Although the first cufflinks appeared in the 1600s, they did not become common until the end of the 18th century. Their development is closely related to that of the mens shirt. Men have been wearing shirt-like items of clothing since the invention of woven fabric 5,000 years BC.

How can you tell how old cufflinks are?

0:418:02How To Date Vintage Cufflinks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHeres an example of a pair of cuff buttons as you can see theres a lever mechanism on the back.MoreHeres an example of a pair of cuff buttons as you can see theres a lever mechanism on the back.

When were cufflinks first used?

Who Invented The Cufflink? Around the 13th century, shirt cuffs were held together by ribbons, ties and strings. As mens shirts and fashions changed, so did their cuffs and in the 17th century early forms of the cufflinks we know today emerged.

What is the origin of cufflinks?

Dating back to the seventeenth century, cufflinks came about when men wanted something more elegant for their shirts than ribbons or ties to hold together their cuffs. Men began using small chains that were fastened to the end of a gold or silver button and fed through the holes of the cuff to keep them together.