Written by Ben Chuang

Even in this digital age dominated by smartwatches, Apple watches, and other devices that can read your heart rate while showing you text messages, I still love an old-fashioned analog wrist watch. It just tells the time, rather than creating more distractions for me to tap and swipe through.

Plus, with all the different styles of watches out there, including dress watches, sports watches, luxury watches, 38mm watches, or even a dive watch, there's a watch to pair with any outfit you can imagine. So read on while we explore how to wear a watch, from casual wear to formal watches that look great with a long sleeve shirt.

Watches are not just timekeeping devices; they are essential accessories that can elevate your style. Whether you’re dressing for a formal event or a casual outing, the right watch, such as this Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T, can make a significant difference.

It's also worth mentioning that scientific studies find a correlation between watch-wearing and conscientiousness. This guide will help you understand how to pair different types of watches with various outfits and provide tips on proper wrist placement for maximum comfort and style. If you're ready to purchase, check out our guide to the best affordable watches under $800.

 

Choosing the Right Watch for Your Outfit

Selecting the appropriate watch for your outfit is crucial. Each type of watch has a distinct style and function, making it suitable for specific occasions. The first step in mastering watch-wearing etiquette is to match your watch to your attire.

Consider the event, your outfit's formality, and your personal style when choosing a watch. A well-matched watch can enhance your overall look, while a mismatched one can detract from your appearance.

A general rule of thumb is to pair two watch styles: simpler, more understated watches with professional attire and more robust, feature-rich watches with casual outfits.

However, personal preference and confidence in your style choices can also guide you in making the best decision. This guide will delve deeper into the specifics of pairing different types of watches with various outfits.

Pairing Sports Watches with Casual Attire

Sports watches are designed for functionality, durability, and comfort. They often feature robust materials, water resistance, and additional functions like chronographs, GPS, and heart rate monitors. These features make them ideal for athletic activities and casual settings.

Timex Ironman Adrenaline Chronograph

When pairing a sports watch with casual attire, consider the overall look you want to achieve. Sports watches complement casual outfits such as jeans, short-sleeved button-up shirts, and sneakers. They can also work well with athleisure wear, including t-shirts, hoodies, and sports shoes.

The key is to match the rugged and functional aesthetic of the sports watch with similarly laid-back and practical clothing.

For a cohesive look, choose a sports watch with colors and materials that complement your casual wardrobe. For example, a watch with a rubber strap and a bold, colorful face can add a pop of color to a simple outfit, while a more subdued sports watch with a metal bracelet can offer a sleek touch to your polo shirt.

Matching Dress Watches with a Suit

Dress watches are characterized by their elegant and minimalist design. They typically feature thin cases, simple dials, and leather straps or slim metal bracelets.

These watches are designed to complement formal and office attire, adding a touch of sophistication without overpowering your look.

Citizen Tsuyosa Automatic Watch

When pairing a dress watch with business or formal wear, consider the watch's simplicity and elegance. A classic dress watch with a white or black dial, slim case, and leather strap is an excellent choice for suits, dress shirts, and ties.

The understated design of a dress watch should blend seamlessly with the clean lines and polished appearance of a white dress shirt.

For black-tie events, opt for a watch with a black leather strap and a simple, elegant face. Avoid overly complicated designs or large, bulky cases, as these can clash with the refined nature of formal wear. The goal is to enhance your outfit with a watch that exudes understated elegance and sophistication.

Complementing Your Outfit with Luxury Watches

Luxury watches are a statement of prestige and style. Often crafted from precious metals and adorned with intricate details, these watches are designed to impress. Pairing a luxury watch properly with your outfit requires careful consideration to ensure that the watch enhances rather than overwhelms your look.

For creative black tie occasions, a gold luxury watch such as The Citizen Super Titanium can add a touch of opulence to your attire.

These watches pair well with high-end suits, tuxedos, and other formal wear. When wearing a luxury watch, it’s essential to ensure that other accessories, such as cufflinks and rings, complement rather than compete with your timepiece.

In more casual settings, a luxury watch with a less ostentatious design can elevate your look without appearing out of place.

For instance, a luxury sports watch with a sophisticated design can pair well with smart casual outfits, including tailored trousers, a light blue button-up shirt, and loafers. The key is to balance the watch's luxury elements with the overall tone of your outfit.

How to Wear a Pocket Watch

Pocket watches offer a unique and vintage charm that can set you apart from the crowd. These timepieces are often associated with a bygone era of style and sophistication that pays homage to 1920s fashion.

Wearing a pocket watch requires a bit more thought and consideration than wearing a wristwatch, but the effort can pay off with a distinctive and elegant look.

Pocket watches are best paired with formal or semi-formal attire, such as tweed suits or waistcoats. The watch can be attached to a waistcoat or jacket pocket using a chain, adding a classic touch to your ensemble.

For a cohesive look, choose a pocket watch with a design and material that complements your tailored suit. Silver and gold pocket watches are timeless choices that can add a touch of luxury to your outfit.

When wearing a pocket watch, pay attention to the details. Ensure the chain is of appropriate length and style, and that the watch is easily accessible. The elegance of a pocket watch lies in its subtlety and the sophistication it brings to your overall look.

Dive Watches: From the Ocean to Everyday Wear

Dive watches are built for durability and functionality under extreme conditions. They are designed to withstand water pressure, making them ideal for underwater activities. However, their rugged construction and versatile style have made them popular for casual outfits as well.

Pairing a dive watch with casual or smart-casual outfits can add a touch of rugged sophistication to your look. Dive watches often feature larger cases, bold dials, and robust straps, making them suitable with jeans and a blazer. For a more polished appearance, consider pairing a dive watch with chinos, a button-down shirt, and a sports coat. The dive watch adds a sporty yet refined element to the outfit.

