Stud vs. Cufflink — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 12, 2024
Studs are decorative fasteners typically used in formal shirts, while cufflinks are ornamental tools used to fasten shirt cuffs.
Difference Between Stud and Cufflink
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Studs are small, decorative pieces used primarily with formal or tuxedo shirts which have buttonholes on both sides but no sewn buttons. On the other hand, cufflinks are used to secure the cuffs of dress shirts that have buttonholes on both sides but no buttons, offering both functionality and style.
While studs are typically placed down the front of a tuxedo shirt to add a subtle elegance, cufflinks are more versatile and can be used with a variety of dress shirts to enhance formal attire. Cufflinks can be a focal point of a man's outfit and come in a wide range of designs and materials.
Studs are usually made of metal, and sometimes incorporate precious materials like gold, silver, or pearls. Conversely, cufflinks can be made from a wider range of materials including glass, stone, precious metals, and even novelty materials featuring logos or fun designs.
In the context of usage, studs are specifically designed for the buttonholes in the shirt’s front and are essential in black tie or white tie attire. Whereas, cufflinks are necessary for securing the cuffs and are used in business, semi-formal, and formal settings, providing a greater range of expression through design and material.
Although both accessories serve the purpose of fastening, studs are generally simpler and more understated in design. Cufflinks, however, can range from understated elegance to bold statements, depending on the design chosen.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Fasten the front of a shirt
Fasten the cuffs of a shirt
Material
Mostly metals and pearls
Metals, glass, stone, novelty items
Usage
Formal events (black tie)
Business and all formal events
Design
Simple and elegant
Ranges from simple to elaborate
Versatility
Less versatile, specific use
Highly versatile, many styles
Compare with Definitions
Stud
Designed to be both functional and decorative.
The studs made his plain white shirt look more sophisticated.
Cufflink
Decorative fasteners used to secure the cuffs of shirts.
His cufflinks were customized with his initials.
Stud
A large-headed piece of metal that pierces and projects from a surface, especially for decoration.
Cufflink
Adds a personal touch to men's formalwear.
His antique cufflinks added a unique flair to his outfit.
Stud
An upright timber in the wall of a building to which laths and plasterboard are nailed
Lath and plaster on timber studs
Cufflink
Often a symbol of luxury and style.
He wore diamond-encrusted cufflinks to the wedding.
Stud
A rivet or crosspiece in each link of a chain cable.
Cufflink
Can be made from a variety of materials.
His favorite cufflinks were made from smooth polished wood.
Stud
An establishment where horses or other domesticated animals are kept for breeding
A stud farm
The horse was retired to stud
Cufflink
Versatile accessories suited for many occasions.
He chose subtle silver cufflinks for his business meeting.
Stud
A form of poker in which the first card of a player's hand is dealt face down and the others face up, with betting after each round of the deal.
Cufflink
Cufflinks are items of jewelry that are used to secure the cuffs of dress shirts. Cufflinks can be manufactured from a variety of different materials, such as glass, stone, leather, metal, precious metal or combinations of these.
Stud
Decorate or augment (something) with many studs or similar small objects
A dagger studded with precious diamonds
Cufflink
A fastening for a shirt cuff, usually consisting of two buttons or buttonlike parts connected with a chain or shank that passes through two slits in the cuff.
Stud
An upright post in the framework of a wall for supporting sheets of lath, drywall, or similar material.
Cufflink
A button or stud used to hold a sleeve cuff together.
Every gentleman needs at least one pair of cufflinks.
Stud
A small knob, nail head, or rivet fixed in and slightly projecting from a surface.
Cufflink
Jewelry consisting of one of a pair of linked buttons used to fasten the cuffs of a shirt
Stud
A small ornamental button mounted on a short post for insertion through an eyelet, as on a dress shirt.
Stud
A buttonlike earring or other piercing mounted on a slender post, as of gold or steel.
Stud
Any of various protruding pins or pegs in machinery, used mainly as a support or pivot.
Stud
One of a number of small metal cleats embedded in a snow tire to increase traction on slippery or snowy roads.
Stud
A metal crosspiece used as a brace in a link, as in a chain cable.
Stud
A group of animals, especially horses, kept for breeding.
Stud
A male animal, such as a stallion, that is kept for breeding.
Stud
A stable or farm where these animals are kept.
Stud
A usually young man regarded as attractive and physically fit.
Stud
(Slang) A person who is extremely competent in a given area.
Stud
(Games) Stud poker.
Stud
To provide with or construct with studs or a stud.
Stud
To set with studs or a stud
Stud a bracelet with rubies.
Stud
To be scattered over
Daisies studded the meadow.
Stud
A male animal, especially a stud horse (stallion), kept for breeding.
Stud
A female animal, especially a studmare (broodmare), kept for breeding.
Stud
A group of such animals.
