A Man's Guide to Wearing Bracelets

No longer just for women, bracelet wearing has emerged as a bona fide trend in men’s fashion. Inspired by that shift in thinking, we’ve created this man’s guide to wearing bracelets to help you put together an on-point new look.

Should You, or Shouldn’t You?

Let’s put the big question to bed first: Should men wear bracelets?

The fact that so many guys are (still) asking this question hints at some widespread unease around men’s bracelets. But a quick peak into the history books shows us that bracelets have been worn by men for millennia.

And with famous names from Kayne West to Johnny Depp and even Prince Harry all happy to flash some wrist apparel, it’s definitely time to reject the myth that bracelets are just for women – once and for all.

How to Wear Bracelets – A Guide for Guys

OK, so now we’re all at ease with bracelet wearing as a concept, let’s dive into the details and look at how it should be done...

Should Guys Wear Bracelets on the Left or Right Wrist?

Many guys are confused about which wrist they should wear a bracelet on, but the fact is, there’s no right or wrong answer. Most right-handers opt to wear their wrist watch on the left side, and so prefer to wear a bracelet on their right wrist. Then again, if you’re a lefty, you’ll probably head the other way. Ultimately, these are just conventions, so go with whatever feels right to you.

Can You Wear Bracelets on Both Wrists?

Hardcore bracelet aficionados can dodge the whole left-wrist/right-wrist issue by wearing bracelets on both. Keep in mind, this bold approach will put your bracelets front and center of your whole look, so if you’re just aiming for a subtle accent to your style, this could be a step too far.

How to Wear a Watch and Bracelet Together

When you pair a watch and bracelet, it’s important to check that the two play nice together. Wearing an all-steel watch with a surfer-vibe beaded bracelet will result in a confusing hybrid of styles. Style aside, it’s also important to ensure your bracelet will complement your watch; not outshine it, so avoid anything too large or eye-catching.

The Best Types of Bracelets for Men

As we’ve just touched on, different styles of bracelet suit different looks. Metal bracelets have a sharp, high-end, even corporate aesthetic; this is the way to go if your destination is the board room. But if a plain metal band is just too… plain, then a helix cuff bracelet will add an appealing ‘twist’ to your look (pun absolutely intended).

Meanwhile, if you’re more likely to be spotted in a Hawaiian shirt than a suit, then opt for something with a rugged edge and natural materials. Rope or cord, brown or tan leather, and beads or natural stones will all sit effortlessly with your look.

But how about social events when you want to push the envelope and embrace a more eye-catching style? If you’re set on outshining others, then this could be the time to go all out with a high-end diamond bracelet.

Strength in Numbers?

Let’s close with a controversial question: Should you stack bracelets – or wear them solo? Again, it comes down to personal preference – and the type of bracelet you’ve chosen. Stacking bracelets is a smart way to get low-key pieces to work together for maximum visual appeal. But keep in mind that the more bracelets you wear together, the less impact each individual bracelet will have…

If you’ve just spent $50,000 on an iced-out diamond-studded bracelet, you won’t be keen on distractions – besides which, it’s probably strong enough to stand alone!