Timex Waterbury Dive Watch

When choosing a dive watch for everyday wear, consider the watch's size and design. While larger dive watches make a bold statement, ensure they are proportionate to your wrist size. Additionally, the color and material of the watch should complement your wardrobe, allowing for versatility in your outfit choices.

Which Wrist Should Men Wear Their Watch On?

The traditional practice is to wear a watch on the non-dominant hand, which for most right-handed people, is the left wrist. This convention minimizes the risk of damaging the watch with daily activities performed by the dominant hand. For right-handed individuals, wearing a watch on the left wrist ensures that the watch remains safe and accessible while using the right hand for tasks.

Left-handed individuals might prefer to wear their watch on the right wrist to achieve the same level of comfort and convenience. Ultimately, the decision of which wrist to wear a watch on should be based on personal preference and practicality. The key is to choose the wrist that feels most natural and comfortable for you, considering your daily activities and habits.

In addition to wrist preference, consider the fit and placement of the watch. The watch should sit just above the wrist bone, allowing for easy movement and preventing discomfort.

Make sure that your sleeve length is appropriate as well. The strap or bracelet should be adjusted to fit snugly but not too tight, ensuring that the watch remains in place without restricting blood flow or causing irritation.

Balancing Functionality and Style with Watch Accessories

Accessories can enhance the functionality and style of your watch. Straps, bracelets, and watch cases come in various materials and designs, allowing you to customize your watch to suit different occasions and outfits.

Leather straps offer a classic and elegant look, making them ideal for formal and business settings. Metal bracelets provide a sleek and durable option for both casual and cocktail attire.

For a more personalized touch, consider interchangeable watch straps. This allows you to switch between different styles and materials, giving your watch versatility and adaptability. Rubber straps are excellent for sports and outdoor activities, while NATO straps offer a rugged and military-inspired look for business casual outfits.

In addition to straps, consider watch accessories such as watch winders, cases, and cleaning kits to maintain your timepiece's condition and longevity. Proper care and maintenance ensure that your watch remains a stylish and functional accessory for years to come.

Balancing functionality and style with the right accessories allows you to make the most of your watch collection, enhancing your overall look and personal style.

In Conclusion

How to wear a watch is not just about keeping time; it’s about making a statement and enhancing your style. By understanding how to pair different types of watches with various outfits and knowing which wrist to wear your watch on, you can elevate your fashion game.

Whether you prefer the sporty look of a dive watch, the elegance of a dress watch, or the luxury of a high-end timepiece, the right watch can make all the difference. Remember, the key to wearing a watch is confidence and knowing that it complements your personal style and the occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Wear a Watch

What is the correct way to wear a watch?

The correct way to wear a watch starts with choosing the right size for your wrist. A watch should not be too tight or too loose; it should fit comfortably, allowing about a finger’s width of space between the watch and your wrist. The watch face should be centered on the top of your wrist and the strap should be snug enough to prevent the watch from sliding up and down your arm. Adjust the watch strap, or bracelet to ensure a secure fit, which is crucial for both comfort and style.

When wearing a watch, it is also important to consider the occasion and outfit. For formal events, a classic dress watch with a leather strap or a sleek metal bracelet is appropriate. For casual settings, sportier designs with more robust features are suitable. Matching the watch style with your attire enhances your overall appearance and ensures that the watch complements rather than detracts from your look. Proper watch etiquette also involves keeping the watch clean and well-maintained to reflect a polished and attentive personal style.

Where should a watch sit on your wrist?

A watch should sit just above the wrist bone, the ulna, which allows for easy movement and reduces the risk of the watch causing discomfort. Positioning the watch here ensures that it remains visible and accessible for checking the time without having to twist or contort your wrist. This placement also helps to protect the watch from unnecessary bumps and scratches that can occur when it is worn too low on the hand.

Ensuring the watch sits correctly also involves adjusting the strap or bracelet to fit your wrist size appropriately. A well-fitted watch remains in place without sliding excessively but should not be so tight that it restricts blood flow or leaves marks on your skin.

By positioning your watch just above the wrist bone, you achieve a balance of comfort, functionality, and style, making it both a practical accessory and a statement piece.

Do you wear a watch on your right or left hand?

Traditionally, watches are worn on the non-dominant hand, which for most people means the left wrist since the majority of the population is right-handed. Wearing a watch on the non-dominant hand minimizes the risk of damage from daily activities and allows for ease of use when writing or performing tasks that require the non dominant wrist or hand. This convention helps in maintaining the watch’s condition and ensuring its longevity.

However, the choice of wrist can vary based on personal preference, cultural norms, or specific needs. Left-handed individuals might find it more practical to wear their watch on the right wrist to achieve the same level of comfort and convenience.

Ultimately, the decision of which wrist to wear a watch on should be based on what feels most natural and functional for the wearer, considering their daily habits and activities.

Do you wear your watch facing in or out?

Wearing a watch with the face on the outside of the wrist is the most common and traditional method. This position allows for easy viewing of the time with a simple glance and is generally considered more comfortable for most people. It also protects the watch face from potential scratches and impacts, as the outer part of the wrist is less likely to come into contact with surfaces compared to the inner part.

Some people prefer to wear their watch with the face on the inside of the wrist, which can be practical in certain professions or activities where the outer wrist might be more prone to damage. This inward-facing position can also provide a discreet way to check the time without drawing attention.

Ultimately, whether to wear the watch facing in or out is a matter of personal preference and should be chosen based on what feels most comfortable and functional for the individual.