6 Types of Men’s Bracelets: Outfit and Style Tips

If clothing is cake, jewelry is icing. While some men may be reluctant to wear jewelry, note that there is always a stylish way to do men’s accessories. Bracelets are our answer. Relaxed, laidback, and playful, bracelets are the breed of jewelry that every man can wear without feeling overdone or out of place. Be it casual or dressy occasions, different bracelets can lend distinction – allowing you to stand out in the simplest ways. From beaded wristwear to steel versions, we take you through our top style tips of the different types of men’s bracelets that ooze cool.

Men’s Bracelet Styles

Leather Bracelets

Great for casual days, leather bracelets are cool and stylish when done right. With leather, stick to darker, richer tones. Black, darker brown, deep burgundies, and dim emeralds work the best. Thinner leather bracelets are the easiest most versatile pieces to work with and look great when teamed with watches. While leather bracelets work well by themselves, try mixing them with other bracelets like beaded ones, for a textured approach to your wristwear. A great pair of jeans teamed with a t-shirt is the classic casual go-to, and leather bracelets are a great accompaniment.

Beaded Bracelets

Much like leather bracelets, beaded bracelets are a great option for a fresh addition to casual wear. Go for rich browns and other natural colors for bracelets that will be worn with a wide variety of different clothing pieces. Denim works wonderfully with these tones, and they also complement navy, burgundy, emerald green, and the like. Wooden beads can be great, but style them with caution. If the wooden beads are too big or misshaped, it can look messy. Opt for smaller rounder beads that will mix well with a wide variety of clothing choices and watches.

Anchor Bracelets

With marine influence, men’s anchor bracelets are a playful nod to elements of sailing. Ensure that your anchor is not overly big or gaudy, and remember that it is all in the subtly of this accessory. Anchor bracelets also come in a vast range of different colours so keep your eyes open for brighter, more vivid versions. This will brighten up your casual outfits and lend a bit of distinction to your aesthetic. Go for vermillion reds, cobalt blues, grass greens, and copper browns, and ensure that your anchor is in steel that will suit your colorings. Gold anchors tend to complement tanned skin best. Patterned ropes are also a great idea and the nautical patterns that they come in a tie in nicely with the sailing influence that anchor bracelets bring. For weekend wear, team your anchor bracelets with a chambray shirt and slim-fit white chinos for a laid-back take on this wristwear.

Rope Bracelets

Not just for Boy Scouts, ropes can be incorporated into your accessories to produce a layered aesthetic. The key to pulling off rope bracelets is to ensure that you have more mature versions so that they don’t read childish or cheap. Great woven versions can be difficult to find, but if you are in doubt, just remember that darker colors are failsafe and work favorably as a staple for your casual wardrobe. Brighter patterns can also be fun for casual wear. We also recommend opting for thinner options that aren’t overly bulky. This will ensure that your wristwear doesn’t convolute your clothing, but rather just adds a simple touch.

Gold Bracelets

Gold is best for darker skin tones. Gold works well with traditional colors, and for the man who loves navy, gold is his best bet. Great for dressed-up occasions, gold is the ultimate for semi-formal and formal wear alike. Note that with gold, it is all about being subtle and simple. You certainly do not want to overdo it with an overly blinged-up approach to your gold wristwear. Keep things balanced and ensure that your bracelets are simple and of good quality. Real gold is a lot more durable and a worthy investment if you’re after a piece that you will want to wear countlessly. A slim gold cuff is a nice approach – it is simple and won’t look gaudy. Most importantly, a great simple gold cuff won’t date.

Silver Bracelets

For most men, silver is the most alluring option. Why is silver the most favored shade? It complements a variety of skin tones and can exist well with casual and formal outfits. For casual wear, silver is simple and can register as relaxed and laid-back. For dressy looks, silver can boost formal wear and complement a wide range of darker and lighter colors. The choice for corporate wear, silver complements suits and darker pea coats excellently. The best approach to silver wristwear is to do it classically – opt for sleek pieces that will work favorably with your clothing and wristwatches alike.

How to Wear Men’s Bracelets

Keep it Simple

The best tip we can give you for jewelry is to keep things super simple and go for bracelets that are consistent with your personal style. You need to ensure that your bracelets are not too over the top. Wearing jewelry shouldn’t be forced, so be mindful of styles that you will want to wear regularly and will co-exist well with your existing wardrobe. Investing in quality bracelets is a good idea if you are after pieces to wear every day. Don’t be fooled by high price tags, as cheaper options can also be a great buy.

Be Conscious of Your Attire

It sounds obvious, but don’t forget – your bracelets should conform to your respective dress codes. Beaded bracelets are a great way to liven up casual days, but they should be avoided with corporate or other formal clothing. For more dressy attire, opt for classic steels like gold and silver. Classic steel bracelets are a classier way to approach wristwear but ensure that your choices aren’t overly bulky or thick.

Roger Grindstead

Fashion Designer / Writer

Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.