Cufflink Day

What Is Cufflink Day?

September 23rd is "Cufflink Day" (カフスボタンの日) in Japan. It was established by "Cuff Shop," a specialty cufflink store in Kudanshita, Tokyo, and is certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. September 23rd often falls on Autumnal Equinox Day, when autumn is in the air and people start wearing long-sleeved shirts, making it an ideal day for cufflinks, a stylish accessory for long sleeves. The numbers "9" and "23" can also be read as "kafusu" (cuffs) in a Japanese wordplay. The aim is to share the appeal of cufflinks with more people.

A History That Began With Sleeve Decorations

Cufflinks developed as ornaments to decorate the cuffs of sleeves.

• Origins in 17th-century France: At the time, lace and ribbons were used to decorate cuffs. Fastening them instead with gold or silver buttons joined by a metal chain is said to be the origin of cufflinks.
• Spread by the Industrial Revolution: At first, cufflinks were handmade items for the upper classes, but the Industrial Revolution made mass production possible and they spread to ordinary people.

"Kafusu Botan" Is a Japanese Coinage

The Japanese term "kafusu botan" (cuff button) is a Japanese-made expression; in English they are called "cufflinks." Because they are worn as a left-and-right pair, the English word is plural. "Cuffs" itself is an English word for the ends of a garment's sleeves.

Things to Know About Cufflinks

• Single and double cuffs: "Double cuffs" (French cuffs), which are folded back into two layers, are designed to be fastened with cufflinks. Some single-cuff shirts with buttonholes on both sides can also be worn with cufflinks.
• Not only for dress shirts: Cufflinks are used to fasten the cuffs of blouses as well as dress shirts.
• A wide range of designs: From simple metal pieces to designs with natural stones or enamel, and ones shaped like hobby motifs, there is a great variety.
• How cuffs show: It is generally considered standard for a little of the shirt cuff to show beyond the jacket sleeve, letting cufflinks peek out subtly.

Ideas for Cufflink Day

• Take out cufflinks you've tucked away and match them to today's outfit.
• Try wearing a shirt with double cuffs.
• Look for cufflinks with motifs tied to your hobbies or special occasions.
• Choose cufflinks as a gift for someone who has helped you.

A Small Touch at the Cuff Sharpens the Whole Look

September 23rd is a day to enjoy stylish cuffs as long-sleeve season begins. A single small accessory can change the impression of an everyday shirt. Why not pay a little extra attention to your wrists today and enjoy your autumn style?