished, but they can also be confusing if you have never used them before. Which shirt should you wear? Where do the cufflinks go? How are shirt studs different? And can you wear both together?

The good news is that using them is simpler than it may seem. Cufflinks are primarily used to fasten shirt cuffs, while shirt studs are used on the front of certain formal or tuxedo shirts. Once you know where each accessory belongs and how the shirt is designed, putting them on takes only a few steps.

This guide explains how to use cufflinks and studs, how to wear them together, and how to choose styles that suit different occasions.

Already wondering what cufflinks are and how they work? Read our guide on What Are Cufflinks? to understand the different types and mechanisms before choosing a pair.

Cufflinks vs. Studs: Where Does Each One Go?

Although cufflinks and studs are often worn as part of the same formal outfit, they have different jobs.

Cufflinks are most commonly associated with French or double-cuff shirts. Instead of using a standard button to close the cuff, the cuff is secured with a separate accessory.

Shirt studs are designed for the front of formal shirts, particularly tuxedo or dress shirts made to accommodate them. They provide a more refined alternative to visible shirt buttons.

So, the easiest way to remember the difference is:

Cufflinks = cuffs.
Studs = shirt front.

What Type of Shirt Do You Need?

Before putting on either accessory, check whether your shirt is designed to use it.

Shirts for Cufflinks

French cuffs, also called double cuffs, are the classic choice for cufflinks. The cuff folds back on itself and has holes that allow the cufflink to pass through and secure it.

Some shirts also have convertible cuffs that can be worn with either buttons or cufflinks.

A standard button cuff generally does not require cufflinks because its button is already attached to the shirt.

Shirts for Studs

Shirt studs are used with formal shirts that have openings designed to accommodate them. They are particularly associated with tuxedo and black-tie shirts.

Don't assume that every formal-looking shirt can take shirt studs. Check the shirt front first. If it has the appropriate stud holes or removable-button design, you can use studs as intended.

How to Put on Cufflinks: Step-by-Step

Once you have the right shirt, putting on cufflinks is straightforward.

Step 1: Fold the Cuff Correctly

If you're wearing a French-cuff shirt, fold the cuff back along its crease so the inside and outside layers line up.

The cuff should sit neatly around your wrist before you insert the cufflink.

Step 2: Align the Cuff Holes

Bring the two sides of the cuff together and align all the cufflink holes.

This step is important because the cufflink needs to pass through the aligned layers. If the holes are slightly off, the cufflink may be difficult to insert or the cuff may sit unevenly.

Step 3: Insert the Cufflink

Push the cufflink through the aligned holes.

Depending on the design, the cufflink may have a fixed back, swivel mechanism, chain, or another fastening system. Follow the natural direction of the mechanism rather than forcing it through the fabric.

Step 4: Secure the Cufflink

If your cufflink has a swivel or toggle closure, turn or position the fastening part so it holds the cuff securely.

The cuff should feel comfortable around your wrist rather than excessively tight.

Step 5: Check the Final Position

Look at the outside of the cuff. The decorative face of the cufflink should be visible.

The cuff should also sit evenly without twisting.

Quick tip: If you're putting cufflinks on for the first time, try inserting them before putting on your jacket. It gives you more room to align the cuff and secure the mechanism.

How to Use Shirt Studs: Step-by-Step

Shirt studs work differently because they are used on the front of the shirt rather than at the cuffs.

Step 1: Check the Shirt Front

Start by identifying the holes designed for studs. A formal or tuxedo shirt may have removable buttons or dedicated openings for this purpose.

Step 2: Insert the First Stud

Position the stud through the appropriate opening in the shirt front.

The decorative part should sit on the visible side of the shirt, while the fastening portion holds it in place.

Step 3: Secure the Shirt

Make sure the stud passes through the appropriate layers and sits securely. Avoid pulling the fabric tightly around the stud.

Step 4: Repeat With the Remaining Studs

Continue with the other openings on the shirt front.

The number of studs required depends on the design and construction of the shirt. Traditional tuxedo shirts may use a set of multiple studs, so the shirt itself should determine how many you need.

Step 5: Check the Alignment

Once the studs are in place, look at the shirt from the front.

The studs should form a neat vertical line and sit comfortably beneath the jacket when the outfit is complete.

Can You Wear Cufflinks and Studs Together?

Yes. Cufflinks and shirt studs are often worn together when the shirt and occasion call for a more formal look.

They perform different functions, so there is no conflict between wearing both:

Cufflinks secure the cuffs, while studs secure the front of the shirt.

The combination is particularly associated with tuxedo and black-tie dressing, but it can also be appropriate for formal weddings and other dressy evening occasions.

The important point is to consider the shirt and dress code together. You don't need to add studs simply because you're wearing cufflinks. If your shirt is designed for studs and the occasion calls for that level of formality, using both can create a coordinated look.

