How Cufflinks Became a Fashion Standard

http://blog.esquireoriginals.co.uk/blog/bid/135122/How-cufflinks-became-a-fashion-standard

There was a time when a gentleman would not consider himself to be properly attired if he wasn’t wearing an elegant pair of cufflinks.

Although these gold and silver chain-linked accessories go back as far as the Middle Ages, it is believed, it wasn’t until the 17th century that they became hugely popular – thanks to trend-setters such as Charles II, who was rather enamoured with hiscufflinks.

This was because double cuffed and single cuffed shirts demanded to be suitably fixed and men wanted something more elegant that ribbons and ties.

Over time, cufflinks became a staple of every gentleman’s wardrobe and were set withprecious stones or personalised with engravings. There were even bespoke designsfor the richest in society. But it was the Industrial Revolution, and the introduction of mechanisation, that led to enamel cufflinks being made in their thousands.

Mass production led to innovations in design – with the solid T-link developed to rival the chain link – and broadened the use of cufflinks so that the middle classes also took to wearing them.

Their use burgeoned over the decades as the numbers of men entering professions soared. Production peaked in the 1960s – with one company in the USA making a staggering 12 million pairs in a single year – but gradually, cufflink-wearing declined in favour of cheap plastic buttons.

For years, gold or silver cufflinks became the preserve of evening wear and few men wore them during the day at work.

But the last ten years have seen the humble cufflink in the ascendancy again. Sales are growing and it’s not just gold and silver that are popular. Fabric cufflinks and novelty cufflinks are de rigueur among businessmen – and women.

We’ve seen plenty of celebrities wearing cufflinks – from style icon David Beckham to multi-millionaire businessman and Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones – and there is no doubt their eye for sartorial elegance is rubbing off on many of us who like to impress in the office.

Cufflinks make a subtle statement about your sense of style – they say that you are meticulous and that you have an eye for detail, both of which are important qualities to portray when making important business deals.

Although personalised, custom made cufflinks can show high status (they are ideal for special occasions, too, especially for bridegrooms and the groom’s party if they areengraved to remember that special day), you don’t have to wear designer cufflinks or even custom made cufflinks every day.

There are plenty of affordable accessories that finish off a smart suit beautifully.

At Esquire Originals, we too appreciate the finer things in life and love to see a man or woman who is well-turned out in a crisp, cotton shirt that is embellished with a pair of fabulous cufflinks.

We can create stunning designs that are customised to your needs. Whether you want a corporate gift in sterling silver, gold plate or fabric or a special one-off cufflink, we will ensure that you stand out from the crowd with an exquisitely made accessory.