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Single Vs Double Cuff Shirts: The Tyrwhitt Guide
We know you like to get every detail just so, right down to your shirt cuffs. As well as bringing a touch of distinction to your look, the perfect cuff tallies with the formality of your shirt and the occasion. Not sure which to choose? Take the advice of a shirtmaker.
Read on to discover the difference between the two main types of cuff and when to wear each one. We’ve got you.
What’s the difference between a single and double-cuff shirt?
There’s a subtle difference between single vs double-cuff shirts. Let’s put it this way: a single-cuff shirt is what you'll find in most everyday wardrobes, and the double cuff, aka French cuff, is for formal occasions.
Let’s take a closer look.
SINGLE CUFF SHIRTS
The single cuff shirt is our most popular formal design, thanks to its versatility. It comes in two variations – rounded twin and mitred twin – and best of all, both will take you effortlessly from business meetings to formal events. Can you wear cufflinks with a single cuff shirt? It already comes with a button (or two), so no. If you want to don your favourite cufflinks, you'll need our French cuff shirts.
ROUNDED TWIN
- A two-button cuff with a gently rounded edge
- Available with classic or semi-cutaway collars
- A traditionally smart option, suitable for formal events or wearing with your business suit
MITRED TWIN
- A two-button single cuff, this time with an angled edge instead of the curved corner
- Available with cutaway and semi-cutaway collars that subtly echo the cuff's edge
- Smart, but more contemporary than the rounded edition
DOUBLE CUFF SHIRTS
The name 'double cuff' describes the cuff's construction – it's double the length of its single counterpart and folds back on itself to be secured with a cufflink. This gives your shirt a crisp, immaculate look that's perfect when you want to raise your sartorial game.If you've ever wondered 'what is a French cuff shirt?', it's just another term for a double cuff, possibly named after the shirts worn by Napoleonic soldiers, who presumably liked to look suave for battle. Double cuffs are available on all of our formal shirts.
- The double cuff dress shirt is a go-to for formal occasions, from black tie events to weddings
- The folded-back construction delivers a crisp, elegant look
- Use cufflinks or a pair of silk knots to fasten them
do casual shirts have cuffs?
At Charles Tyrwhitt, you'll find informal shirts that still have those sharply tailored cuffs. Our long-sleeved casual shirts have a twin-button fastening and a discreet gauntlet button. This small button sits between the cuff and the end of the cuff opening – a dapper detail that keeps the opening neatly closed. Choose from two types of casual single cuff.
CURVED ADJUSTABLE SINGLE CUFF
- A single cuff with a rounded edge
- Adjust the buttons to suit your wrist size
- Available with our classic and button-down collar shirts
- Choose this for a timeless, relaxed-casual look
MITRED ADJUSTABLE SINGLE CUFF
- The mitred edge creates a more modern feel
- Adjust the button for a perfect fit
- Opt for this shirt cuff design if you're aiming for a contemporary casual look
SMART-CASUAL SHIRTS
What makes a shirt 'smart casual'? Maybe a statement check or a print and a denser weave, perhaps a button-down collar, and always single cuffs. While a more formal single-cuffed shirt typically has twin buttons, a more relaxed smart-casual design tends to have only one.
- Single cuffs with timeless rounded corners
- Just one button for pared-back style
- An understated look that will work under a knit or a blazer
Choosing The Perfect Shirt Cuff For Any Occasion
Perhaps you’re looking for more specific details on when to wear a single vs double-cuff shirt. It’s actually pretty easy to choose when you get the hang of it.
Black Tie Events
For black tie occasions, the double cuff is non-negotiable. You may get away with a single-cuff shirt at most other kinds of events, but absolutely not if it’s black tie. A black tie could be a gala, red carpet, awards evening, formal wedding, or business event.
Casual Friday
The clue is in the name here - casual. Even if your company dress code is essentially suit and tie, you can get away with a single-cuff shirt on casual Friday at work.
Weddings
If you’re invited to a wedding, your dress code depends on what the invite says. That said, weddings are still special occasions. So, unless it’s a beachy, destination, or another form of casual event, you’re best off wearing a double-cuff shirt. The double cuff will elevate your look and show respect for the bride and groom. Double cuff is pretty much a given if you’re the groom, best man, or groomsman!
Important work meetings
You’ll most likely be in a full suit for important business gatherings like presentations, pitches, board meetings, and other similar occasions. So, double-cuff is best for these kinds of events. Add accessories like a belt, cufflinks, and a tie bar to add some extra sophistication to your look (but be careful not to overdo it).
Smart dinner with friends
Consider it’s your friend’s birthday, and a dinner’s booked at a swanky restaurant. You may be on the fence about which kind of shirt to wear. You can usually opt for a single cuff. Add a jacket or blazer if it’s a smart-ish venue. If the place is seriously upscale, like a Michelin-star establishment, then the double or French cuff is a better choice.
BUSINESS SHIRTS
Though there's just a glimpse of sleeve emerging from under your jacket (half an inch to an inch is ideal), a formal outfit still requires impeccable cuffs. You have two main choices – the traditional double cuff or the versatile single cuff.
BUSINESS SHIRTS
Though there's just a glimpse of sleeve emerging from under your jacket (half an inch to an inch is ideal), a formal outfit still requires impeccable cuffs. You have two main choices – the traditional double cuff or the versatile single cuff.
