Cuffs around the wrist
Short answer: A cuff has to sit firmly enough to stay in place, but not so tightly that it constricts or leaves marks. Ribbing, elastic and sleeve length decide whether the cuff feels calm all day.
What a cuff is actually for
A cuff has two jobs. It has to hold the sleeve in place so it does not slide down over the hand, and it has to close off against the cold so the air does not blow up along the forearm. In sport and when working with your hands it also has to keep the sleeve clear of what you are doing. When a cuff does both without pressing, you forget it is there. That is exactly the aim.
Ribbing, elastic and fit
Most cuffs are made of rib, where the fabric is knitted in small ridges so it can contract and give. Rib with a good deal of elastane holds its shape best, but can also be the tightest. Put the garment on and let your arm hang. A good cuff sits snugly without leaving a red line. See bamboo jogging suit for men. Jogging clothes often have cuffs at both wrist and ankle, and there is room for different fits here.
How the wrist moves
The wrist bends, stretches and turns all day. A cuff has to follow without pulling or catching. Try making a fist and turning your forearm. If the cuff creeps towards the knuckles and tightens, it is too short or too narrow. If you wear a watch or a bracelet, choose a cuff with room for it, so the watch strap does not press against the rib edge.
When the cuff scratches or constricts
Some cuffs turn stiff after washing if they are dried too hot or washed with fabric softener. Try massaging them soft with your fingers while they are wet, and let them dry in peace. If the cuff still constricts, you can push the sleeve up over the forearm so the cuff sits a little higher, where the arm is wider. That is a simple solution for jogging, where the sleeve is often pushed up anyway.
Socks and cuffs go together
The sock top works like a cuff at the ankle, and the same rules apply. It should sit snugly but not constrict, and it should stay in place all day. See all bamboo socks for men. If the cuff at your wrist leaves a mark, there are probably marks at your ankles too, and then it is worth going up a size in both places.
Care, with inner shorts as an example
Rib goes slack if it is washed too hot or tumble dried often. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees, hang up to dry and avoid hanging clothes by the cuffs, which stretches them. The same goes for many other textiles, such as inner shorts, where the waistband is the most exposed part. See bamboo inner shorts. When the edges are allowed to dry flat, they keep their elasticity and shape for longer, and the clothes stay neat.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my cuff leave a red mark
It usually means it is too tight. Try one size up or a model with softer rib, and check that you are not wearing a stiff watch next to it.
Can I loosen a cuff that constricts
You can massage it soft while it is wet and let it dry without heat. If it is still too tight, the model does not fit, and a larger size is often better.
Must cuffs always sit tight
They should sit snugly enough to stay in place but not so tightly that they constrict. For some people a slightly looser cuff is more comfortable.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
