The wrist watches are produced in models of various sizes and suitable for every style; there are versions, for men and women, and are worn both to always have a useful accessory with you and to add an enviable touch of class. While wearing one is never a bad choice in any occasion or context, it would be better to follow some basic guidelines to have the most suitable one on your wrist. This article mainly focuses on what to decide according to the situation, on how to match the accessory to the clothing worn and on how to wear it in the most correct way.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wear a Wristwatch Properly
Step 1. Avoid wearing a watch with a case that is too large
The diameter is indicated in millimeters and men's sizes generally vary between 34 and 50 mm (although there are larger models); it would be better to avoid the larger ones, since the best compromise for both sexes is between 34 and 40 millimeters.
Step 2. Choose which wrist to wear it on
There is no "right" and "wrong", so you can calmly decide the wrist on which you feel the most comfortable and least annoying watch in your daily movements; generally the non-dominant side is used, because some actions (for example writing on a paper) are more uncomfortable with something tied to the wrist.
Step 3. Put the watch behind the wrist bone
Make sure the chest sits right next to the bump of bone that protrudes on the outside of the wrist (the ulna). By doing this, only a small part of the watch should protrude from the cuff of your shirt when you are standing, while wearing a long-sleeved shirt will only be fully visible by bending your arm. Never place it on the cuff.
Step 4. Use the right size strap
The watch should be comfortable and snug so that it does not give you a rough and unkempt appearance. You may need to adjust it, following the natural variations in the size of the wrist.
- Some models, such as those with a leather or rubber strap, use a buckle for closure, which will allow you to easily adjust the width by taking advantage of the numerous holes on the other half of the strap.
- More casual or formal watches (generally with a steel strap) may have a more complicated system, so you will need to add or remove one or more links from the set. Read the instruction manual that came with the item, or ask your local retailer for help or instructions.
- Men should avoid wearing loose wrist watches - they may move about 2-3 cm along the wrist during daily movements but no more; moreover, the case must never have a way of sliding on the side of the arm. As a general rule, the correct adjustment is one that allows only one finger to be inserted between the strap and the wrist.
- In no case should you wear it too tightly: if after using it you have an imprint on your wrist, it means that it must be widened.
- Women's models can be worn more comfortable or even loose, as if they were bracelets.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Model for the Occasion
Step 1. Match the watch to the shoes
As a general rule, if you wear elegant shoes, you will need to use a watch suitable for a suit (for example with a leather strap), while if you have sneakers, you can wear something sporty on your wrist; if you find yourself in the middle between these two situations (if you wear boots, moccasins or flip-flops), a casual model (like one with a steel bracelet) will be the best choice.
Step 2. Choose a reference watch to use every day with casual clothes
This will have to be reliable and not too flashy as you will carry it in all daily activities, from work to going out with friends to daily errands. Steel models are very popular because they are reliable and resistant, but the horizon can be extended to any material, including plastic and rubber.
Step 3. Wear an elegant watch for formal events
Among these we can list weddings, confirmations, funerals, gala dinners, opera or theatrical performances, etc. With an accessory of this type you will give a perfect finishing touch to your clothes.
- To produce these models, precious metals (silver, gold or platinum) are generally used which make them very expensive, with differences depending on the brand and the material used.
- Many like to match the watch with the jewelry and other accessories they wear: for example, a woman wearing a platinum necklace may prefer a platinum, white gold or silver model, while a man with gold cufflinks may use a watch of the same metal without fear of making a mistake.
- Elegant watches can be incredibly expensive and be real "status symbols", especially in the case of men's models. If your budget is not enough to buy a serious one, leave the idea completely: a cheap one will give a bad image of you, while doing without it will have no negative consequences.
Step 4. Wear a sports watch
You can use it as a daily accessory or just as a useful companion to take advantage of while running or training in the gym. These models are closed with rubber, plastic or fabric straps, in order to be durable over time and resistant to sweat and almost always also to immersion. Read carefully the instructions provided in the package, because it will surely tell you what is the maximum depth to which you can take the watch underwater without risking damage.
- Use a sports model when you need to know the time, measure depth or speed, check the compass or take advantage of any of the special features provided by the one you have chosen.
- Outside of sports activities, other situations in which to wear an accessory of this type are the more informal ones, in which you wear a long-sleeved shirt (or even a shirt with a tie).
- Never use a sports watch if you are wearing a suit, because it is definitely in bad taste: it would be like wearing a tuxedo with sneakers!
Step 5. Pair an elegant watch with a full office suit or a more casual one
The more formal styles are suitable for when you are wearing something more refined than a polo shirt and a pair of cotton trousers. In these cases, however, it is not necessary to turn to specimens as sumptuous as those of precious metals, suitable for official occasions, so a simpler but non-sporty one will suffice.
- Choose one with a thin strap, in black or brown leather, to wear when a rather elegant outfit is needed, for example when you need to wear a full suit for work or a break, or a blazer with jeans or similar trousers.
- Match the shoes and belt to the strap; if you have decided to wear black shoes, for example, do not wear a watch with a brown strap.
- Buy multiple straps to mount on the watch of your choice, so you can tune them to the rest of the outfit without much trouble; alternatively look for a bracelet with both brown and black parts.
Part 3 of 3: Properly Wear a Pocket Watch
Step 1. Choose a template that suits your personal style
They were once very popular watches, while today they have become a rarity; for this reason they are a distinctive element and can give a remarkable touch of character to your look, if worn in the correct way. Very often they also have a great emotional value, because they pass from generation to generation within the family.
Step 2. Bring the pocket watch along with the vest
You should put it in the pocket that is most convenient for you, then pass the chain inside the buttonhole of a button and finish fixing it in the opposite pocket. In this way you will have an even more sophisticated air, while keeping the usability of the accessory intact.
Step 3. Use the watch with jeans or dress pants
Simply put it in the pocket you think is best, loop the chain around a belt loop and fasten the watch to the chain, leaving it visible. By doing this you will not run the risk of accidental falls but you will also have no problem checking the time comfortably.
Step 4. If you are a woman, don't worry about carrying a pocket watch
Although it is not very common to see these accessories used by women, they are still elements that give a nice vintage touch. You could attach it to a long necklace to wear around your neck, or use a brooch or a decorated pin to attach to your shirt. Avoid wearing many other accessories, as the watch is already quite bulky and you run the risk of overdoing it.
