The Complete Guide to Choosing and Designing Bracelets for men

With a strong resurgence in men’s bracelets and an accompanying growing range of options, there is little wonder as to why men seem to be flummoxed by the sheer variety of bracelets to choose from. Moreover, how do we size and style them, along with wear them amongst other bracelets in a well put together, coherent fashion? In this detailed guide, we will cover how to wear & style men’s bracelets.

WHY WEAR MEN’S BRACELETS

While bracelets and dudes can appear like a convoluted mix, men’s bracelets have really taken off in the last few years. For the sartorially and stylistically inclined gentleman, bracelets have afforded men the ability to showcase their style, personality and potentially some of their story, without barely mentioning a word. And in the most effortless manner possible.

From leather bands to wooded and lavastone beads, to metallic cuffs and anchor rope bracelets, movie, TV stars and influencers alike have taken strongly to the men’s bracelet game, flexing their stylistic prowess in the process.

As with anything style related, general rules of thumb do apply. The key is to finding bracelets that don’t look like you’ve just ransacked your significant others jewelry box. Ideally, try finding pieces that are stylish and masculine, and made from intriguing materials in a range of colors. Having a balanced bracelet mix will provide you with options aplenty when deciding how to hit the town on an evening out (or a professional / networking event, for that matter).

Bracelets are one of the easiest accessories to wear. The key to wearing bracelets is that it should appear effortless and easy to wear.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BRACELETS

To ensure that this small accessory injects the right amount of flair and masculinity to your look, try paying attention to the following:

FIT & PROPORTION

Just as with any other item of clothing, fit and proportion are of paramount importance. This essentially comes down to choosing larger bracelet sizes for larger wrists, and smaller bracelets for corresponding smaller wrist sizes.

Additionally, the bracelet should be tight enough to fit snugly around your wrist. For example, an oversized metal bracelet that is sliding up and down your arm will prove to be more of a nuisance than an aesthetic complement. Heavier bracelets should be fitted more closely to your wrist size, while lighter bracelets can have more freedom of movement.

AESTHETIC & STYLE

Discerning between bracelet choices ultimately comes down to your style preferences, and what kind of look you are trying to achieve. Looking for something more vintage and throwback? A leather bracelet will do the trick, providing you with an aura of rugged masculinity.

Men’s Stacked Bracelets

Looking for something more stylistic and versatile? Beaded bracelets are your perfect choice here, providing you with a natural look that shows off an affable side to your personality. Beaded bracelets, such as those of the lavastone variety, can add a certain edgy element to your look and also make for a great conversation starter.

Men’s Beaded Bracelets

Searching for something that’s more emphatic? A metal or cuff bracelet could work particularly well here. However, too much metal and you’ll be blinged out.

Men’s Cuff Bracelet

Similar to some other accessories, wearing a bracelet can reveal something about yourself. Maybe leather bracelets show off your affinity for motorcycles and high risk taking. Beaded bracelets, on the other hand, can tell a story about your past travel experiences. No matter what you do though – refrain from making up stories. There is absolutely no point in wearing a bracelet that is incongruent with your stories. Aesthetic without firm rooting can lead to a null and void experience (ok, enough existentialism here…).

HOW TO WEAR A BRACELET

Like all things style related, knowing how not to wear a bracelet is just as, if not more important, than knowing how to wear a bracelet. With that said, we’ll start with four bracelet guidelines you can follow to avoid looking out of place:

Treat your bracelets like watches – they should stay against your skin, under any sleeves that are long enough to cover them.

You can stack up as many thinner cord bracelets as you like, but try to avoid multiples of thick, metal bracelets.

While watches look dapper & dandy with thin cord bracelets stacked u p against them, avoid combining big metal bands on the same wrist!

As a general rule of thumb, one bare wrist looks better than both wrists occupied. If opting for a watch on one side and bracelets on the other, either stack bracelets with the watch or choose a more minimalistic look on the opposing hand with fewer, thinner bracelets that are stacked. Alternatively, your watch on one wrist can be balanced by a single bracelet on the opposing wrist.

