FRENCH CUFF

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                One of the most customizable element in men’s shirt is the cuff.The difference between cuff style largely come down where the cuff closes.While the standard button cuff may be the most common option these days,as French cuff is the figurehead. We are going to discuss it's construction and history,how to wear them and when it is appropriate to do so as well as over all discussion on this topic and our own personal thoughts.

   

French Cuffs Construction:

            Double-cuffs or French Cuffs feature a length of fabric that is turned back in double and then fasten together with cuff-links.There are holes on both sides of the cuff going through all the layers of fabric. In other words,most French cuffs typically have four holes in total to a cuff,inside the lower cuff additional holes are given to adjust upper cuff hole according to need and comfort. French cuff comes in number of shapes as can other cuff styles.Straight edges are most common for French cuffs but you will also see rounded edges,angled edges or mitered edges.


Why they are called French Cuffs/History:

        Turn-Back cuff recently known as French cuff style originated in Europe.Infect some sources point to England as the origin.Between 15th and 18th century upper-class individuals used elegant ribbons to prevent the ruffles ends of their shirts sleeves from coming open This practice of adorning the wrist with some sort of decoration continued throughout the centuries and by the early 19th century,when the modern style of shirt was coming into its own,the ruffles has been replaced with cuff that were secured with links.


           As an example Alexandre Dumas 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo features the character of Baron Danglars a banker who wears ornate cuff-links with his double cuff shirts. One apocryphal story also calms that French cuffs got their start when Napoleon ordered extra large sleeves for the shirts of the soldiers in his armies so that they could wipe their noses on the ends of the sleeves and then fold their cuffs back.There is not any historical evidence to support this theory so however it might be a fun story.



          Whatever the case is term French cuff did not really come into popular usage until the style immigrated to America.In other words,it may just be that calling it a French cuff made it sound a little bit of more exotic and specially to American consumers and from then on the term stuck and it’s the one,that is most commonly used today.


Guideline for wearing French cuff on shirts:

              The traditional view is that French cuffs should only be worn in more formal scenarios such as if you are wearing black tie or if you are wearing conventional business attire or a neck tie.Some even argue that wearing French cuffs with a blazer or a sport coat is a stretch, however as standards of everyday dress have become more relaxed over the last half century and within the last 10 to 15 years,we have seen a resurgence in an interest in men’s wear. Some of these old style rules are able to be more freely bent now,even some traditionalist might give you a little bit of questioning look but still you can definitely pull off French cuff shirts in more casual environment then just black tie or white color business suits.

Tips:

  • It’s always a good idea to show at least a little bit of cuff at the end of whatever you are wearing.
  • French cuffs are usually worn in the so called kissing style with the inside portions of both sides of the cuff together,they can also be configured more similarly to a barrel style.
  • There is a wide variety of different kind of cuff-links to go with your French cuff shirts to suit the occasion.So you must sensibly choose according to your personality and the formality of the environment you will be in.
  • Cuff-link pass through four fabric(four holes),as front face(cup member) at top,post passes through four holes and free end comes out of last hole where toggle is twisted or locked.

When it is suitable to wear French cuff shirts?

             There is no specific time or place to wear double cuff/French cuff,generally you should wear French cuff anytime you feel like sprucing up an outfit.


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