How to Put On Cufflinks By Yourself in 3 Easy Steps
Putting on cufflinks by yourself takes about 30 seconds once you know the method. The process involves folding your cuffs together, sliding the post through both holes, and fastening the closure on the other side. The part that trips people up is almost always the closure type — not the folding.
If you have struggled to fasten cufflinks by yourself before, the most likely reason is that you were working with a bullet-back or chain-link closure, which requires a precise angle and a free second hand to hold things in place. Whale back cufflinks — the kind where the toggle swings flat for insertion and flips up to lock — solve this problem by design. You can fasten them one-handed, without a mirror, in seconds.
This guide walks through the steps for any cufflink type, explains the closure differences, and shows you which pairs from the Silver Clover cufflinks collection are the easiest to put on alone.
Quick Reference
- You need a French cuff or convertible cuff shirt. A standard button cuff will not work.
- Fold the cuff first, then insert. Trying to fasten the cufflink before the cuff is folded adds unnecessary difficulty.
- Whale back closures are the easiest for solo dressing. The toggle mechanism locks with one smooth motion.
- Bullet back and chain links require more practice — or a second pair of hands.
- Face the decorative side outward once fastened; the closure sits against your wrist.
Before You Start: Check Your Shirt
Cufflinks only work with shirts designed for them. The two types you will encounter are French cuffs (also called double cuffs), which are extra-long cuffs that fold back on themselves to create a layered, link-ready edge, and convertible cuffs, which have buttonholes instead of a sewn-on button so they can be worn either way.
If your shirt has a standard sewn barrel cuff with a single button, cufflinks will not fit. You will need a French-cuff shirt before proceeding. For a full breakdown of how to identify and wear the right shirt, see our complete guide to wearing cufflinks.
How to Put On Cufflinks: Step by Step
Step 1 — Fold the Cuff
Put your shirt on and push the sleeve past your wrist. Fold the French cuff back on itself so that the two layers of fabric are aligned and the buttonholes line up. When done correctly, you will have two holes stacked on top of each other with no gap between the fabric layers.
Hold the folded cuff lightly with your other hand, or press your wrist against your body so the cuff stays in position. The fold does not need to be clenched — just still enough to insert the cufflink.
Step 2 — Insert the Post
Hold the cufflink so the decorative face is toward you and the closure (toggle, bar, or chain) is folded down or out of the way. Push the post straight through both holes from the outside in. The decorative side should sit on the outside of your wrist; the closure mechanism ends up on the inside.
If the post does not go through smoothly, check that the two cuff holes are fully aligned. A misaligned fold is the most common reason for resistance.
Step 3 — Fasten the Closure
This is where closure type makes the biggest difference. Once the post is through:
| Closure Type | How to Fasten | Solo-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Whale back (toggle) | Flip the flat toggle upright — it locks perpendicular to the post | Very easy |
| Bullet back | Rotate the torpedo-shaped toggle until it sits across the post | Moderate |
| Chain link | The chain connects two decorative faces; both sides need to be aligned | Difficult alone |
| Fixed back (silk knot) | Push the knot through and it holds by resistance — no moving parts | Easy |
For most people dressing alone, the whale back toggle is the simplest solution. You push the post through, flip the toggle with your thumb, and you are done. There is no rotation angle to find, no chain to keep untangled, and no second hand required to hold the mechanism in place while you lock it.
The whale back toggle moves in one direction and locks in one position. There is no wrong way to flip it — which is exactly why it works when you are running late and dressing in the dark.
Cufflinks That Are Easy to Put On Alone
Best for Formal Occasions: 18K Gold Plated Whale Back Cufflinks
The 18K Gold Plated Whale Back Cufflinks combine a warm gold finish with the whale back toggle that flips flat for insertion and locks upright in one motion. The result is a cufflink you can fasten alone in under 30 seconds, with no fumbling. Pairs with navy, charcoal, or black suits for business events, weddings, and formal dinners.
Best for Everyday Wear: Vintage Silver Plated Whale Back Cufflinks
The Vintage Silver Plated Whale Back Cufflinks carry an antique finish that suits both business-formal and smart-casual dressing. Same effortless whale back closure — fold flat, push through, flip up. The silver tone coordinates with stainless steel watches and grey or white shirt palettes without competing for attention.
Best for a Statement Look: Engraved Enamel Cufflinks
The Engraved Enamel Cufflinks feature an intricate vintage floral motif with a rich enamel fill. Their whale back toggle keeps the fastening as quick as the simpler pairs while the face adds visual interest to a plain white or cream shirt. A strong choice for evening events where you want a cufflink that does more than just close the cuff.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Do
- Fold the cuff completely before trying to insert the post.
- Check that both buttonholes are aligned before pushing through.
- Let the toggle lie flat before insertion for whale backs.
- Practice at home before an event — fastening becomes automatic quickly.
Avoid
- Forcing the post through a misaligned fold — it damages the holes.
- Inserting the cufflink while your arm is raised (the cuff shifts).
- Pulling the sleeve tight before the cufflink is fully locked.
- Starting with chain-link cufflinks if you are a beginner dressing alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put on cufflinks without help?
Yes. Most cufflinks, especially those with a whale back toggle, are designed to be fastened by one person. The whale back mechanism folds flat, goes through the cuff holes, and locks upright with a single thumb movement — no second hand needed.
What is the easiest type of cufflink closure to use alone?
Whale back (also called toggle back) closures are the easiest for solo dressing. The toggle lies flat for insertion and stands perpendicular to lock the post in place. Bullet back closures are the next easiest; chain links require the most practice to fasten alone.
Why won't my cufflink post go through the holes?
The most common reason is that the two layers of the French cuff are not fully aligned. Make sure the cuff is folded flat with both holes stacked directly on top of each other before trying to insert the post. A small gap between the layers will block the post or cause resistance.
Do cufflinks loosen or fall out during the day?
Well-made cufflinks with a secure toggle or bullet back will not fall out with normal movement. If your cufflinks are working loose, the toggle may not be fully locked — try pressing it firmly into the upright position. Chain-link cufflinks can occasionally twist out of position if the chain is too long for the buttonhole size.
How long does it take to put on cufflinks?
With practice, 15 to 30 seconds per cufflink. The first few times may take longer while you find the fold angle and closure feel. Whale back cufflinks become automatic after two or three attempts because the toggle only moves one way.
Can you put on cufflinks after getting dressed?
Yes, but it is easier to fasten them while the shirt is on your body. Put the shirt on, button everything else, fold the cuffs, then fasten the cufflinks as the last step before putting on your jacket. Trying to fasten them with the shirt laid flat on a table is possible but adds difficulty.
Ready to make getting dressed easier?
All Silver Clover cufflinks use a whale back closure — the fastest way to get out the door looking sharp.
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