[arkirshner]

Jewelry:

personal ornaments that are typically made from or contain jewels and precious metal.

Accessory: a thing which can be added to something else in order to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive.

I disagree with your partition of accessory from jewelry and the contention that the noted items are not jewelry. Jewelry is, by definition, a sub-set of accessory, and all of the items I've listed can be categorized as "personal ornaments" typically made from precious metals. ​

You are looking at general definitions. While all terms have a general definition, some terms, when used in a specific context, are "terms of art". The Merriam Webster definition - "term of art : a term that has a specialized meaning in a particular field or profession." In men's dress, cufflinks and the like are considered accessories, which when you think about it are things added to a cuff to keep it closed as well as more attractive, fitting your cited definition of accessory.

 

[Bjorn]

You are looking at general definitions. While all terms have a general definition, some terms, when used in a specific context, are "terms of art". The Merriam Webster definition - "term of art : a term that has a specialized meaning in a particular field or profession." In men's dress, cufflinks and the like are considered accessories, which when you think about it are things added to a cuff to keep it closed as well as more attractive, fitting your cited definition of accessory.

Pure adornment is a function, added.

 

[Shaver]

The negative connotations of bracelets far outweigh the positive - if indeed there are any positive. It's really up to you but bear in mind that a significant proportion of men will perceive you in a manner that you may not appreciate.

 

[Earl of Ormonde]

Is It Generally Acceptable For Men To Wear Bracelets?

That was your question, however it is being answered by some from the perspective of traditional well dressed gents not from the perspective of the general public.

So generally acceptable? Yes, men have worn bracelets since the time of the Greeks!

It isn't a trend at all. It is very common. I often wear my Zulu bracelet that I bought in SA. Sometimes my leather and pewter wire traditional Swedish bracelet that I bought in the 80s, also in the 80s I used to wear an American Indian bone bracelet.

 

[Olifter]

Don't forget cufflinks, tie tacks/clips/bars/chains, and pocket watches as acceptable jewelry for men.

I thought about this as well. I am not sure where I may have read it, maybe from John Malloy, but the same people that say you should not wear a pinky ring or a bracelet say cuff links and collar pins, etc. are OK and not considered jewelry as they are not worn directly on your body and serve a functional purpose. Whereas a pinky ring or bracelet may have a purpose, but not a functional one. Whatever, I was simply trying to figure out the "rules" and the rationale behind them, if there is one.

Personally, I think people should wear whatever makes them (or their wives) happy. It is my opinion that how you dress tells people how you want to be treated, perceived and whether or not you'd like to be taken seriously. Also, you show respect for the occasion.

If I am spending money on jewelry, I want it on my wife. I, and several other like minded guys, recently persuaded a colleague who was getting married not to get a wedding ring with a row of diamonds, instead opt for a plain band. Put the diamonds on the wife.

 

[eagle2250]

Well, what do you do when your wife gives you a gold bracelet that she bought for you in Greece? At least it's relatively small and tasteful. No, I am not normally a fan of bracelets. However, I am a HUGE fan of making my wife happy. If she can put up with my constant thrifting AND two rooms of my clothing, I will proudly wear the bracelet.

My friend, you have discovered the secret to a long, healthy and happy marriage...gotta keep those priorities straight! However, beyond drlivingston's very timely and spot-on exception to the rule, men should limit their bangles to the suggested watch and a wedding band, as appropriate. Otherwise you easily run the risk of looking like one of those blinged out "playa's" from the 1960s/1970's.

 

[cdavant]

Somethings just have to be worn because of the wife--like the fellow who has been wearing support panty hose ever since his wife found them in his glove compartment.

 

[Balfour]

... However, beyond drlivingston's very timely and spot-on exception to the rule, men should limit their bangles to the suggested watch and a wedding band, as appropriate. Otherwise you easily run the risk of looking like one of those blinged out "playa's" from the 1960s/1970's.

This.

