Cuffs

Cuffs refer to the finished edges at the ends of garments as well as to devices used to restrain a person. In clothing, cuffs are found at the wrists of shirts and jackets and at the bottoms of trousers. They serve functional roles, such as sealing sleeves, protecting fabric, and shaping the garment’s silhouette, as well as decorative purposes in various styles.

In apparel, sleeve cuffs come in several common forms. Barrel cuffs are simple and fastened with a single button. French cuffs are double-length and worn with cufflinks or studs, presenting a formal look. Convertible cuffs can be worn as button cuffs or with cufflinks, depending on the hardware. Trousers may feature cuffs, or turn-ups, at the leg openings, added for style and weight.

Cuffs are typically constructed as reinforced edges that may include plackets, interfacing, or additional fabric layers to maintain shape. Closures include buttons for everyday wear, cufflinks or studs for formal attire, and sometimes decorative fasteners.

Handcuffs represent the restraint sense of cuffs. In law enforcement, handcuffs consist of two linked rings designed to secure a person’s wrists. They may be hinged or chain-linked and are usually made of steel or polymer. Some models include a double-lock mechanism to prevent tightening. Disposable plastic variants, known as flex cuffs, are used for temporary restraint. Safety and proper use are central considerations in their deployment.