Look for the double cuff. It’s also called a “French cuff” or “turnback cuff.” The cuff is long, folds over, and has four buttonholes (two on each layer). That’s your golden ticket.
You can also use cufflinks with a “single cuff” that has a special slit. But that’s rare. Most modern shirts with slots are fake—they’re just decorative. Check the inside of the cuff. If there’s no fold, it’s a no-go.
How To Wear Cufflinks & Pair them with Shirts, Suits & Ties | Chokore
Pro tip: Never wear cufflinks with a polo shirt. Yes, some people do. It’s a crime against fashion. You wouldn’t put a Rolex on a flip-flop. Same logic.
But What About Casual Shirts?
Here’s the sneaky loophole: Convertible cuffs. These are genius. They have buttonholes and a slot for cufflinks. You can wear them either way. It’s like a shirt with a secret identity.
Convertible cuffs let you go from “meeting” to “drinks” in five seconds. Pop in a pair of playful cufflights—like ones shaped like tacos or tiny dinosaurs—and suddenly you’re the fun guy.
Funny detail: There’s a whole subculture of “novelty cufflinks.” You can get mini martinis, chess pieces, or actual bottle caps. One guy wore cufflights with his cat’s face on them. His boss loved it.