What is a cuff?
Cuff — is the finished lower part of the sleeve of a shirt, blouse, dress or trousers, which completes the garment and secures its edge.
The main function of this detail is to ensure a snug fit around the wrist or ankle. It also protects the edges of the fabric from rapid wear and tear.
Classic men's and women's shirts have rigid cuffs. A special reinforcement, such as interlining or interlining, is sewn inside to help the fabric maintain its shape. This element of clothing is fastened with buttons, snaps, or decorative accessories such as cufflinks.
Main types
The design and appearance of cuffs depend on the style of the garment and its intended use. In modern clothing, there are several basic options:
- Sports (Italian): A single piece fastened with one or two buttons. The corners can be straight, rounded, or cut off. This is the most common casual and office style.
- French (double): A wide cuff that folds in half and is fastened exclusively with cufflinks. It is a must-have for formal business attire and evening wear (Black Tie).
- Cocktail (Viennese): A single cuff with slots for cufflinks. Rarely seen, it's most often used on tuxedo shirts.
- Knitted (elastic): An elastic buttonless cuff. Used in sportswear and casual clothing, such as sweatshirts, hoodies, bomber jackets, and joggers, for reliable protection from wind and cold.
- Cuff with turn-up (trouser): the hem of classic or casual trousers, folded outward and secured with stitching.
How to wear
According to classic business etiquette, the shirt cuff should protrude exactly 1–1.5 centimeters from under the jacket sleeve when the arms are at your sides. This creates a neat, layered silhouette and protects the jacket sleeve edge from getting dirty.
The correct width on the wrist allows the watch to be worn comfortably. The fabric should slightly cover the dial, but not catch on it when the wrist moves. French cuffs with cufflinks are worn only with a jacket or tuxedo. Wearing such a shirt without a top layer is considered strict etiquette.
To tone down the formality of a smart-casual look, unbutton the cuffs of a classic shirt and casually roll them up to mid-forearm. This technique is often used with loose-fitting linen and cotton shirts.
