Cufflinks vs Studs: What Is the Difference?

Walk into a men’s accessory shop in Pakistan and ask for studs, and you will probably be shown cufflinks. Ask for cufflinks, and you may hear them called studs. The two words are used so closely together that many men are not sure if there is any difference at all. This article explains what cufflinks and studs are, how the words are used around the world and in Pakistan, and how to choose the right pieces for your kameez or formal shirt.

What Are Cufflinks?

Cufflinks are small decorative fasteners used to close the cuffs of a shirt or kameez. Instead of a button sewn onto the cuff, the cuff has a hole on both sides. The cufflink passes through both holes and locks in place with a small clasp, bar or toggle on the back. The front of the cufflink is the decorative part that shows on the outside of your wrist.

Cufflinks come in many styles: simple metal shapes, pieces with pearls or crystals, engraved designs, and colorful accents. They are worn mainly at formal events, weddings, Eid and important meetings.

What Are Studs?

In international menswear, shirt studs are small decorative fasteners used on the front of a formal dress shirt, in place of regular buttons. They are most often seen with very formal evening wear. Studs usually come in a set of three or four, and they are often designed to match a pair of cufflinks. So in the strict sense, cufflinks close the cuffs, and studs close the front of the shirt.

How the Words Are Used in Pakistan

In everyday Pakistani shopping, the word studs is very often used to mean cufflinks. Many shops, tailors and buyers say studs when they mean the pieces that close the cuffs of a kameez or shirt. This is why our collection is called Cufflinks and Studs: whichever word you use, you will find the cuff accessories you are looking for.

So if someone in Pakistan tells you to wear studs with your wedding kameez, they almost always mean cufflinks on your sleeves.

The Simple Difference

• Cufflinks: fasten the cuffs at your wrists.
• Shirt studs (international meaning): fasten the front of a formal shirt instead of buttons.
• Studs (common Pakistani meaning): usually the same as cufflinks.

A Short History of Cuff Fasteners

Before buttons became common on shirt cuffs, people tied their cuffs with ribbons or strings. Over time, decorative fasteners replaced ties and became a sign of a well dressed man. Today, cufflinks are worn around the world at weddings, business events and formal dinners. In Pakistan, they have become a popular part of wedding and Eid outfits, worn with both Western shirts and traditional kameez. Whether you call them cufflinks or studs, they carry the same message: attention to detail and pride in how you dress.

Do You Need Both?

For most men in Pakistan wearing a shalwar kameez, cufflinks are all you need. A kameez usually has a placket with buttons or a hidden placket on the front, so front studs are not needed. If you wear a very formal Western dress shirt made for studs, you may want a matching front stud set. But for khaddar shalwar kameez at weddings and Eid, a good pair of cufflinks is the key accessory.

Types of Cufflink Backs

The back of a cufflink decides how easy it is to put on.

• Bullet or toggle back: a small bar that flips to lock. The most common and easy to use.
• Fixed back: a solid back with no moving parts. Strong, but a little harder to insert.
• Chain link: two decorative faces joined by a short chain. Traditional and elegant.
• Ball return: a fixed post with a ball end that slides through. Simple and secure.

Choosing Cufflinks for a Kameez

When choosing cufflinks for a khaddar kameez, think about the occasion and your suit color.

• Golden cufflinks: festive and warm, great with cream, white, black and maroon suits for weddings and Eid.
• Silver cufflinks: clean and modern, ideal with navy, grey and blue suits.
• Black or antique black: subtle and classy, good for daytime events and lighter suits.
• Pearl designs: graceful for nikah and formal family events.
• Crystal designs: catch the light beautifully at evening functions.

For more guidance, read our cufflinks guide for Pakistani weddings.

Getting Your Kameez Ready for Cufflinks

A normal kameez with button cuffs cannot hold cufflinks properly. Tell your tailor before stitching that you want cufflink cuffs. He can make French cuffs, which are long cuffs that fold back, or simple single cuffs with a hole on each side. Both work well. Make sure the holes are neatly finished so they do not fray after washing. If you want to wear cufflinks on special days and buttons on other days, ask your tailor about cuffs that can take both.

Matching Metals and Accessories

Keep your metals in the same family. Golden cufflinks look best with a golden watch and golden waistcoat buttons. Silver cufflinks match a steel or silver watch. This small detail makes your outfit look planned and polished.

Cufflinks and Studs as Gifts

Cufflinks are one of the most popular gifts for men in Pakistan. They suit grooms, fathers, brothers, friends and colleagues, and they are easy to send anywhere. Pair them with a khaddar suit for a complete gift. See our khaddar gift ideas for inspiration.

Caring for Cufflinks

Keep cufflinks dry and store them in their box when not in use. Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to remove fingerprints and moisture. Several of our designs are stainless steel, which keeps its shine well. Avoid spraying perfume directly on any cufflinks, and keep pearl designs away from harsh chemicals.

Common Questions From Buyers

Many buyers ask whether one pair is enough. For most men, one golden and one silver pair cover almost every event. Others ask whether cufflinks are only for weddings. They are not. A simple pair looks smart at the office, at Eid prayers and at formal dinners. Some ask whether cufflinks are hard to put on. With a toggle back, it takes only a few seconds once you have done it a couple of times.

Final Words

Internationally, cufflinks close the cuffs and studs close the front of a formal shirt. In Pakistan, studs usually means cufflinks. For a khaddar shalwar kameez, a good pair of cufflinks is all you need to look formal and polished. Browse our Cufflinks and Studs collection, with designs from about Rs. 1,299 to Rs. 2,299 and free delivery all over Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cufflinks and studs?

Internationally, cufflinks fasten the cuffs and shirt studs fasten the front of a formal shirt. In Pakistan, studs usually means cufflinks.

Do I need studs with a shalwar kameez?

Usually not. A kameez has its own front buttons, so cufflinks for the sleeves are all you need.

Can any kameez be worn with cufflinks?

No. The kameez needs cufflink cuffs, such as French cuffs or cuffs with holes on both sides.

Which cufflink back is easiest to use?

The bullet or toggle back is the most common and easiest to put on.

How should I store cufflinks?

Keep them dry, wipe them after wearing, and store them in their box.