Stud
An animal (usually livestock) that has been registered and is retained for breeding.
Stud
A place, such as a ranch, where such animals are kept.
Stud
A small object that protrudes from something; an ornamental knob.
A collar with studs
Stud
(jewelry) A small round earring.
She's wearing studs in her ears.
Stud
(construction) A vertical post, especially one of the small uprights in the framing for lath and plaster partitions, and furring, and upon which the laths are nailed.
Stud
(obsolete) A stem; a trunk.
Stud
(poker) A type of poker where an individual cannot throw cards away and some of her cards are exposed.
Stud
(engineering) A short rod or pin, fixed in and projecting from something, and sometimes forming a journal.
Stud
(engineering) A stud bolt.
Stud
An iron brace across the shorter diameter of the link of a chain cable.
Stud
To set with studs; to furnish with studs.
Stud
To be scattered over the surface of (something) at intervals.
Stud
To set (something) over a surface at intervals.
Stud
A collection of breeding horses and mares, or the place where they are kept; also, a number of horses kept for a racing, riding, etc.
In the studs of Ireland, where care is taken, we see horses bred of excellent shape, vigor, and size.
He had the finest stud in England, and his delight was to win plates from Tories.
Stud
A stem; a trunk.
Seest not this same hawthorn stud?
Stud
An upright scanting, esp. one of the small uprights in the framing for lath and plaster partitions, and furring, and upon which the laths are nailed.
Stud
A kind of nail with a large head, used chiefly for ornament; an ornamental knob; a boss.
A belt of straw and ivy buds,With coral clasps and amber studs.
Crystal and myrrhine cups, embossed with gemsAnd studs of pearl.
Stud
An ornamental button of various forms, worn in a shirt front, collar, wristband, or the like, not sewed in place, but inserted through a buttonhole or eyelet, and transferable.
Stud
A short rod or pin, fixed in and projecting from something, and sometimes forming a journal.
Stud
An iron brace across the shorter diameter of the link of a chain cable.
Stud
To adorn with shining studs, or knobs.
Thy horses shall be trapped,Their harness studded all with gold and pearl.
Stud
To set with detached ornaments or prominent objects; to set thickly, as with studs.
The sloping sides and summits of our hills, and the extensive plains that stretch before our view, are studded with substantial, neat, and commodious dwellings of freemen.
Stud
Ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt)
Stud
An upright in house framing
Stud
Adult male horse kept for breeding
Stud
Poker in which each player receives hole cards and the remainder are dealt face up; bets are placed after each card is dealt
Stud
Scatter or intersperse like dots or studs;
Hills constellated with lights
Stud
Provide with or construct with studs;
Stud the wall
Stud
Small ornamental fasteners used on formal shirts.
He chose black onyx studs for his tuxedo shirt.
Stud
Used to add a refined look to formal attire.
His silver studs were visible through his open jacket.
Stud
Typically made from precious metals.
His gold studs were a gift from his grandfather.
Stud
Essential in men's formalwear.
Forgetting his studs, he felt underdressed at the gala.
Common Curiosities
Can cufflinks be worn with any shirt?
Cufflinks can be worn with any shirt that has French cuffs, which do not have built-in buttons.
What are studs used for in men's fashion?
Studs are used to fasten the front of formal shirts, typically in black tie attire.
What is the main difference in functionality between studs and cufflinks?
Studs fasten the shirt front, while cufflinks secure the cuffs.
Do studs come in pairs like cufflinks?
No, studs typically come in sets of four or more, depending on the shirt design.
Can women wear cufflinks?
Yes, women can wear cufflinks with appropriate shirts that have French cuffs.
How do I choose the right cufflinks for an event?
Choose cufflinks that match the formality of the event and complement your outfit's color and style.
How do I care for my cufflinks and studs?
Store them in a dry place and polish them regularly to maintain their luster.
Are studs interchangeable with buttons?
Yes, studs are used in place of buttons on specific formal shirts designed with buttonholes on both sides.
Can cufflinks be customized?
Yes, cufflinks can be personalized with initials, logos, or unique designs.
Are there specific occasions where studs are preferable over cufflinks?
Studs are preferable in very formal settings such as black or white tie events.
Can cufflinks and studs be worn together?
Yes, for some highly formal occasions, both cufflinks and studs are worn together to complement each other.
Is it acceptable to wear cufflinks without a jacket?
Yes, cufflinks can be worn without a jacket, especially in business settings where they add a touch of professionalism.
What types of materials are studs typically made from?
Studs are commonly made from metals such as gold, silver, and sometimes incorporate pearls or precious stones.
Are cufflinks considered jewelry for men?
Yes, cufflinks are a form of jewelry that adds style and personality to men's formal wear.
What should I consider when choosing studs for a formal event?
Consider the theme of the event, the color and style of your shirt, and how the studs will complement your overall attire.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
