Convertible Cuffs For Shirts - A Complete Guide

Convertible cuffs allow you to adjust the formality and appearance of a shirt. You can select this cuff style when you are creating an Apposta custom-made shirt.

What Are Convertible Cuffs?

Convertible cuffs are a type of shirt cuff that can fasten with buttons or cufflinks. They are single cuffs which do not fold over. Unlike standard cuffs they feature 2 buttonholes instead of 1. There is also a single button attached to each cuff. Apposta convertible cuffs have straight edges.

What Are the Benefits of Convertible Cuffs?

Versatile

Convertible cuffs give you the option to wear your shirt in a casual or a smart way.

Travel Friendly

A convertible cuff shirt can take the place of 2 shirts when travelling. As it can be worn as a casual or smart shirt.

Show Personal Style

If you add cufflinks to a convertible cuff shirt you can personalise its look. This enables you to show off your individual style. 

When to Wear a Convertible Cuff Shirt

Everyday Wear

Wear a convertible cuff shirt with buttons in a barrel cuff formation for everyday wear. This style of cuff fastening can be appropriate for settings such as an office or a restaurant.

Weddings

Wedding guests who want a refined look without the formality of French cuffs can wear convertible cuffs. When worn with cufflinks they will add subtle sophistication to outfits.

Special Occasions

Convertible cuffs can be worn for anniversaries, milestone birthdays and special occasions. Wear with cufflinks to enhance the formality of your shirt.

Formal Events

If you’re attending a gala, award ceremony or other formal event, convertible cuffs and cufflinks are a good choice. They complement both formal suits and blazers with dress pants.

Professional Settings

Traditional workplaces (such as financial or legal professions) may require cufflinks as part of the dress code. With a convertible cuff shirt you can add cufflinks without opting for a French cuff shirt.

Smart Casual

For date nights or special events with a slightly relaxed dress code, convertible cuffs will add a touch of sophistication. Pair them with a sport coat or blazer for a dressed-up look that’s not too formal. 

What Is the Difference Between Convertible Cuffs and French Cuffs?

As well as convertible cuffs, we offer French cuffs which you can use to create a custom-made shirt. Both styles can add formality to a shirt. They differ in their level of formality and features:

Convertible Cuffs

• Can be worn with buttons.
• Can be worn with cufflinks.
• Are less formal than French cuffs.
• Are more suitable for professional or casual settings.
• Are less suitable for very formal events.
• Can be fastened as barrel cuffs or face to face cuffs.
• Less bulky than French cuffs, suitable when jacket sleeves are tighter than usual.

French Cuffs

• Have a double layer of fabric that folds back on itself.
• Have no buttons.
• Must be fastened with cufflinks.
• Are more suitable for very formal events.
• Are less suitable for casual settings.
• Can be fastened as barrel cuffs or face to face cuffs.

How to Use Convertible Cuffs

There are 4 different ways that you can fasten convertible cuffs.

Barrel Fastening - Using Buttons

1. Put your convertible cuff shirt on with the cuffs open.
2. Ensure each cuff’s button is facing outwards. (Push each button through the buttonhole directly next to it to adjust the direction)
3. Taking a single cuff, put the edge with a button under the edge without a button.
4. Push the button through the buttonhole above it.
5. Repeat the process for the other cuff.

Face to Face Fastening - Using Buttons

1. Put on your convertible cuff shirt leaving the cuffs open.
2. Ensure each cuff’s button is facing inwards. (Push each button through the buttonhole directly next to it to adjust the direction)
3. Push the button through the buttonhole below it without bending the cuff back on itself.
4. Repeat the process for the other cuff.

Barrel Fastening - Using Cufflinks

1. Put your convertible cuff shirt on with the cuffs open.
2. Ensure each cuff’s button is facing inwards. (Push each button through the buttonhole directly next to it to adjust the direction)
3. Pick up a cufflink with the hand opposite to the cuff you are fastening.
4. Push the cufflink through the buttonhole that has the inward facing button. (The decorative face of the cufflink should be visible on the outside of your cuff)
5. Position the second buttonhole beneath the cufflink by bending the cuff’s fabric around your wrist.
6. Push the cufflink through the buttonhole beneath it.
7. Secure the cufflink’s mechanism if necessary.
8. Repeat the process for the other cuff.

Face to Face Fastening - Using Cufflinks

1. Put your convertible cuff shirt on with the cuffs open.
2. Ensure each cuff’s button is facing inwards. (Push each button through the buttonhole directly next to it to adjust the direction)
3. Pick up a cufflink with the hand opposite to the cuff you are fastening.
4. Push the cufflink through the buttonhole that has the inward facing button. (The decorative face of the cufflink should be visible on the outside of your cuff)
5. Push the cufflink through the buttonhole below it without bending the cuff back on itself.
6. Secure the cufflink’s mechanism if necessary.
7. Repeat the process for the other cuff.

Read our guide to types of shirt cuffs for more information about the various men’s shirt cuffs you can select when creating a shirt.