How Many Studs Does a Tuxedo Shirt Need?

There isn't one universal number that applies to every formal shirt.

Traditional tuxedo shirts commonly use multiple studs, with four-stud sets being a familiar configuration. However, the correct number depends on the shirt's construction and the number of stud openings provided.

The easiest approach is to check your shirt before buying a stud set. This prevents you from buying more or fewer studs than the shirt actually requires.

How to Choose Cufflinks and Studs for Different Occasions

The right accessory depends as much on the occasion as it does on personal taste.

For a wedding, for example, a classic metal cufflink can complement a formal suit without drawing too much attention. A groom may prefer personalised cufflinks featuring initials or another meaningful detail.

For business settings, simpler designs usually work naturally with professional clothing. For less formal social occasions, novelty or themed cufflinks can provide more room for personality.

How to Match Cufflinks and Studs With Your Outfit

You don't need every accessory to look identical, but they should work together.

Start With the Dress Code

The formality of the event should guide your choice. A conservative design may be more suitable for a business setting, while a distinctive design can work for a social event where the dress code allows more personality.

Consider Metal Tones

Silver-tone and gold-tone accessories create different visual effects. If you're wearing multiple metal accessories, coordinating their tones can make the outfit look more intentional.

Look at Your Other Accessories

Consider your watch, tie clip, lapel pin, belt buckle and other visible accessories.

They don't necessarily need to be an exact match, but avoiding unnecessary clashes can make the overall outfit feel more balanced.

Don't Overdo It

If the cufflinks or studs have an elaborate design, keep the rest of the accessories relatively restrained. The goal is coordination, not making every part of the outfit compete for attention.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing Cufflinks and Studs

A few simple mistakes can make formal accessories uncomfortable or look out of place.

• Using cufflinks with the wrong type of cuff: Check that the shirt has compatible cuff holes.
• Misaligning the cuff: Make sure the layers are properly aligned before inserting the cufflink.
• Putting the decorative side inward: The visible face should sit on the outside of the cuff.
• Choosing the wrong level of formality: Novelty designs may not suit every formal dress code.
• Using studs on the wrong shirt: The shirt should be designed to accommodate them.
• Ignoring the rest of the outfit: Consider your shirt, suit, tie or bow tie and other accessories as a complete look.

How to Choose the Right Cufflink Style

Once you understand how cufflinks work, choosing a design becomes much easier.

Classic cufflinks are a practical choice when you want something versatile for formal and professional dressing.

Personalised cufflinks can add a meaningful detail to wedding outfits, gifts and special occasions. Initials, names and other personal elements can make them more distinctive.

Novelty cufflinks are suitable when you want your accessories to reflect a hobby, profession, interest or personality and the occasion allows a more expressive style.

Gemstone or statement cufflinks can work when you want the accessory to become a more noticeable part of the outfit.

ShopWithStyle offers different cufflink styles, including classic, personalised and novelty designs, along with other men's formal accessories. This makes it possible to choose based on the occasion rather than treating every cufflink as a one-style-fits-all accessory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cufflinks and Studs

Can you wear cufflinks with a regular shirt?

Cufflinks are primarily designed for shirts with compatible cuff holes, such as French or double cuffs. Some convertible cuffs can also accommodate cufflinks. A standard button cuff normally does not require them.

Can you wear cufflinks and studs together?

Yes. Cufflinks and shirt studs can be worn together, particularly with formal or tuxedo shirts. Cufflinks secure the cuffs while studs are used on the front of the shirt.

Which side of the cufflink faces outward?

The decorative face of the cufflink should normally be visible on the outside of the cuff. The fastening mechanism sits behind the cuff and keeps it secured.

How many studs does a tuxedo shirt need?

The number depends on the shirt's construction. Traditional tuxedo shirts may use several studs, commonly in sets of four, but you should check the number of stud openings on your particular shirt.

Are cufflinks only for formal occasions?

No. Although cufflinks are strongly associated with formalwear, they can also be worn with professional or smart outfits when the shirt is designed for them and the style suits the occasion.

Can you wear personalised cufflinks to a wedding?

Yes. Personalised cufflinks can be a meaningful option for weddings, especially for grooms or members of the wedding party. Choose a design that complements the formality and overall styling of the outfit.

Final Tips for Wearing Cufflinks and Studs

Using cufflinks and studs becomes simple once you understand the shirt they're designed for.

Choose the right shirt → identify the cuff or stud openings → insert the accessory correctly → check the fit → coordinate it with the occasion and the rest of your outfit.

Cufflinks handle the cuffs, while shirt studs handle the front of certain formal shirts. Once that distinction is clear, you can choose between classic, personalised or more expressive designs based on your outfit and occasion.

For different styles of cufflinks, personalised accessories and men's formal accessories, ShopWithStyle provides options that can be selected according to your personal style, event and dress code.