Now that we have gone over what to avoid, here is a more definitive guideline on how to wear your bracelets:

SINGLE BRACELETS

Start with a single or couple bracelets and adorn one wrist with them. Fairly simple. If you wear a watch, wear your bracelet on the opposite hand. Alternatively, forego the watch and go with a bracelet. You want to ensure that your watch and bracelets are not too similar in width- a thicker, wider watch requires a thinner bracelet, helping provide the right level of contrast and harmony.

Single Beaded Men’s Bracelet

Use your single (or couple) bracelet to bring your outfit together. Picking a bracelet with a color elsewhere in your attire will make your bracelet game look seamless. If you are looking for something neutral, stick with a natural color such as leather or wood.

HOW TO WEAR STACKABLE BRACELETS

The latest trend with influencers, movie starts and celebrities alike, stacking bracelets have certainly become the trend do jour (or of the decade?).

Stacking bracelets is the art of styling different types of bracelets on the wrist at the same time, and is commonly referred to as layering. The idea is to pull off a unique look that a single bracelet cannot deliver.

Start by stacking two to three bracelets that are somewhat similar in theme but don’t necessarily match with regards to color or material. When stacking a few bracelets at the same time, it is best to go with bracelets that are thinner and smaller in size, such as a paracord bracelet or beaded bracelets. These can then be combined with a leather bracelet to add further visual interest.

A great example, and in conjunction with the above, would be to combine two beaded bracelets (lavastone with grey agate / hermatite / onyx / blue regulate) and a brown or black leather bracelet.

This look would result in a balanced but colorful stackable bracelet look that harmonizes color, material, styles and widths of bracelets, resulting in an instant conversation starter!

Stackable Beaded Bracelets

Combining leather and beaded bracelets for a more casual look

Mixing beaded bracelet of varying patterns and sizes

Combining steel and tan leather bracelets

Mixing a variation of chain and steel bracelets for a more rugged impression

Stacking Style Tip: The key to stacking bracelets is to go for a balanced approach. Avoid heavy stacking on both hands as you’ll look out of place. If wearing a watch (as you will see below), stack your bracelets with your watch, or go for a single beaded, thin leather or cuff bracelet on the opposing hand. In essence, if you are strutting multiple bracelets in a stacked manner on one hand, avoid replicating that detailed look on the other!

HOW TO WEAR BRACELETS WITH YOUR WATCH

In addition to stacking beaded bracelets, stacking bracelets (beaded or not) with a watch seems to be the latest runaway trend. Stacking bracelets with watches has caught fire, and rightfully so. Done tastefully, stacking watches with bracelets can create an incredible impression. Done inappropriately, however, and what started off with great intentions could turn out to be a downright disaster.

Similar to style tips with wearing stackable beaded bracelets, there are a few pitfalls worth avoiding:

If your watch is your statement piece, opting for a bracelet could seriously distract from your intended purpose.

If your watch is made of delicate material, friction can be problematic. Friction between your watch and bracelet could result in unnecessary scratching that is not worth it in the long term.

men’s bracelets stacked with watches

1. HOW MANY BRACELETS TO STACK WITH YOUR WATCH

Given the increasing prevalence of stacking watches with bracelets, it is no longer an uncommon sight to see a gentleman absolutely butcher the look by opting for five to ten bracelets! As mentioned above, done tastefully, and you look incredibly well accessorized. Done with a loud and clear message that are you screaming for attention, and the combination will severely detract from your overall look. While stacking bracelets with your watch can often be seen as ‘sprezzatura’ or effortless fashion, too many bracelets clearly goes against this intended effect.

In actuality, opting for one or t wo bracelets to stack with your watch will work perfectly.

2. DOES YOUR WATCH WORK WELL WITH STACKING BRACELETS?

Watches typically come in the 35mm – 50mm diameter range (on the upper end). Watches that are 38-40mm typically don’t require any further accessorizing, unless you have a very large wrist.

Smaller watches in the 34mm – 36mm range could work extremely well with stacked bracelets. Simply add a couple of bracelets to your watch for that exquisite look.

3. CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF BRACELETS TO STACK WITH YOUR WATCH

The bracelet that you choose should depend on the material, color and strap design of the watch. For example, if you are wearing a metallic wrist watch, it is advisable to choose a metallic bracelet. Matching metal colors is of paramount importance, as it creates a seamless, elongated look.

 

Alternatively, you can work in a non metallic bracelet (leather, anchor or beaded, for example) with a metallic watch, to create that sense of balance.

4. COLOR COORDINATION

Try to find bracelets that at the very least, complement the colors of your watch. While an exact match isn’t necessary, finding colors that complement your watch can work extremely well. Matching colors ensures that the two pieces blend well, lending themselves to an elegant aesthetic.

Styling Tip: If you are seeking to pair your bracelet with a watch on the same hand, without feeling like your dressing over the top, opt for a thinner, sleeker bracelet. Stacking thinner bracelets also allows you to add a few bracelets as opposed to a single bracelet to your watch if it is wider in make. Thinner bracelets therefore afford you more flexibility with regards to color, which can lead to more visual interest.

DRESSING FOR THE OCCASION

While bracelets are highly versatile as a group of accessories, this doesn’t equate to all bracelets being appropriate for all occasions. Delivering a presentation at the office? A loud, clunky metal bracelet would most definitely serve as a distraction from the salient points you are trying to deliver.

While we encourage you to look for bracelets that complement your overall style, it is critical that you choose bracelets that happen to be appropriate for the occasion or setting that you are dressing for.

CASUAL DAILY WEAR

Beaded Bracelets can be worn on a daily basis. Beaded bracelets are highly comfortable and generally maintain their charm, even after extended use. Alternatively, cuff bracelets can also work particularly well in casual daily settings. Rocking up in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt? Don’t worry about the specific bracelet as much – carry your confidence with an exuberant look!

BUSINESS WEAR

Business events or settings almost certainly require more discernment when picking out an apropos bracelet. Bracelets that are elegant and minimalistic, such as a cuff bracelet, single beaded bracelet, or a slim leather bracelet with a refined look, can get the job done.

WEDDINGS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Weddings and special occasions provide you with a great opportunity to set yourself apart from the crowd. Careful consideration should be given to the type of look you are trying to create. Wearing a custom bracelet with your and your significant others initials engraved can make your accessory really stand out.

TYPES OF MEN’S BRACELETS

BEADED BRACELETS

Beaded Bracelets, which have become the accessory de jour (or decade) in recent years, encompass a wide range of bead types including PVC, wooden and stone beads. If you feel that quality is of the utmost importance, natural stone beads are your perfect choice. Apart from their high-quality craft, these beads come in a variety of colors.

Beaded bracelets are highly versatile, given that they are worn in the right proportions. If you are looking to inject your casual style with a real statement piece, beaded bracelets can make an instant impression. On the other hand, a minimalistic approach to beaded bracelets is best in a formal capacity. For example, muted colors with maybe one beaded bracelet would work well with a suit.

Matching beaded bracelets can be a tricky proposition because you are matching color, bead size and texture. A general rule of thumb is to match the colors of your beaded bracelet to something else in your ensemble. For example, if you’re wearing a neutral colored suit such as cream, black or navy, try to refrain from wearing beaded bracelets that are too loud and showy. While beaded bracelets can certainly catch your eye, if it’s the only accessory or article of clothing where that specific color is present, it will dive rt the viewers attention to your wrist. Now who wants that?

Beaded Bracelets For Men

Any beaded bracelet variant with large colorful beads would be deemed inappropriate for formal settings. However, these look fantastic when worn with khakis, jeans or something as casual as a t-shirt. Some beaded bracelets are smaller and more understated, and hence, can be worn within a formal capacity, such as a work setting where you may be strutting a suit.

If you are looking for a stacked beaded bracelet look, aim to match two or more stone beaded bracelets that unique to your preferences and / or story. It is worth noting that all of these bracelets in your stack don’t have to be beaded. Leather, steel and anchor bracelets match with beads extremely well.

If you want to play it conservative, opt for a predesigned stackable beaded bracelet set.

