Bracelets are not just for chicks, you know that, right?
But what bracelets are the stylish guys wearing now? Look around, and you will see all types of bracelets men are taking up and putting around the wrist to accentuate and mark their own personal style.
Wristwear!
Since 2012, men’s accessories market has exploded – spearheaded by wristwear. Nowadays, you can barely shake the hand of any man without the jingle and flash of statement wristwear. What has caused this boom in men’s accessories? According to Simon Spiteri, Accesories Buyer for Mr. Porters, it’s a combination of rising popularity of Instagram combined with the emergence of street-style photographers and menswear bloggers. “In the case of bracelets in particular, what had largely been the preserve of the well-put-together Milanese and the fashion-forward Japanese suddenly found global diffusion and acceptance among the men on the street. This spike was further propagated by influential celebrities such as Kanye West and Johnny Depp.”
According to “The Compass, A Style Journal for Black Lapel”, an up scale guide to menswear, the beaded wristwear is definitely making a come back from the arts and crafts activity area of summer camps to the fashionable wrist of many a well suited, albeit bohemian, men. The beads can be made with anything from precious stones to wood, and prices vary widely.
Men’s Sandalwood Wristwear Trio
Beaded bracelets make a definite statement – that statement being: “I am a free-spirited traveller who likes to venture to exotic locations and bring back ethnic-inspired souvenirs.” Also: “I am comfortable arriving to the office bearing a passing resemblance to Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.”
But there is one rule of thumb when any man dons the beaded bracelet – the bigger the beads the more casual the bracelet. For a more formal, sophisticated look during work hours, keep the bead size under 5- 6mm. During the weekend, opt for funkier, larger beads up to 12mm. Same goes for amount of bracelets to wear on one wrist – think, funky artsy creative environment, ok to wear more; heading to court to prosecute a case in front of a jury? Tone it down a bit and drop the bracelets altogether. It’s all about appropriateness – if you’re dealing with large amounts of other people’s money i.e. banking or estate planning stay with more conservative accessories. And wearing wristwear for men is definitely an urban chic style that not every man can nor wants to follow.
Another fashion rule to keep in mind when wearing wristwear – keep your watch on one side, your wristwear on the other. Not only does this give a more overall balanced look, it also protects your watch and beads from scratches and scuffs.
Mixing up beaded wristwear with other styles such as leather or metal lets you mash up the styles in unexpected and personal ways.
Style appropriateness is more important than age appropriateness. So, you don’t need to “act your age’, but rather, be true to your inner self!
And when it comes to wearing bracelets style appropriateness is more important than age appropriate. There is no age limit for men (or women!) when it comes to wearing bracelets, just be sure to be true to your own personal style.
Malas – good for your body, mind and soul.
And of course, don’t forget the spiritual aspect of wearing sacred wood mala bracelets. As one man put it, “I never go anywhere without my Indian Sandalwood Mala. It’s a great accessory, and it’s also a fantastic tool to achieve a bit of mindfulness in the middle of a crowded and noisy places.”
Not everybody is so keen on the idea of men wearing bracelets. According to Business Insider (India) men should never wear bracelets with this “..one exception here: The only reason why a man should wear a bracelet is his daughter, significant other, or mother gave it to him.” I thought this was pretty odd, considering it was the Indian Edition, and men in India always wear bracelets!
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What do you think? Do you like to see men with wristwear? If so, what kind do you like? What kinds do you dislike? We love to hear from you!