Men’s Bracelets Trend: 2013/2014

Introduction

Throughout 2012 and 2013 we have seen bracelets take off and develop into a go-to accessory for style-conscious men. From wooden beads to leather cuffs to metal ID bands, there is currently a wealth of options available to choose from, for those men who aren’t afraid to confidently adorn their wrists.
Of course – as with any controversial trend – there are those who wouldn’t give bracelets a chance and view the entire concept as feminine, emasculating and a complete turn off to the opposite sex. That being said, it seems a large proportion of us are finally coming round to the idea of jewellery…

The Rise Of Men’s Jewellery

Men’s jewellery has long been a subject that polarises opinion. For example, when asking his wife her opinion on the notion of men wearing bracelets, GQ journalist Oliver Franklin got the scornful, yet possibly not untrue, opinion: “Don Draper wouldn’t wear a bracelet. James Bond wouldn’t wear a bracelet.”
However, 2013 seems to be the year where the tide is turning and men are becoming more open to the idea of using bracelets. According to Toby Bateman, Buying Director at Mr Porter, sales of men’s bracelets are surging, whilst The Times also reported a rise in men’s jewellery sales during 2012.
Not only that, the fashion press, including GQ and Ask Men, have supported this emergent trend with several articles and editorials featuring wrist wear for men. Shortlist magazine have been particularly vocal advocates, recently featuring a ‘Buyers Edit’ section with Harvey Nichols’ Head of Menswear, Darren Skey, who picked out an M Cohen oxidised silver and vintage Hermès silk bracelet as his accessory of the season.
Furthermore, flicking through the recent AW13 edition of Shortlist MODE, advertorials from brands such as Ralph Lauren, Topman and Replay feature models wearing bracelets, proving that it is a trend being pushed by both high-end and high street brands alike.
The same edition of Shortlist MODE also includes an entire editorial spread entitled ‘Way Up High’, which shows the model in a range of rural, outdoor locations. In every shot he is wearing a small stack of bracelets, which not only adds to the ethnic theme of the shoot but gives each look a sense of character and individuality.
With all this in mind, for the average man who is interested in exploring the world of wrist wear, what are the key styles available this year?

Metal Bracelets

Metal bracelets – specifically ID bracelets – probably represent the most masculine wrist wear option, largely due to their military connotations.
Metal bracelets have long held a place within men’s style, with screen idols such as Marlon Brando and James Dean (see lookbook below) wearing them in commemoration following the Second World War. Their popularity is also on the rise today, with celebrities such as Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum and Liam Hemsworth spotted wearing them recently.
ID bracelets retain a sense of masculinity and convey a notion of tasteful rebellion with their sleek appearance. As they tend to be quite distinctive and chunky, metal bracelets are best worn as standalone, solo pieces. For this reason, it is also a good idea to wear it on your free, non-watch hand, rather than weighing down the same wrist with both your watch and metal bracelet.
There is the argument that metal bracelets can slip into women’s ‘bangle’ territory, but conversely, Esquire magazine recently included a stylish metal cuff in a feature entitled ‘The 10 Best Things To Wear On Your Wrist’, demonstrating that a slimline metal cuff is a versatile piece a man can successfully pull off without appearing feminine.
As with everything, it’s important to wear with confidence and – especially with metal bracelets – work under the concept that less is more. No one wants to give off the appearance of a manacled prisoner.

Example Lookbook