A characteristic worth pointing out with beaded bracelets is that they are generally scratch proof and resistant to water damage.

Please feel free to view The extensive range of stunning beaded bracelets

CUFF BRACELETS

If you are seeking to upgrade your style and bracelet game with a piece that is minimalistic yet packs a punch, cue the cuff bracelet. Cuff bracelets are designed to wrap around your wrist without closing and can be adjusted slightly for the perfect fit.

When purchasing a cuff bracelet, avoid buying a piece that resembles a bangle. Oxidized varieties make your cuff bracelet appear more masculine.

Cuff Bracelets Men

Cuff bracelets should typically match other metals that you are strutting, especially if you are pairing this bracelet with a watch. Alternatively, cuff bracelets can be stacked with your beaded or leather bracelets for a more intriguing aesthetic.

Given the minimalistic, elegant nature of cuff bracelets, these pieces can complement your attire perfectly, whether you’re dressing down or to the nines in a suit for a networking event. Cuff bracelets are typically available in gold or silver tones in thin, understated designs.

Styling Tip: To pull off a cuff bracelet, try sticking to a minimalistic look. Try to ensure that your cuff bracelet matches your watch (assuming you wear one). Silver allows you to err on the side of caution, while gold (and if possible leather) provide for more flamboyant options.

LEATHER BRACELETS

Leather bracelets, often considered the epitome of masculinity, are an excellent choice to express an appreciation of craftsmanship. Wider leather bracelets will ooze more masculinity, so depending on the type of look you are going for, opting for something wider could suit your preferred style.

Leather bracelets also happen to be incredibly easy and convenient to wear. For example, beaded bracelets could get jammed as you are typing, and anchor bracelets may snag your sweater or sweatshirt when removing them. Conversely, leather bracelets lay flat on your wrist, making them ideal for upping your style game, irrespective of setting – whether you are working at the local café or hitting the town hard at night, a leather bracelet is sure to add a sense of rugged, refined masculinity to your attire, without being an unnecessary nuisance. Now that’s a win win.

Similar to metal, leather bracelets are seen as masculine, and hence its range of formalities can be applied to the occasion. Wider leather bracelets are generally viewed as more casual, while slimmer bracelets are considered more formal and elegant. Leather bracelets can also be woven, or consist of a simple band of leather that wraps around your wrist once or twice, closed with a stud or clasp finishing.

Men’s Leather Bracelets

Leather bracelets also tend to contrast extremely well with watches, making them the perfect stacking combination. Alternatively, you could wear your watch on one hand and opt for a combination leather / beaded bracelet set on the other for extra flair!

Leather bracelets are highly versatile and can be worn with jeans, khakis or chinos. Slimmer leather bracelets can work in a more formal capacity. As mentioned above, as a general rule of thumb, wider bracelets carry a more casual connotation, while slimmer wallets are typically associated with formal settings.

ANCHOR BRACELETS

Representing masculinity with a more relaxed vibe, anchor bracelets, with their nautical roots, represent that perfect, highly sought after, yet ever elusive element of effortless chic. Men’s anchor bracelets consist of a length of leather fabric cord that is doubled and knotted. By sliding the knot, one can adjust the length of the bracelet.

Men’s Anchor Bracelet

The anchor bracelet derives its name from the metal fastener that is shaped like an anchor. Anchor bracelets can be strutted with jeans, chinos, preppy shorts or your favorite seersucker, linen or cotton summer suits!

STEEL BRACELETS

Do your interests consist of riding a motorcycle, skydiving and occasionally breaking into a fire hazard and rescuing people? Cue the steel bracelet – the ultimate representation of masculinity. Bracelets that are ideally rust resistant and that will maintain, or better yet, enhance your overall look.

Men’s Steel Bracelets

Metal bracelets, grounded in military tradition, have historically been a popular choice of bracelet due to their simplicity and ruggedness. As an example, ID bracelets have been wildly popular given their rating on the masculinity totem pole. Their bulkiness and rich silver tone color lends to a more rugged aesthetic.

