Another silly question---french cuffs

[Bugbear]

Just wondering, is there anything wrong with silver cuff links, or was gold just being used as an example and the understated-ness was the only point being made?

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

To the readers,Greetings
I concure that pressing can damage the cuffs(most shirts are half plastic)and the high heat, in effect, fuses the plastic to the cotton fibers. If the shirt is linnen, or all cotton, the pressing would not matter, save for the apperance. You can opt for detachable cuffs and collars on your shirts, which is cheaper that replacing the entire shirt.
And yes, loose the plastic sleeve links.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Just wondering, is there anything wrong with silver cuff links, or was gold just being used as an example and the understated-ness was the only point being made?

Merely an example. There is, however, a consensus of opinion that cuff links, rings, shirt studs, watch chains, etc. should all be of the same metal. So, if you are wearing a gold ring and gold wristwatch, gold (or gold coloured) cuff links would be the better choice.

What you want to try to avoid are big, clunky, flashy cuff links. But you wouldn't wear those anyway.

[Bugbear]

Merely an example. There is, however, a consensus of opinion that cuff links, rings, shirt studs, watch chains, etc. should all be of the same metal. So, if you are wearing a gold ring and gold wristwatch, gold (or gold coloured) cuff links would be the better choice.

What you want to try to avoid are big, clunky, flashy cuff links. But you wouldn't wear those anyway.

Thank you, that makes sense to match the metals. I prefer simple round, or maybe oval cuff links.

[ForresterModern]

A big thanks to all who contributed from their experience or opinions. I have removed the cheap plastic links and straightened my cuffs, and will at least inquire of the next cleaner what their standard care of french cuffs is before committing my good shirts to their hands.

Again thanks.

[Carolina Kiltman]

French cuffs (or double cuffs as they are also sometimes referred to) were invented so that when soiled they could be folded over to present a clean appearance. This was, of course, back in the days when a shirt might see more than a "few days" service before it went to the laundry. As at the "first" wear of the cuffs they were folded inside the sleeve, folding them back might give the impression that you weren't wearing a fresh shirt unless, of course, the cuffs were ironed back. Nowadays I doubt anyone would notice, or even understand, the significance of an un-ironed French cuff.

Just a bit of history: In the "Gas-Light Era" a gentleman changed his cuffs and collar daily, and his shirt once a week, whether it needed it or not! It wasn't until sometime around WW I that the cuffs and shirts became a single unit. Possibly the coming of Electricity and the washing machine?

My wife, who was well into highschool before electricity came to the farm, well remembers the old job of boiling the shirts in soapy water and scrubbing them by hand on a wash board. (Wonderful nostalgia, but she has NO desire to ever return to that era!)

[Bugbear]

Hmmm, I do have shirts with what I guess is a single cuff that accept links, but also have a button on the cuff.

At some point I will be looking into getting a formal dress shirt and I should probably look into stud and cuff link sets, but I don't know a whole lot about the removable cuffs and collars...

[dowofbuchanan]

so i dont want the huge fake diamond cufflinks with spinners ... well i guess ive got a purchase to cancel