Double cuffs, also known as French cuffs, are a popular design feature in formal wear. They are a variant of the traditional single cuff and trace their origins to France. Double cuffs are worn folded back onto themselves. This creates an extra layer and gives the dress a more formal look. Double cuffs were earlier used in very formal settings but now they are appearing in business casual environments.
The greatest benefit of double cuffs is the better support they provide to your wrists. They make the wrists very prominent and add to other décor such as a wrist watch or a bracelet. Another benefit of double cuffs is their durability. Dress shirts turn obsolete if their cuffs are compromised. The end result is that you have to throw the shirt away. Double cuffs, however, are not that prone to wear and tear. This makes washing and drying easier.
Incorporating double cuffs into a shirt design is a simple task. It is done on machines and in a flawless manner. Traditional double cuffs use a silk knot instead of a cuff link. This knot was originally made from pure silk but now other materials are also being used. The silk knot adds to the beauty of the cuff and is easier to carry around.
Some double cuffs also use standard cuff links. They are increasingly becoming common in modern business attire. In true formal settings, however, the silk knot rules supreme. The flexibility in the use of double cuffed shirts has enabled people to improvise with other elements of the costume. While you will still need to wear a formal suit on a business dinner, you can wear a French cuffed shirt on a casual dinner with a pair of jeans. All you need to be careful of is the overall design element and avoid making a fashion faux pas.