Metal bracelets come in a variety of designs and cuts, from slimmer bracelets to heavier variants that are best suited for more casual settings.

If you are looking to stack bracelets, cuff bracelets that don’t oxidize or burnish, combined with steel bracelets, can certainly pack a punch.

Ok, so that was a lot to digest. From tips on styling a bracelet, to how to wear bracelets based on occasion, to the wide range of men’s bracelets available – here is our summarized breakdown:

For the sartorially and stylistically inclined gentleman, bracelets are a great way to enhance your look, while allowing you to tell some of your story without having to utter a word.

Like with any other item of clothing or accessory, fit is of paramount importance. Thinner bracelets will best suit smaller wrists, while larger bracelets will suit larger wrists.

Choosing your bracelets ultimately comes down to style & preferences. Are you looking for a more rugged look? A metallic or leather bracelet will do the trick. Looking for something more casual or that alludes to your travels – beaded bracelets will complement you perfectly.

When wearing bracelets, it is essential to go for a clean aesthetic. Avoid wearing too many bracelets on both wrists. If stacking bracelets on one wrist, go for a single bracelet or no bracelet on the opposing wrist. Ditto for watches and bracelets (more on that later).

In addition to your personal preferences, the type of occasion / setting you are dressing up for can largely dictate the type of bracelet you can wear. Formal occasions generally necessitate slimmer and fewer bracelets, while casual events can be accompanied by larger or more numerous bracelets (e.g stacked beaded bracelets).

Strutting a single bracelet is a great way to add visual interest to your attire. Try color coordinating it with another element of your ensemble, be it your shirt, tie, jacket, t-shirt or shorts – any form of color coordination will bring the bracelet to life.

When stacking bracelets, start with 2 or 3 bracelets, and try to go for a mix of colors and materials to create a balanced, yet colorful and playful look.

When stacking a few bracelets at the same time, it is best to go with bracelets that are thinner and smaller in size, such as paracord or beaded bracelets. Alternatively, a couple of these bracelets can be combined with a leather bracelet.

While we generally advocate stacking a moderate amount of bracelets for a balanced look, you can stack up many thinner bracelets. With wider bracelets though, stacking bracelets would lead to a clunky, unrefined aesthetic.

The key to stacking bracelets is to go for a balanced look. Avoid stacking bracelets on both wrists.

When deciding whether to stack bracelets with your watch, avoid stacking bracelets with watches that may scratch easily (or vice versa).

Instead of stacking multiple bracelets with your watches (while it is possible), it is best to stick with two to three bracelets at most.

If wearing a metallic watch, a metallic bracelet of similar color should ideally be chosen, so as to create a seamless, elongated look. Alternatively, you can go with a leather, beaded or anchor bracelet with your metallic watch.

When stacking multiple bracelets with your watch, opt for thinner bracelets to create a more stylistic, refined look. Stacking thicker bracelets with your watch is a definitive faux-pas, leading to a clunky look.

Beaded Bracelets are perfect for injecting your casual wear with some flair! Available in a wide range of designs and materials, try mixing up materials to create a balanced, yet playful and colorful aesthetic. Combining lavastone with grey agate / hermatite / blue regalite can work extremely well.

Cuff Bracelets are ideal for upping your style game with a piece that is refined and minimalistic. While we conventionally think of cuff bracelets as being metallic, leather cuff bracelets also pack a stylistic punch.

Leather bracelets, often considered the epitome of masculinity, allow you to show an interest in craftsmanship through your accessories game. Slimmer leather bracelets work best in formal settings, while wider leather bracelets carry a more casual connotation.

Anchor bracelets, grounded in nautical roots, offer you that elusive, yet highly sought after ‘effortless chic’ look. Anchor bracelets can be worn with your jeans, chinos, preppy shorts or your favorite summer suits such as linen, cotton or seersucker!

Steel bracelets, neck and neck with leather for title of ‘most masculine bracelets’, offer a rugged look. If you are looking to stack metal bracelets, a cuff bracelet that doesn’t oxidize / burnish combines perfectly with steel bracelets for that ultimate combination.

And that’s a wrap for this one! We hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as we have writing it!