Shirts with cufflink holes are called French cuff (double-cuff) shirts; some shirts use convertible cuffs that also take cufflinks.
If you’ve spotted small slit-style holes on a shirt cuff with no sew-on buttons in sight, you’re looking at a cuff designed for cufflinks. In classic menswear, the standard name is the French cuff—also known as the double cuff. There’s a second camp, too: convertible cuffs, which have button and cufflink options in one design. This guide breaks down the terms, when each style fits, and how to choose the right shirt for work, weddings, or black-tie.
Shirts With Cufflink Holes: Names And Types
The headline answer is French cuff shirts, which fold back on themselves and fasten with cufflinks. A related style—the convertible cuff—looks like a regular single cuff but includes a second hole so cufflinks slide through. You’ll also hear about cocktail cuffs (a turnback style that looks like a French cuff from afar yet usually closes with buttons) and the everyday barrel cuff that relies on sewn buttons, not links.
Quick Reference: Cuff Styles At A Glance
Use this table to match the cuff name to how it fastens and where it fits best.
| Cuff Style | Fastening | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| French/Double Cuff | Cufflinks through paired holes | Formal business, weddings, black-tie |
| Convertible Cuff | Button or cufflinks (two holes + one button) | Desk-to-dinner, travel, smart-casual offices |
| Cocktail/Turnback Cuff | Folded back; usually buttons | Dressy but relaxed looks, vintage flair |
| Barrel/Single Cuff | One or two buttons (no cufflinks) | Daily shirts, business casual |
| Single Link Cuff | Single layer, holes for cufflinks only | Traditionalists, some bespoke shirts |
| Rounded/Angled Variants | Buttons (shape only) | Detail choice on barrel cuffs |
| Tuxedo/Dress Shirt Cuff | Usually French/double | Black-tie and white-tie contexts |
What Are Shirts With Cufflink Holes Called? Variants By Region
Tailors and retailers often use both “French cuff” and “double cuff.” In some shops, you may see “link cuff” on a tag. The structure is the same: a long cuff folded back so the holes line up, then secured with cufflinks. A convertible cuff lists “convertible” right on the label; the giveaway is a normal-looking single cuff with a button and an extra hole that lines up for a link.
How A French Cuff Works
A French cuff starts as an extended cuff band. You fold it back on itself, bringing the paired holes together. Slide the cufflink post through both layers and close it. That doubled fabric gives a crisp rectangle at the wrist, which is why this style pairs so well with a tuxedo or sharp suit. If you’ve wondered “what are shirts with cufflink holes called?” while shopping for formalwear, this is the one salespeople point to.
Convertible Cuffs In Plain Terms
Convertible cuffs bridge two worlds. They have a standard button for quick mornings and a second aligned hole for cufflinks when you want polish. Travelers like them since one shirt handles a client meeting and dinner without a change. If you wear a knit blazer or a casual suit, the convertible route keeps the outfit from feeling stiff while still giving a link option.
When To Pick Each Cuff Style
Think about the dress code, your jacket sleeve length, and how hands-on your day might be. The rules below are simple and practical.
Black-Tie And Formal Events
Go with a French cuff shirt. The cufflink becomes part of the dress code, just like the bow tie and patent shoes. Stick to plain white in a crisp weave, and choose links that echo the rest of the outfit—silver-tone for cool metals, gold-tone for warm. Under a well-tailored jacket, the cuff should peek a sliver past the sleeve hem.
Business And Presentations
French cuffs send a sharp message in boardrooms and at ceremonies, while convertible cuffs add flexibility on travel days. Barrel cuffs remain the default for everyday offices; they sit cleanly under knit layers and are easy to launder and iron.
Smart-Casual And Weddings Outdoors
Convertible cuffs are handy here. You can fasten the button for the dance floor and switch to links for photos. Cocktail cuffs bring old-school charm with a soft roll that feels less formal than a double cuff.
How To Identify Cufflink-Ready Shirts In Stores
Look inside the cuff. No sew-on button? Two aligned holes? That’s a link-ready cuff. On a convertible cuff, you’ll see a standard button plus an extra hole near the edge. On a French cuff, the cuff band is longer and meant to fold back; the twin holes sit so they overlap cleanly when doubled.
