Today’s post is about cufflink shirts, in response to this reader’s question:
I’ve been hearing a lot of guys talk about convertible cuff shirts lately. What are they? When should I wear them? And where can I find them?
Convertible Cuff vs French Cuff Shirts
The convertible cuff with cuff links is like a button down collar with French cuffs. It’s an oxymoron.
When I think of convertible cuffs, I think of a tuxedo rental for prom.
My son recently rented a tuxedo for his junior/senior prom and there it was in all its splendor — a white convertible cuff dress shirt.
Needless to say, I refused to let him wear it and bought him a French cuff shirt instead.
The French cuff is twice as long as regular cuffs and is folded back on itself and closed with cuff links. French cuffs have a very pronounced look and we usually pair them with our more debonair collar styles or formal shirts. Source
There is nothing formal about a convertible cuff shirt.
Cuff links formalize a shirt and, therefore, demand French cuffs. They should only be worn in a formal manner — meaning with a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or suit.
I do, however, see them as a trendy fashionable twist to wear with sport coats, especially when worn without a tie.
Where To Find Convertible Cuff Shirts
The convertible cuff shirt can be custom made, but can also be found in ready-made here:
- Milani Convertible Cuff Dress Shirt
- J. Crew Ludlow Spread Collar Shirt With Convertible Cuffs
- Berlioni French Convertible Cuff Shirt
- Sears Covona Convertible Cuff Dress Shirt
And Now, Just For Fun…
Listen to Bud Light’s Real Men of Genius ”Mr. Tuxedo Shop Tux Renter”:
I’ve been in the men’s clothing business since 2000. My specialty is custom-tailored suits and shirts, as well as men’s accessories.
