It's tough to know when to stop when it comes to men's accessories.
There's so much out there, the compulsion is often going bare or going overboard.
What's the balance? That's what we're here to discuss, gentlemen. We're going over 10 accessories for men that you NEED.
- Watch with metal band
- Stylish pocket squares
- Men's wallets
- Stylish shades
- Panama hats
- Tie Bars
- Jewelry
- Headset
- Durable phone case
- Stylish pens
1. Watch With A Metal Band
We've discussed men's watches extensively, but today we want to focus on bands.
Why?
Spring is coming around. Temperatures are rising, which means you're sweating. Leather bands are problematic when it's hot. Your sweat eats into and damages the leather. Over a few months, this can permanently damage the band. You'll start to see cracks on the inner side of the band and it will become uncomfortable to wear.
Let this go on long enough and the cracks will deepen until the band breaks. In a region with consistent heat and humidity, a leather band can last about 2 years before it's too hideous to wear.
The answer? Metal bands. Don't fret, there are plenty of styles to go around.
Here are the key styles:
- Milanese Mesh: No pins connect the links, instead the entire band is made with interwoven steel threads.
- Engineer Bracelet: Gets its name from the symmetrical links on it. There are 5 columns of links in each line placed deliberately to create a pattern.
- Jubilee Style: Consists of three narrow highly-polished links between the matte links on the edges. Common in two-tone variations.
- President Bracelet: Created by Rolex and favored by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It has 3 pieces per link, the links are typically short which makes for a denser appearance.
- Oyster Bracelet: Another style introduced by Rolex to go with their dive watches. It uses a 3-link with a large, flat appearance. This is the single bulkiest style manufactured by Rolex.
Click here to learn more about men's watch styles.
2. Stylish Pocket Squares
Pocket squares let you express yourself for a low, low price. You can find whole sets on Amazon for as little as $12.99.
They come in a wide range of patterns. You can find paisley, polka dots, checks, and stripes. Too much? You can always default to a plain square.
Here are just a few ways you can fold your square:
- The Square Fold/Presidential Fold
- The One Point Fold
- The Two-Point Fold
- The Three-Point Fold
- The Four Point Fold/Cagney Fold
- The Puff Fold
- The Winged Puff Fold
- The Scallop Fold
- The Dunaway Fold
You can learn all of these by clicking here.
3. Men's Wallets
Your wallet says a lot about you. It tells a little about your personal taste, but also how organized you are. An overstuffed wallet is ugly to look at, and lugging it in your back pocket can mean back problems down the line.
You have choices aplenty here:
- Classic Bifold: Simple and timeless. Folds over once and allows for easy access. It's amongst the slimmer designs.
- Trifold: Folds over twice and offers more space than a regular bifold. It's larger, though.
- Slim Wallets: Newer styles set apart by their minimalist design. It's very narrow, allowing for the least discomfort.
- Money Clip: Another classic designed simply to keep your money secure.
- Breast Pocket Wallet: Tends to stand out for its size and design. It's among the larger wallet types.
4. Stylish Shades
Still haven't invested in sunglasses? What are you waiting for? Men's sunglasses offer a variety of benefits to the wearer. They add symmetry to the face, they protect you from the sun, and they also help you express your personal style.
Timeless styles in this category include Aviators, Wayfarers, and Clubmasters. Materials also vary in quality and price.
Molded plastic and Acetate are both lightweight and cost-effective. Metal offers a sleeker look and won't break the bank.
More expensive materials include Buffalo Horn, Tortoise Shell, and Wood. These are handmade with durability to match. The price reflects that – but it's a good longterm investment.
5. Panama Hats
Why Panama hats? The incoming heat of course. Panama hats are finely woven and lightly-colored. They're made from the Toquilla palm plant in South America. Despite the name, Panama Hats are originally from Ecuador.
They offer a similar style to a fedora but with heat protection. The straw construction allows for air to pass in and out while keeping your head from the sun.
Click here to learn more about Panama hats.
6. Tie Bars
Tie bars are practical and stylish accessories for men.
They hold your tie against your dress shirt so it doesn't flop around. They also bring a tinge of pizzaz to your outfit as a literal centerpiece. It levels the rest of your ensemble out while drawing eyes to your chest.
7. Jewelry
Some guys are filled to the brim with rings and bracelets. It's a miracle they can lift their hands.
Don't do that.
Bracelets and rings should serve to complement your outfit, not be the center of attention.
Keep it modest – no more than two pieces of jewelry per wrist.
Rings are fascinating pieces because they represent something. In times long gone, men would submit to their kings by kissing their ring. Signet rings were used to press a ruling house's sigil into wax seals. Nowadays, rings represent everything from marriage to commemorating military service.
Remember not to overdo it – keep it tasteful!
8. Headset
We've talked a lot about some classic men's accessories, now let's delve into modern technology.
Every guy has music they love – whether it's while cooking, walking, or working out. Why not invest in a comfortable, high-quality headset?
Sound quality is paramount of course. Different headphones can handle different ranges so you should consider your favorite jams and determine which brands complement them the best. For example, rock comes across well at high and middle frequencies.
Comfort is also essential. Quality cushions have enough padding so that you can wear them for extended periods. Look for memory foam!
9. Durable Phone Case
Phones are expensive these days – the slightest drop can crack your screen and set you back a few hundred bucks. Why take the risk? Once you buy a new phone, take measures to protect it. Your first priority should be a new case. They vary considerably in appearance and durability.
Recently, Otter rose as the most popular brand for hard cases – their latest designs offer a good middle ground between good design and defense.
10. Stylish Pens
You might be wondering why a pen is important. Well, it's what you write your signature with – shouldn't you be proud of what you deliver it with? Pens can end up being as expensive as a premium watch at times, but you don't need to go out and get a Bentley Pen.
Make your pen one that represents something you want to remember.
Several factors influence the price of a pen – from the quality of the metals used to aesthetic touches like carved facets. All-in-all, if you're a man who writes often and signs plenty of documents – it's something you shouldn't overlook.
Accessories serve to make your life easier and enhance your style. They comprise the smaller details that make a big difference when used together.
Don't be shy – experiment and see what they do for you.
