Cufflinks are the finishing touch that elevates formal attire from ordinary to exceptional. At D’Luxe Tux in Cedar Rapids, we offer cufflinks to add personality and polish to your tuxedo or suit for weddings, proms, and special events throughout Eastern Iowa.

What Are Cufflinks?

Cufflinks are decorative fasteners used to secure the cuffs of a dress shirt. Unlike standard button cuffs, French cuff shirts (also called double cuffs) require cufflinks to close. Cufflinks add a touch of elegance and personal expression to formal attire.

Types of Cufflinks

Bullet Back (Toggle) Cufflinks

The most common and user-friendly style. A small toggle bar flips to secure the cufflink in place. Easy to put on and remove, making them ideal for first-time cufflink wearers and rental situations.

Whale Back Cufflinks

Similar to bullet back but with a flat, whale-tail shaped toggle. Offers the same ease of use with a slightly different mechanism. Very popular and widely available.

Fixed Back Cufflinks

Feature a decorative front connected to a fixed post and backing. Slightly more challenging to put on but offer a cleaner look with no moving parts.

Chain Link Cufflinks

Two decorative ends connected by a small chain. The original cufflink style, offering a classic, traditional appearance. Both ends are visible, creating a distinguished look.

Knot Cufflinks

Made of silk or elastic cord tied in decorative knots. A casual, colorful option perfect for adding personality to less formal events. Available in many colors for coordination with ties and accessories.

Stud Cufflinks

Feature a decorative front with a simple post and fixed backing. Require a bit more effort to secure but offer a sleek, minimalist appearance.

When to Wear Cufflinks

Cufflinks are appropriate whenever you’re wearing a French cuff shirt:

• Black-tie events: Cufflinks are essential with formal tuxedo attire
• Weddings: Add elegance for grooms, groomsmen, and guests
• Prom: Elevate your formal look with a personal touch
• Business formal: Project professionalism in important meetings
• Special occasions: Galas, award ceremonies, formal dinners

Choosing Cufflinks for Your Event

For Black-Tie Events

Keep it classic and understated:

• Silver or white gold tones
• Black onyx or mother of pearl
• Simple, elegant designs
• Matching shirt studs for a coordinated look

For Weddings

Options range from traditional to personalized:

• Classic silver or gold to match other accessories
• Engraved cufflinks with initials or wedding date
• Themed cufflinks that reflect the couple’s interests
• Coordinating sets for the entire wedding party

For Prom

Express your personality:

• Colors that match your date’s dress
• Fun designs that reflect your interests
• Classic styles for a sophisticated look
• Novelty options for a memorable touch

Cufflinks as Groomsmen Gifts

Cufflinks make excellent groomsmen gifts because they’re:

• Practical: Used during the wedding and for future events
• Personal: Can be engraved or customized
• Memorable: A keepsake from your special day
• Versatile: Suitable for any groomsman’s style

Popular groomsmen cufflink ideas:

• Monogrammed with each groomsman’s initials
• Engraved with the wedding date
• Themed to reflect shared interests or hobbies
• Matching set for the entire wedding party

Materials and Styles

Metals

• Silver: Classic, versatile, works with any formal attire
• Gold: Warm tones that complement tan and brown accessories
• Rose gold: Trendy option for modern weddings
• Gunmetal: Contemporary, edgy appearance

Decorative Elements

• Mother of pearl: Elegant, iridescent finish for formal events
• Onyx: Classic black stone for black-tie occasions
• Enamel: Colorful options for personality and coordination
• Crystal: Sparkle and shine for special celebrations
• Fabric: Silk knots in various colors

How to Put On Cufflinks

1. Fold back the cuffs of your French cuff shirt
2. Align the buttonholes on both layers of the cuff
3. Insert the cufflink through both holes from the outside
4. Secure the backing (flip the toggle, attach the chain, etc.)
5. Adjust so the decorative face is visible when your arms are at your sides

Coordinating Cufflinks with Your Look

• Match your metals: Coordinate with your watch, belt buckle, and other accessories
• Consider your tie: Cufflinks can complement or subtly contrast your tie color
• Match shirt studs: For tuxedos, cufflinks and shirt studs should match
• Don’t over-coordinate: Cufflinks don’t need to exactly match everything

Find Your Perfect Cufflinks

Visit D’Luxe Tux in Cedar Rapids to explore our cufflink collection. Whether you need classic silver for a formal event or something unique for your wedding party, we have options to suit every style and occasion.

We serve customers throughout Eastern Iowa, including Iowa City, Marion, Hiawatha, and surrounding communities. Stop by our showroom today!