A cuff is an extra layer of fabric at the lower edge of the sleeve of a garment (shirt, coat, etc.) covering the arm, at the wrist. The function of turned-back cuffs is to protect the cloth of the garment from fraying, and, when frayed, to allow the cuffs to be readily repaired or replaced, without changing the garment. —Wikipedia
History has it, cuffs’ lineage date back to 17th century aristocracy…. And over the years the cuff metamorphized itself to various versions of it …. Catering to every occasion, need and class. And while there exist many kinds of cuffs, we will focus on just the three most important ones.
Barrel Cuff: The Sturdy, Reliable, Go-to-Man Cuff
Simple, clean-cut, rectangular cuffs with square corners. They are perfect for business-casual at work or smart casuals off work. Less formal yet carrying an air of sophistication, it is highly recommended for men with slightly shorter arms, as they tend to flatter your arms by extending the length. Traditional Barrel Cuffs usually come with a single button. For something dressier you can opt for 2 buttons.
Barrel Cuffs come rounded for a very casual look often seen complimenting a button down or mandarin collared shirt with a sport jacket.
There is also the Convertible Barrel Cuffs that allow you to switch from buttons to cufflinks whenever you desire….
Angled Cuff: For the Man who needs his space
It’s a barrel cuff alright just with the cuff sporting a small angled cut, and thus also known as the Mitered Cuff. The sharp cut allows it as a perfect choice for formal occasions, in addition to the fact that it also allows for increased movement of the wrists… especially if you spend a lot of time on the computer.
Like the traditional barrel cuff, the angled cuff also can be sported with two variations: single button and two-buttons.
French Cuff: The French Man’s Cuff
Best worn to an evening gala or a black-tie do, with a tuxedo in tow. Square French Cuffs are embodiment of class, power and drive. What separates it from the rest is that it is twice as long as the traditional cuffs and is folded back (thus giving it the double appearance) and you get to wear it with the chicest cufflinks. French Cuffed Shirts look best in White.
If you’re still unsure, we recommend visiting Vitruvien.com, where you can design your very own men’s custom shirt from the scratch.