Button and French cuffs

The choice of ones cuff type is a very important detail and should be chosen with the intended use of the dress shirt in mind. Though not everyone requires a closet full of French cuffed shirts, a gentleman should have at least one for those occasions when he wants to appear just a bit more stylish than the ordinary. Embracing this elegant look is an excellent way to declare to all observers that one not only takes pride in his appearance, but also has an appreciation for subtle elegance.

Button Cuffs
Button cuffs are single cuffs, which wrap around the arm and are buttoned into place. The most common button cuffs have a single button or may be adjustable, with two buttons side-by-side. These are the cuffs most commonly found on ready made shirts. In custom shirt circles you'll find dress shirt cuffs with two buttonholes and two vertical buttons, a more formal option often called the barrel cuff. Button cuffs may also have a small button on the sleeve between the cuff and the end of the cuff opening. Called the gauntlet button, this smaller button is intended to prevent the area from opening and exposing the gentleman's wrist. Gauntlet buttons are a sign of a quality made shirt, a small detail ignored by most off the rack manufacturers.

French Cuffs
French cuffs are the most formal cuff option, yet are perfectly appropriate for daily wear in many industries. The French cuff is a double cuff, folded back and fastened with cufflinks to create a distinctive and distinguished appearance. Cufflinks must always be worn with French cuffs – though there are more subtle options available, such as fabric knots – so the gentleman must be prepared to keep a reasonable selection on hand. French cuffs are not made to be rolled up; throw in the phenomenon of cufflinks being prone to disappear, and the French cuff becomes a less attractive option to low maintenance men.