Purpose of Mens Cuffs

Cuffs, like mens cuffs, are an additional layer of fabric on the edge of the sleeves. Their history goes back to the 1500’s when their first ancestors where first created, the tiny sleeve ruffles. There may be different kinds of them, but their basic purpose is to protect the edge of the garment from shredding, as well as repairing or replacing them without making big alterations on the garment.

A cuff is another layer of fabric on the edge of the sleeves around the wrist of a garment.  Cuffs on shirts are usually divided on one edge and then held together so that the arm can pass through, and at the same, still has a snug fit around the wrist.

History

Since the fifth millennium BC, during the invention of woven fabrics, men have been known to wear shirts. But this piece of clothing was originally worn as an undergarment only, so as to protect the outer garment from getting dirty by being next to the skin. It was considered bad manners for a long time when shirt sleeves were exposed out to the public. Then, during the early part of the 1500’s, tiny ruffles at the wristbands started appearing. They were the first predecessors of cuffs. As time went by, men would put ribbons or strings through  holes on their wristbands so their sleeves would remain closed. Then, men discovered using jewelry instead of the strings and ribbons, and eventually, the cufflinks, which are currently being used.

Purpose

Cuffs are made so as to prevent fraying of the material of the garment. And if ever fraying does happen, it will allow it to be easily repaired or replaced without making any major changes on the garment.

Kinds

There are three kinds of cuffs. The first one is the button cuff or the barrel cuff  which is the traditional kind and  has buttons on one side, while holes on the other. This cuff may not be too dressy, but it is functional as well as modern, just right  for regular office days.  The second one is the link cuffs, which is the most dressed-up choice, also has two kinds: the single cuff, and the double or French cuff. It is folded back and it has holes on both sides, where cufflinks, instead of buttons, can be used to fasten. Aside from cufflinks, silk knots can also be used. Single cuff is used for white tie and black tie events. Meanwhile, the double cuffs are twice longer and folded back when worn, with a quarter of an inch of it shown underneath the jacket sleeve. They can be worn for semi-formal and  black tie events, as well.  The last one is the turnback cuff which was made famous by Sean Connery in the movie James Bond: Dr No. It is a combination of the sophistication of French cuffs and the easiness of the buttons.

Cuffs may not have too much purpose but they do make the clothes look a lot better than without them. Mens cuffs are most commonly adorned with cufflinks of different kinds. For more information on this, please visit Wedding Ties & Cufflinks.