Cufflinks are closures for the cuffs of your shirt—you can think of them as replaceable buttons. There was once a time when shirt cuffs were held together by ribbon, but that changed when cufflinks for men began gaining popularity in the 17th century. Although now buttons commonly hold together the cuffs of a dress shirt, cufflinks remain a splendid accessory that combines functionality and expression. Unlike standard buttons, cufflinks provide the freedom to add class or personality to your look, and this small addition to your wardrobe can make a big statement.