A French cuff shirt is more formal and allows you to use cufflinks.

December 30, 2025

Dress Shirt Cuff Styles Explained

The style of dress shirt sleeve cuff can determine the level of formality of an outfit, as well as what accessories you can use.

Do you want to know which dress shirt cuff style you should wear for various occasions? Dress shirt cuff styles are categorized mainly by their shape and the way they fasten. The two main styles are the barrel cuff and the French cuff.

Barrel Cuffs (Button Cuffs)

  • The barrel or button cuff is the most common dress shirt cuff, featuring a single layer of fabric and fastening with one or two buttons.
  • This type of cuff is best for everyday wear, business-casual, and most non-formal occasions.
  • The barrel or button cuff can have varied shapes. 
    • Rounded cuffs have soft, curved edges for a refined look.
    • Square cuff edges have sharp 90-degree angels that look more modern and allow cuffs to be rolled up more easily.
    • Mitered cuffs have 45-degree corners for a slightly more stylish appearance.

French Cuffs (Double Cuffs)

  • The French cuff is a more formal style.
  • The cuff is twice the length of a barrel cuff and folds back on itself.
  • French cuffs are always fastened with cufflinks and best suited for formal occasions like black-tie events or important business meetings.
  • Like barrel cuffs, French cuffs can also feature rounded or square edge corners.

Other Cuff Styles

  • Hybrid cuff designs can feature either a button or a cufflink closure.
  • Italian cuffs are a two-button style with angled corners that offer a more casual, softer look.

Explore The Tie Bar's dress shirt collection which features various cuff styles for every occasion. 

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