Your essential Guide to Men’s Bracelets
The world of men’s fine jewelry is on the rise. Driven by growing fashion trends, shifting norms, and celebrity influence, men's jewelry has become more mainstream, reflecting a larger movement toward individuality and self-expression. In recent years, modern men have increasingly embraced jewelry as a culturally significant and socially acceptable way to express their personal style.
The bracelet—one of the most versatile pieces of men’s jewelry—is a classic wardrobe staple with endless style currency, adding an effortless touch of sophistication to any look.
David Yurman bracelets are timeless paragons of style, set apart by their unrivaled artistry and impeccable craftsmanship. From symbolic bead bracelets to classic gold bracelets for men, David Yurman offers an extensive selection of designer bracelets for every man.
In this styling guide, we break down how to wear bracelets for the modern renaissance man.
Choosing a Bracelet: How to Find your Personal Style
Before we dive into styling men’s bracelets, it’s important to know how to choose the right bracelets for your personal collection.
Selecting the perfect bracelet begins with understanding your personal style and overall aesthetic. Consider your unique personality and how it influences the way you present yourself in the world. Reflect on your everyday routines, your workplace environment, and the various types of events on your calendar. Generally, having a selection of three different bracelet styles allows men to effortlessly transition between casual, semi-formal, and formal looks.
The ideal bracelet should feel like a natural extension of your personality and aesthetic sensibility. Maybe you gravitate toward 18K rose gold bracelets because they complement the undertones of your complexion. Or you might prefer bold, statement-driven styles that appeal to your philosophical nature, such as our Memento Mori skull bracelets, which serve as a daily reminder to live life to its fullest. Whatever your preferences may be, go with styles that resonate with you on a personal level—it’s your prerogative.
While it’s practical to select bracelets that align with your current wardrobe, keep an eye out for pieces that will also accentuate your aspirational style. Whether you’re upgrading your rotation and starting to invest in high-quality, luxury bracelets, or acquiring new heirloom jewelry to expand your current David Yurman collection, it’s always a good idea to choose bracelets that reflect your sense of style, unique personality, and the life you aspire to live.
The Art of Stacking
There are infinite possibilities when it comes to styling and stacking men’s bracelets. At David Yurman, the key to styling jewelry is mastering three important elements—scale, texture, and color.
Scale
The scale, or overall size, of a bracelet should always complement the proportions of your wrist and physique. Sleeker bracelets are ideal for men with narrower wrists while thicker styles are flattering on men with broader wrists. It’s also important to consider weight. Some men prefer a more lightweight design and opt for minimalist link bracelets, while others desire weightier pieces that offer a more substantial look and feel. Either way, all David Yurman designs are meticulously engineered with style and comfort in mind—which is part of what makes them so special.
Texture
Texture adds character and depth to a bracelet, and choosing the right texture is as simple as identifying designs that catch your eye. Perhaps you’re drawn to the strong, interlocking nature of chain bracelets, or the smooth, spherical dimensions of a bead bracelet. Whether you gravitate toward intricately carved metals, braided leather, or smooth beads, knowing which textures appeal to your taste is a major step toward elevating your personal style. For those with an active lifestyle, titanium chain links or flexible rubber bracelets offer the durability to keep up with you.
Color
Never underestimate the power of color when coordinating jewelry with your clothing. The right color combinations naturally create a visual harmony that can elevate any look. When considering precious metals and gemstones, select colors that complement your personal taste and wardrobe.
Bracelets in neutral tones such as gold, silver, platinum, black, and brown offer more versatility and can be paired with various outfits for different occasions, ranging from everyday errands to high-style, formal affairs. However, if you lean toward saturated colors—bold blues, verdant greens, and intense reds—incorporate bracelets with richly colored gems and accents into your collection, too, especially if they hold symbolic meaning for you.
How to Wear a Single Bracelet
When deciding on a single bracelet to wear, start with your outfit and the occasion. Whether you're going for a refined, edgy, or laid-back look, your bracelet should align with your style and wherever your journey may take you.
If your personal aesthetic skews toward minimalism, opt for elegant, understated pieces with bold, clean lines such as the Streamline® ID bracelet in 18K gold or sterling silver. For the statement-making man who embraces maximalism, choose striking, opulent styles that embody strength and power, such as the Curb Chain bracelet with cognac diamonds set in 18K rose gold.
