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Clothing fasteners -

The origins of cuff links can be traced back to the clothing fasteners worn during the Bronze Age, like this one from Ireland.

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19th century -

But it was not until the double cuff shirt (also known as the French cuff) was invented, in the mid 1800s, that cuff links became popular.

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The Industrial Revolution changed it all -

By 1882, the first machine capable of mass producing one-piece buttons and cuff links had been invented.

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1900s -

By the early 1900s, all sorts of cuff links were being used, including those made of gemstones, porcelain, and other materials.

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1970s -

In the 1970s, built-in buttons replaced cuff links, so cuff links were more associated with the middle class. 

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1950s -

By the 1950s, cuff links were in most men's arsenal of accessories. Though they were not exclusively worn by men.

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1980s -

A revival of classic menswear brought the cuff links back to life, and many men started wearing them again.

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Today -

The cuff link stood the test of time and is now worn by many men across the world.

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Types of cuff links -

The swivel bar type is a popular cuff link model, where just one side has a motif.

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Double-panel -

Double-panel cuff links are also popular. They have two similar sides.

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Fabric -

Silk knot links, which became quite popular in the early 1900s, are still worn to this day.

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Statement -

Many people wear cuff links not only as a fashion accessory, but also as a way to convey a message.

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Statement -

Cuff links come in different shapes and can be used to express one's individuality.

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Style -

Nothing adds more elegance to a formal occasion than a nice pair of cuff links.

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Black tie -

More often than not, you'll see men wearing cuff links with their tux.

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Combo -

Matching accessories such as the tie, handkerchief, and cuff links can work really well.

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Versatile and stylish -

Interchangeable cuff links allow a person to adapt the cuff link to the occasion. And they make for quite the fashion statement. Like Timbaland in this picture, wearing a formal outfit, but not exactly black tie.

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Hollywood -

Cuff links are often spotted on the red carpet of many events, including movie premieres and awards ceremonies.

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Symbolism -

Here is a detail of the cuff links of former Deputy CIA Director Michael Morell.

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Under the spotlight -

James Corden complemented his look with cuff links when hosting the Grammys on February 12, 2017.

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Ceremony -

Henry Cavill sits in his classic tux, showing off his cuff links at the 20th GQ Men of the Year Awards on November 8, 2018 in Berlin.

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Suited for important moments -

Then Prince Felipe of Bourbon (now King Felipe VI) adjusts his cuff link after the official announcement of his engagement to Letizia Ortiz (now Queen Letizia) at the Royal Palace of El Pardo in Madrid on November 6, 2003.

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Bond wears them too! -

If there is a man who epitomizes the classic masculine style, it's Pierce Brosnan. Of course, he had to wear cuff links.

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A royal occasion -

Look at the cuff links worn by the Prince of Wales during the Hindu festival of Holi celebrations at the Neasden Temple in London on March 4, 2009.

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Princess Diana -

Most men in the British royal family wear cuff links, but Lady Di also liked to wear them occasionally.

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Souvenir -

On the topic of royals, why not draw inspiration from this wedding souvenir? 

See also: Worst-dressed male celebs of all time

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