Fit And Sleeve Length Still Matter
A cuff that’s too large rides down over the hand and hides the links. A cuff that’s too tight pinches and leaves marks. Aim for a close fit that allows a finger to slide inside. Sleeve length should let a slice of cuff show past the jacket—about a quarter-inch—so the links are visible but not distracting.
Pairing Cufflinks With Your Cuff
Links act like tiny hardware at the wrist. Torpedo or whale-back styles are easy to fasten on your own. Chain links feel classic and drape well. Silk knots keep things playful. Novelty shapes draw eyes; smooth discs or ovals stay quiet in formal rooms. If you wear a watch, match metal tone to the case and keep the scale of the links in balance with the watch and jacket buttons.
Common Link Closures
- Whale-Back: a flat face with a swiveling bar on a short post; quick to use.
- Bullet/Torpedo: a capsule-shaped toggle; secure and neat.
- Chain Link: decorative faces on both sides joined by a chain; classic drape.
- Silk Knot: elastic cord knots; casual and travel-friendly.
Care Tips That Keep Cuffs Crisp
Remove links before washing. Close the cuff holes with a small safety pin through one hole if your machine tends to snag. Use a pressing cloth when ironing to avoid shine. On French cuffs, press the fold line so it stays sharp, then store shirts on wide hangers so the cuff doesn’t curl.
Buying Guide: Fabric, Collar, And Cuff Choices That Work Together
With French cuffs, pick denser cottons that hold a crease: twill, royal oxford, or a fine poplin. Semi-spread and spread collars sit well with this cuff in boardrooms and black-tie halls. For convertible cuffs, you can go lighter in weave for summer suits and switch from links to the button as your day changes.
Sizing Tips For Link-Ready Shirts
Neck size and sleeve length are only part of the story. Check the cuff circumference on product pages and look for a snug but comfortable measurement. If you’re between sizes, a tailor can tighten a loose cuff by moving the button on a convertible cuff or by taking in the sleeve placket on a French cuff shirt.
Context Matters: Where Each Cuff Shines
The table below pairs common settings with the cuff choice that tends to look right and feel practical.
| Setting | Cuff Style | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Black-Tie | French/Double | Matches tuxedo codes; showcases links cleanly |
| Boardroom Pitch | French or Convertible | Sharp lines; links add presence when you gesture |
| Office Day | Barrel | Simple, durable, easy under knit layers |
| Destination Wedding | Convertible | Swap between links and button as plans change |
| Cocktail Hour | Cocktail/Turnback | Soft roll; dressy without feeling stiff |
| Business Travel | Convertible | Two looks from one shirt in a carry-on |
| White-Tie | French/Double | Linked cuffs are part of the dress shirt spec |
Common Questions Shoppers Ask
Do I Need Special Cufflinks For Each Cuff?
No. Most links fit any cuff with standard holes. The choice is about closure type and face design. Dress codes push you toward cleaner faces; casual parties leave room for whimsy.
Can A Regular Shirt Take Cufflinks?
Only if it has a proper second hole (convertible cuff) or a single link cuff made for links. A basic barrel cuff with one button and one hole is not set up for links.
What About Cocktail Cuffs Seen In Old Movies?
Those are turnback cuffs: they fold like a French cuff but usually close with buttons. They lean nostalgic and pair well with soft suits and retro ties.
Trusted Definitions And Handy Links
If you want a textbook definition of the hardware itself, see the entry on cuff links at Britannica. For the classic cuff name used on dress shirts, this dictionary page lays it out clearly: French cuff. Both match how tailors and reputable shirtmakers label these garments.
Bottom Line: Picking Your Cuff
If you’re shopping and asking yourself “what are shirts with cufflink holes called?”, the safest bet is a French cuff shirt. If you need one shirt that flexes between meetings and receptions, a convertible cuff solves the puzzle without a second packing cube. Add links that suit the room, keep your sleeve length tuned so a thin line of cuff shows, and your wrist game will look sharp in photos and in person.