the style blog

To cuff or not to cuff…

Recently the idea of cuff’s on mens trousers and suit pants has come back into style. In reality it never left for the man who pays attention to the details.  Cuffs are a mark of quality, but also help accentuate a man’s height and style.

Background:

Cuffs are the turned-up margin of trouser bottoms. This feature serves the basic purpose of protecting pants from fraying or any other kind of damage from wet and muddy conditions.

Although King Edward VII is considered the originator of the traditional cuffed pant in the 1890s, they became an American standard in the early 20th century.

Since then, cuffed pants remain a mark of quality in bespoke tailored pants as well as off-the-rack pants.

They should be regarded as a stylish embellishment to a properly fitted pair of pants, but also as a helpful tool in accentuating individual features.

Suits Without Cuffed Pants

It is well known that cuffed pants are not always necessary for a classic suit. However, some retail suit makers discourage cuffs because it is more expensive for them to include. That is why over the past 20 years cuff’s got a bad wrap, essentially it was a way for off the rack designers to save time and money.

Cuffs are considered a step above because they require more material and needlework. They can be added to existing pairs of pants the pants have enough material at the bottom to be let out.

When having a tailor make cuffless pants, the bottoms should be slanted so that the hem rests lower on the top of the shoe heel.

Traditional tailors advise that they should be worn with a slight break, or “shiver” on the front of the shoe. In this case, they should be long enough to cover the hose when a man is walking, with a width that conceals the shoelaces.

With today’s slimmer pant leg though if you want a cuff it is advised to make it fall right at the top of the shoe with no break.

Conclusion to Pants With Cuffs

Cuffs are an indicator of refined style when worn properly. Although they do add marginal cost to a pair of pants, they add a refined finish to the pant, especially with today’s slimmer pants.

Cuffs are considered permanent male fashion not because of their rich heritage in Regency-era England, but because the wearer has literally gone the extra inch to stand out with style.