Why should you consider men's professional accessories? You’ve worked hard for years and spent hundreds of thousands on a College education and a good degree.
You’ve even managed to land a decent job that requires a suit, which you spent good money on.
But is that all? You still aren’t impressing your colleagues as well as you can be. Did you invest as well in the details?
I’m here to tell you that details matter. Today, it’s all about the accessories. Here are five men's professional accessories you CANNOT go cheap on.
1. Don’t Skimp On Neckties
If you work in an office, chances are you will wear these men's professional accessories in the foreseeable future. If you’re going to use it on a regular basis, why go cheap on it?
You can’t understate the importance of ties in classic menswear. They were introduced to France during the Hundred Years’ War when King Louis XIII employed a Croatian mercenary company who used the very first ties as a uniform – the rest is history.
But how do you spot a quality tie? What fabrics are they made of? Read on, gents.
The fabric used affects everything in a tie, from the knot to the shape. Silk is often used with high-end ties because of the way it drapes and resists wrinkles.
Good ties are also cut on the bias. What does this mean? It means that the fabric is sliced in a 45-degree angle from the end. A bias-cut tie will only stretch downward and move more naturally over the wearer.
A quality tie is also hand-stitched. This guarantees the tie’s flexibility.
Examine the tie while you shop. Hand-stitched variants will usually feature a large horizontal stitch on both ends.
2. Spend Good Money On A Leather Bag
Any man who carries gear – whether it be for business or sport – should consider a high-quality leather bag.
These men's professional accessories can cost anywhere between hundreds to thousands of dollars, so it’s key to know the differences and know what you want.
Here’s a quick overview of leather quality:
- Full-Grain leather makes for the highest quality material in bags and briefcases.
- Top-Grain leather is more affordable than Full-Grain, but it’s not a big sacrifice in quality and makes for a good alternative.
- Split-Grain leather may be more resistant to water, but don’t expect it to last as well as the other two.
- The finest leather comes from Italy, France, the UK and the US – remember that when you see where the bag is made.
3. Get An Elegant Wallet
A wallet isn’t just something to carry your cards or bills in. That may be what it’s designed for, but it’s also the means to make a statement about your style.
You could be out wearing plain jeans and a T-shirt, but pulling out a quality wallet could be what sends the message: “He’s the man.”
Like most accessories, there are plenty of wallet types out there. Do you prefer a bi-fold? Maybe a tri-fold or a slim wallet is more your style.
The important thing is to do your research and pay attention to quality. Steer clear of any zippers – those are only good on children’s accessories. Stay away from big logos, ridiculous patterns, and inappropriate imagery.
4. Invest In Some Quality Shoes
You should never feel guilty about paying money for some solid, well-made leather shoes – unless you never wear them.
Let’s get straight to the point – Which shoes should you be willing to spend the most money on? Black leather Oxfords.
These are going to be your workhorse shoes. They’ll go great with any situation from casual, business casual, all the way to formal black-tie occasions.
A good pair of plain Black Oxfords will not only serve you on all occasions, but they'll last for years.
Branching out from those? Try on some brown Wholecuts and then some Monkstraps. Gradually build on your collection by branching out into gradually more casual shoes – just make sure you have those black Oxfords first!
5. Own At Least One Quality Watch
A watch is a powerful tool for men. It not only offers the convenience of telling time, but it’s also a way to convey your own personal style with more vim than most accessories.
Men who like presenting themselves as high-status might save up for a sleek Rolex, while others with who enjoy the beach may opt for a stylish Diver’s watch. Men who take pride in their car might opt for a racer’s watch.
When it comes to a quality watch, just be on the lookout for the following features:
- Weight. A watch that’s a bit heavier is a good indicator that the maker didn’t go cheap on materials.
- If the brand is engraved anywhere on the exterior of the watch, it’s a sign of pride in manufacture.
- A smooth finish – no bumps.
A quick wrist-glance is much classier (and subtler) than pulling out your phone to see the time. A well-purchased watch will bring you a source of pride for years to come – You could even pass these men's professional accessories to your kids.
In Summary – Men’s Accessories
Let’s do a quick overview of some great accessories:
- A quality necktie will last you as long as you work in an office.
- A full-grain leather bag is not only practical but stands out from the other boring briefcases.
- Spending on a quality wallet will make you a boost of confidence every time you need to pay the bill.
- A good pair of black Oxfords will serve as your workhorse in any environment.
- Buying a quality watch is a form of self-expression which will set you apart.
Don’t skimp out on these accessories, gents. These are investments that will make you look like a million bucks without even needing a suit.
