Your shopping bag is empty
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.
FIND THE PERFECT CUFFLINKS TO GO WITH YOUR SHIRT
So, there you have it, the lowdown on when to wear a single vs double cuff shirt. To wrap it up, here’s a recap on what to consider when deciding which shirt cuffs to wear:
- Occasion: Single cuff for casual, double for more formal events
- Personal style: Choose based on your fashion vibe
- Accessories: Add one or two well-chosen accessories - smarter ones for double cuff
- Comfort: Single cuffs are usually simpler and more comfortable
- Versatility: Single cuffs blend seamlessly into various outfits, while double cuffs make a statement
Now you know the answer to the single vs double cuff shirt question. And by this point, you’ve probably decided which shirt cuff type to wear to your upcoming occasion. Next, you may need a beautiful pair of cufflinks to complete your look. They may not be necessary for casual events, but you’ll want to wear them for snazzy ones.
Nothing says refined like the Charles Tyrwhitt range of classic and contemporary cufflinks,
so check out the range. You’ll be glad you did.
faq
What is a single-cuff shirt?
A single-cuff shirt looks swish but casual. It has just one layer of fabric at the wrist that you button or cufflink. It usually has just one button, but sometimes there are up to three. The cuffs come in several different shapes, like square, round, or angled. People go for single-cuff more often as the tailoring is so simple and versatile.
What is a double-cuff shirt?
A double cuff, aka French cuff shirt, adds some zhuzh to your outfit. It’s double the length of the single cuff, and you fold the extra section back over itself and secure it with your cufflinks. This added complexity gives your look a formal appeal. You’ll need a decent pair of cufflinks to fasten your French cuffs.
Should shirt cuffs show under your suit?
Absolutely! The general rule is that around half an inch to an inch of your shirt cuffs should peek out from the sleeves of your suit jacket. It adds a touch of sophistication and shows attention to detail. Just enough to showcase your shirt, not so much that it steals the spotlight. It's a subtle style move that can make a significant impact. So, let those cuffs make a dapper cameo under your suit.
What’s the difference between barrel cuffs and convertible cuffs?
Barrel cuffs are the classic style with one button closure - simple and reliable. Convertible cuffs are the multitaskers. They have extra buttonholes, letting you switch between buttons and cufflinks. It's like having a fashion two-in-one deal – casual with buttons, fancy with cufflinks. So, barrel cuffs are your dependable buddies, while convertible cuffs are the chameleons of the shirt world, adapting to your style whims.