I second the other comment about a signet ring, but only if it is a family tradition (wearing a signet ring without a family tradition in the UK is definitely the mark of a bounder: not quite the same, but similar, to wearing a regimental striped tie when you're not affiliated with the regiment).

 

[RogerP]

My inner hippie is well and truly repressed. No bracelets for me. Okay, perhaps some local craft while on a Caribbean beach - but allowances must be made for the combined effects of hot sunshine, near nudity and rum punch. In a business environment? No way.

 

[Flanderian]

I have received "ID" bracelets of precious metals as gifts, but already knowing who I am, I delicately asked the bestowing females, "What are 'ya, crazy?" :thumbs-up:

 

[Chevo]

Interesting question... When I worked for the justice department, I noticed some of the retired guys who were now worked security wore bracelets. But, the bracelets were not made of gold or silver. Generally they were made of copper and other metals. Now, keep in mind these were old school guys.

 

[IvanD]

I have 2 small gold torque bangles which I wear permanently on my right wrist.
I have had these for the last 10 years, and worn them whilst attending weddings, job interviews, work, etc., in all the time I have worn them, I have only ever had 1 comment: asking if they worked.
(The questioner mistook them for the "arthritis cure" type bracelets)
Other than that, no one has ever mentioned them, so i would say yes, it is acceptable.

 

[arkirshner]

I have 2 small gold torque bangles which I wear permanently on my right wrist.
I have had these for the last 10 years, and worn them whilst attending weddings, job interviews, work, etc., in all the time I have worn them, I have only ever had 1 comment: asking if they worked.
(The questioner mistook them for the "arthritis cure" type bracelets)
Other than that, no one has ever mentioned them, so i would say yes, it is acceptable.

It is far more likely that those who look down at a man wearing a bracelet simply remained silent. Compare the current thread on Windsor: knots.https://askandyaboutclothes.com/community/showthread.php?121480-Full-Windsor-question I doubt that any of those in the thread who look down upon a man with a Windsor knot would ever say a thing should they come across a man with one. (at least not to his face)

 

[bmcphx]

Most of the responses in this thread echo what I said to myself when I was looking across the room at a bracelet, which is that most will look at it in a negative way.

 

[StylinLa]

Most of the responses in this thread echo what I said to myself when I was looking across the room at a bracelet, which is that most will look at it in a negative way.

Probably true. But I don't think the reasons that a lot people do not like them are uniform. I don't think most men see them as feminine per se, just over the top blingy for the sake of bling. Flashy. Not traditonal.

 

[bmcphx]

yes, what you stated is true, but I will generally accept that if the majority agrees something is negative, it's usually best to stay away from that negative attention.

 

[StylinLa]

yes, what you stated is true, but I will generally accept that if the majority agrees something is negative, it's usually best to stay away from that negative attention.

Sorry, yes. I like my bling too though, and when not on the job, go for it if you like them.

 

[Acme]

My bracelet says: "In case of emergency, delete my browser history."

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

 

[Acme]

Somethings just have to be worn because of the wife--like the fellow who has been wearing support panty hose ever since his wife found them in his glove compartment.

I just read this to my wife, and she laughed out loud!

 

[stephenkarl]

You are looking at general definitions. While all terms have a general definition, some terms, when used in a specific context, are "terms of art". The Merriam Webster definition - "term of art : a term that has a specialized meaning in a particular field or profession." In men's dress, cufflinks and the like are considered accessories, which when you think about it are things added to a cuff to keep it closed as well as more attractive, fitting your cited definition of accessory.

Whether deliberately or not, you ignore that I do not say they are not also accessories. I am saying your partition that they are only accessories and not also jewelry is incorrect.

I also do not think that though common parlance is to call these items accessories that constitutes a specialized meaning within the field of men's fashion/style. Firstly, men's fashion/style is not a particular field or profession with an accepted meaning or differentiation between accessory and jewelry as you suggest. Secondly, even if men's fashion is a particular field or profession with specialized definitions (different from general terms), I would still argue there is not unanimity in the differentiation between accessory and jewelry. (Tiffany's explicitly lists cufflinks as jewelry, amongst others.)