French Cuffs: 4 Reasons We Don’t Endorse Them

This week we received a handful of inquiries about French cuffs (if we do them).  So it’s a good time to let our customers (potential and existing) know why they’ll not see French cuffs as an option at Todd Shelton.

If you enjoy French cuffs and you love your cuff-link collection, do not let our opinion affect you.  French cuffs are embraced by many.

Here are 3 reasons why we don’t endorse French cuffs:

1)  Not Versatile Enough

It’s a challenge to look casual in French cuffs; they’re designed for formal wear.  As you probably know, the Todd Shelton design philosophy is to keep it simple to make it versatile (so you can get loads of wear from it).  With our standard two-button cuffs, our shirts easily transition from the office to the weekend.

2)  High Maintenance

French cuffs are pretentious by nature; designed to get noticed.  They make a statement that if not careful, can translate into snobbery.

3)  Hard to Wear

First, they require two small cuff-links that you’ll have to buy and keep up with.  Second, you have to carefully coordinate the (fancy) style of the French cuffs/cuff-links with every piece of your outfit.  If you don’t pull it off just right, the sayings “trying too hard” or “over-compensating” will come to people’s minds.  That’s a lot of unnecessary effort.

4)  It’s a European Thing

American style is influenced by Europe, obviously (and thankfully), but some European style standards don’t mix well with our American style sensibilities.  America (and our brand) has a ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ sensibility and French cuffs don’t easily roll-up.

A Well-Written and Funny Article on French Cuffs

A Case for French Cuffs

It’s only fair to touch on some pro-French cuff statements:

Does “ultimate” come to mind as your style goal?

We Agree French Cuffs are Completely Acceptable When…

…you’re a member of a formal wedding party.

We hope you found this article helpful.  If you have any questions, please contact us

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Todd Shelton shirts are made in the USA.