Men can wear friendship bracelets without looking naff – but there are rules

Kieran Culkin continues his streak as Hollywood’s most likeable rascal. At the Golden Globes this week, he went through the various trinkets on his wrist while talking through his outfit on the red carpet, revealing friendship bracelets featuring his children’s names.

They’re a permanent fixture in his wardrobe; last month Culkin, who plays Succession’s sex pest scion-in-chief Roman Roy, turned heads during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show by sporting a playful stack of technicolour bracelets on his wrist.

An affable jumble of bright beads and woven styles, Culkin’s densely layered selection pushed the so-called stacking trend (where bracelets are grouped together to create a cuff-like effect) to new heights.

Far from chaotic or haphazard, his curated wristwear hinted at a softer side beneath his sharp on-screen persona, sparking curiosity about the stories behind each piece.

Meaningful hardware adornments are being deployed by increasing numbers of famous men. Brad Pitt, for example, has been spotted wearing a tangle of necklaces gifted to him by his jewellery designer girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. Meanwhile, Prince Harry is often seen with a stack of bracelets reportedly sourced from Africa – the place he sought refuge after the death of his mother.

When worn thoughtfully, jewellery transcends mere decoration. It becomes a narrative layer, revealing fragments of who we are, where we’ve been, and what matters to us most. As Stephen Doig, Deputy Editor of Telegraph Luxury, puts it: “I was always a men’s jewellery refusenik, but I gradually realised I was doing myself a disservice. Not that I’m lavishly adorned these days, nor do I wear ‘gap year’ bracelets, but I love picking up trinkets on my travels that go on to carry some sentimental memory of past sojourns.”

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of pizzazz to an evening outfit or hoping to infuse your wrist with a bit of personality, here are a few rules to help you get it right.

Make it personal

The most important aspect of wearing jewellery is to feel comfortable and confident whilst doing so. The key to achieving this is selecting pieces imbued with personal meaning – items that make you feel good every time you catch sight of them. “Jewellery is such an individual thing, and it should reflect your character and personality traits,” says menswear stylist Gareth Scourfield. “Wear pieces that mean something to you, whether tied to personal sentiment or simply something that makes you smile and feel better.”

When you wear pieces you care about, as Kieran Culkin does, that care and connection will translate outward into the world. “All jewellery means more if it comes with a story,” notes Esquire Style Director Johnny Davis. “It makes sense that Prince Harry’s signature silver bangle came from Africa – a place that holds deep significance for him – or that Harry Kane wore a Loquet London bracelet designed by his wife during the Euros in 2024. Wear a piece that has real meaning.”

Mix high and low

When it comes to stacking bracelets, the secret to nailing the look lies in a thoughtful mix of elevated metal pieces paired with more accessible beads, fabrics, and leathers. “Stacking is such a personal thing, from taste to style, which is why it’s always interesting to see a stack that combines the expensive with the inexpensive,” says Scourfield.

“Whether it’s a piece that marks a momentous occasion – like a milestone birthday – or something fun picked up on holiday, even a bracelet swiped from your child’s dress-up jewellery box can add personality to the mix.”

Stack appropriately

When stacking bracelets, it’s essential to consider the setting and occasion in which you’ll be wearing them. “Choose pieces that reflect the vibe of the event or environment – your stack should look different if you’re dining at Annabel’s versus catching up with your mates at the local pub,” advises jewellery designer Robert Tateossian.

Scourfield adds, “Don’t go above the forearm – it’s possible to overstack. Keep it focused on the wrist area.” He also emphasises the importance of keeping the look personal: “Each bracelet should evoke a memory, which is why you should be thoughtful and selective when adding to your stack. Aim for a balanced look, with proportions that feel equal in size and weight.”

Follow these rules

According to Tattessoian, there are a few additional rules to follow when stacking, “First, metals should be the same colour. Second, bracelets should have the same thickness – rather than many sizes. Third, all bracelets should be gradations of the same colours. Fourth, bracelets should fit snugly on your wrists without a big gap with your wrist; and fifth, thinner bracelets should be closer to the wrist and the slightly bigger ones higher up.”

Avoid straggly bits and add sparkle

To ensure your stack doesn’t veer too far into homemade territory, it’s important to maintain a polished, intentional look. Avoid straggles and add a touch of sparkle for just the right amount of elevation. “Ensure your bracelets are tied fairly close to the wrist,” advises Scourfield. “Avoid long, stray strings, as they tend to get caught in clothing or bag straps.”

Tateossian agrees, suggesting that a little sparkle can go a long way. “It’s always a good idea to elevate your stack with a diamond tennis bracelet or a macramé diamond bracelet – it adds a touch of refinement without overpowering the look.”

Don’t be afraid to inject colour

The success of Culkin’s wrist game lies in its energy and personality. When curating your own stack, don’t shy away from incorporating colours you might typically avoid – it’s a playful way to experiment and step outside your comfort zone. “A jumble of bracelets adds a vibrant pop of rainbow colour to an otherwise pretty drab outfit,” says Davis. “I love how Culkin’s stack complements the more traditional watch-and-ring combo he’s wearing – it’s an effortless way to break the monotony and keep things interesting.”

If wrist action’s not for you, go for a brooch

Bracelets aren’t the only way to inject personality into your look. According to Davis, a carefully chosen brooch can bring a touch of flair to an otherwise plain outfit. “I love the trend of men’s brooches on a formal suit.” “Think Michael B. Jordan or Paul Mescal on the red carpet – it’s a small detail that can make a big impact.”

As with any accessory, the key to success lies in complementing or contrasting with your outfit. “Unless you’re ready to invest in a treasure chest of bling, keep it simple,” Davis advises. “For something high-end, go to Hermès. But if you’re just testing the waters, Cos is a great place to start.”

Read more of Teo van den Broeke’s writing at The Closet on Substack