Shirt Cuffs
The cuff sets how formal a shirt is and how it fastens at the wrist. This hub explains the main shirt cuff types, so you know what a product description means before you buy. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Button cuffs
Barrel Cuff
The standard cuff that fastens with a button.
What defines it
A barrel, or button cuff wraps the wrist and fastens with one or two buttons, the everyday cuff on most shirts.
Who it suits
It suits all smart and casual wear. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Single-Button Cuff
A neat cuff closed with one button.
What defines it
A single-button cuff uses one button for a clean, minimal wrist that sits close and looks tidy.
Who it suits
It suits slimmer, modern shirts.
Two-Button Cuff
A deeper cuff with two buttons for a secure fit.
What defines it
A two-button cuff is a little deeper and fastens with two buttons, letting you adjust the wrist tightness.
Who it suits
It suits smart shirts wanting a firm cuff.
Formal cuffs
French Cuff
A folded-back cuff worn with cufflinks.
What defines it
A French, or double cuff folds back on itself and fastens with cufflinks rather than buttons for the most formal finish.
Who it suits
It suits formal events and black-tie wear. Browse BOSS shirts (/collections/mens-boss-black-shirts).
Cocktail Cuff
A turned-back cuff that fastens with a button.
What defines it
A cocktail, or turnback cuff folds back like a French cuff but fastens with a hidden button, giving the look without cufflinks.
Who it suits
It suits dressed-up smart wear. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Button cuffs
Rounded Cuff
A barrel cuff with softly rounded corners.
What defines it
A rounded cuff simply curves off the corners of a barrel cuff for a softer, classic look.
Who it suits
It suits traditional smart shirts.
Angled Cuff
A barrel cuff with cut-off corners.
What defines it
An angled, or mitred cuff cuts the corners at a slant for a sharper, more contemporary edge.
Who it suits
It suits modern smart shirts.
Adjustable cuffs
Ribbed Cuff
A stretch knit cuff on casual and overshirt styles.
What defines it
A ribbed cuff uses an elastic knit band at the wrist to seal in warmth, seen on overshirts and casual layering styles.
Who it suits
It suits casual and layering shirts. Browse Belstaff overshirts (/collections/belstaff-overshirts).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a barrel and a French cuff?
A barrel cuff wraps the wrist and fastens with a button, and it is the standard cuff on everyday and most smart shirts. A French, or double cuff folds back on itself and is closed with cufflinks, which makes it the most formal option, usually kept for events and black-tie wear.
Do I need cufflinks for a French cuff?
Yes, a true French cuff has no buttons and must be fastened with cufflinks or silk knots. If you like the folded-back look but want the convenience of a button, a cocktail or turnback cuff gives a similar effect while closing with a hidden button.
How should a shirt cuff fit?
A cuff should be snug enough to stay on your wrist when your arm hangs, so that the shirt sleeve does not slide down over your hand, but loose enough to slip over your watch. Under a jacket, the cuff should show around a centimetre of shirt beyond the jacket sleeve.