How to Wear Multiple Bracelets
Stacking bracelets always begins with choosing a signature style and layering on additional pieces. Be mindful of the proportions and placement of each bracelet, thoughtfully layering each one on with care and attention to detail. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment—mix metals and colors, play with scale, and combine different textures to create a style that's balanced and uniquely your own.
How to Wear a Bracelet with a Watch
First and foremost, choose a bracelet that complements your timepiece in tone and style. While stainless steel watches pair well with platinum and sterling silver bracelets, and gold watches are equally stunning with bracelets in 18K gold, feel free to mix metals for an unexpected twist that’s distinctively David Yurman. Go with a classic design in a smooth, complementary metal or add some texture by layering on a braided leather bracelet—or a cord style—in a similar hue.
There are at least two ways to wear a bracelet with a watch. The first way is to stack them both on the same wrist with the bracelet positioned closer to your hand. A second option is to wear the timepiece on your dominant hand and a bracelet on the opposite hand to strike a visual balance.
How to Wear a Leather Bracelet
Leather bracelets for men are the perfect accessories for casual outfits and even smart-casual looks. Opt for darker hues like brown or black in braided or wrap styles for a rugged yet refined aesthetic that’s distinctively masculine.
Leather bracelets can be worn solo, coupled with a classic timepiece, or stacked with contrasting materials such as ornately carved metals and vibrant gemstones.
How to Wear a Bead Bracelet
Bead bracelets offer a colorful and relaxed way to express your personal style through stone symbolism. Designed to be collected and layered, David Yurman Spiritual Beads bracelets are crafted with polished rare stones, brilliant diamond pavé, and precious metals, and designed to reflect your inner spirit as you move through life’s journey.
Perfect for everyday looks and business-casual looks, bead bracelets can be worn with a range of natural fabrics, including cotton, linen, and denim. Reflect on the color spectrum within your closet and choose bead bracelets in hues that accentuate your wardrobe, or choose stones based on what they mean to you, whether they possess storied protective powers or rich symbolism. Adorn your wrist with a single bead bracelet, or build a stack around a focal color with metal accents in 18K gold or sterling silver.
How to Wear a Chain Bracelet
Men’s chain bracelets are the classic option for elevating both casual and formal outfits. Available in a range of sculptural styles from smooth, pillow-shaped links in mixed metals to bold, interlocking designs with sparkling diamonds, David Yurman chain bracelets add a modern and refined edge to any look.
Chain bracelets—such as the Armory® link bracelet in black titanium with sapphires and tsavorites—can be worn solo, paired with a watch, or stacked with other types of chain bracelets in identical or alternating metals.
How to Wear a Cuff Bracelet
From first dates to important business meetings, finishing your outfit with the right details is key to presenting yourself with polish. This is where owning a refined cuff bracelet comes into play.
Men’s cuff bracelets add an effortless elegance to any look. Whether you opt for one with a smooth metal surface or a more textured design—such as the ultramodern Chevron cuff bracelet in black titanium—the key to wearing a cuff properly is fit. A cuff bracelet should securely hug your wrist without feeling excessively tight or too loose.
Choosing the Right Bracelet Size: Fit, Form, and Feel
Determining the right fit comes down to the type of men’s bracelet you’re wearing and your personal preference. Men’s cuff bracelets should embrace the wrist with a comfortable yet snug fit, while more flexible options such as chain link bracelets allow for more natural movement and a looser fit. Though a bracelet should never feel too tight, it should feel secure and sit comfortably above the wrist bone, leaving enough room to slip one or two fingers inside the space between the bracelet and your wrist.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Check out our bracelet sizing guide for step-by-step instructions on how to measure your wrist and choose the best fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Men’s Bracelets in Style?
Men’s bracelets are more popular than ever and are always in style.
What Are the Rules for Wearing Men’s Bracelets?
There are no cut-and-dry rules when it comes to wearing men’s bracelets. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create a look that celebrates your unique personality and life journey.
Can Men Wear Bracelets on Both Wrists?
Absolutely—wearing jewelry is all about self-expression and showcasing your personal style.
Do Men Wear Bracelets on the Left or Right Wrist?
It is perfectly acceptable for men to wear bracelets on the left or right hand.
Where Should a Bracelet Sit on a Man’s Wrist?
A well-fitted bracelet should right above a man’s wrist bone.