Men's leather bracelets: types and selection
A leather bracelet is a stylish men's accessory that adds dynamism to the image and at the same time demonstrates the masculinity of its owner. Such products may differ in design, material of manufacture. Let's figure out what men's leather bracelets can be, as well as what to combine them with and how to care for them.
History of appearance
Leather bracelets have a long history. Among primitive people, they carried a sacred function, acting as amulets. Besides, thick and wide leather stripes on the wrists protected the hands of soldiers from damage by spears and other weapons... The bracelets squeezed the wrist, which reduced the risk of stretching the ligaments and muscles of the warrior at the time of throwing a spear, lifting weights (carcasses of killed animals).
In Scandinavia, a wide leather bracelet was considered one of the options for the highest military encouragement. - he was gratefully received from the hands of the leader. In addition, a dense strip of skin on the wrist protected from pricks from poisoned needles, which could be stuck by an enemy during a handshake.
Due to the laboriousness of making dense leather bracelets, they were available primarily to leaders and military leaders. In other words, gradually leather products also began to play the role of an indicator of a person's status.
During the Middle Ages and several centuries after it, leather bracelets carried exclusively aesthetic functions, along with gold jewelry. They were worn by wealthy men, bracelets were decorated with stones, gold inserts, etc.
From the point of view of many esoteric teachings, the bracelet strengthens a person's connection with the natural world, helps to receive more energy, knowledge and benefits from the outside world.
In the modern era, for a long time, leather bracelets with inserts of metal and chains were considered the hallmark of people belonging to informal associations - punks, rockers, bikers. Gradually, the design of such bracelets became less aggressive and more versatile. This allowed them to be included in everyday looks and expanded the circle of fans of such bracelets.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of most leather bracelets is their versatility. They are combined with both business and casual and sporty looks. There is an opinion that leather bracelets are an adornment exclusively for young people, but a properly selected model will suit a man of almost any age.
Another advantage of jewelry is its relevance. Today, many well-known brands and couturiers have taken a course towards naturalness, environmental friendliness, and a leather bracelet fits perfectly into this philosophy.
Modern inhabitants of the "stone jungle" will appreciate a leather bracelet that retains the warmth of the human body, looks natural and natural.
Most of the models look laconic and rather strict, which is to the liking of many men. Some consider such an adornment as a symbol of strength, fortitude, determination - it is not for nothing that warriors wore leather bracelets in the old days.
Finally, most leather bracelets are cheaper than analogs made of precious metals - gold, silver, however, they are less durable - this is their disadvantage. If gold and silver items are worn for decades, then the lifespan of leather items is several times shorter.
Varieties
Leather bracelets can be made of natural or artificial material. It is clear that the former have a more presentable appearance, are of high quality and durability.
However, modern eco-leather or vinyl is also distinguished by high performance characteristics, and at the same time, sometimes they cannot always be distinguished from genuine leather.
Bracelets may vary in width - from wide enough, covering almost the entire wrist, to braided strips that can be worn several pieces on one hand. The medium size is considered suitable for most men and is appropriate in any situation.
Wide bracelets are strips 5-7 cm wide, they are also called wristbands. They must be tight enough to keep their shape. However, using an overly rigid bracelet is uncomfortable and may irritate the skin.
Wide products are usually made of natural rough leather - a certain breed of bulls (Angus), specially processed types - saddle cloth and crust. One of the latest trends is stingray leather bracelets. It is sanded, processed, so that the finished product shimmers beautifully. For exotic lovers, products are produced from the skin of pythons, lizards, crocodiles.
Thin bracelets are also called light bracelets. They have a thickness of 1.5-2 cm, often they are options braided from a cord or several thin straps united by one lock. As an option - a thin long bracelet, which is wrapped 2-3 times around the wrist.
Wide bracelets usually do not require "outstanding" decoration - sometimes seams of a contrasting shade are enough... Not very common and usually made to order are engraved wristbands. This is embossing on the skin in the form of symbols, letters, geometric shapes, images of animals, birds.
The classic shade of wristbands are dark tones. - brown (all shades), gray, red, black. However, sometimes there are light (beige, sand) and even colored products. As a rule, this is a limited branded collection or a custom-made product.
A handmade bracelet is usually limited materials and stylish designs.
As for the design, there are several types of bracelets.
With beads
They can be made of metal, woven from leather. There are options for bracelets with onyx, marble and other precious and semi-precious stones.
When choosing such a product, it is important to remember the rule - the larger and more noticeable the beads, the more simple and concise the leather base should be. As a rule, beads of bright colors are considered inappropriate for men's models.
With metal inserts
The combination of leather and metal is perhaps one of the masculine options for the product. The clasp of a leather bracelet, any inserts, decor or small pendants can be metal. Modern trends allow the use of not only dark metal shades, but also light and even colored inserts. The metal insert can be engraved, which adds to its uniqueness. The same principle is used to create an Orthodox bracelet with a cross.
Depending on the type of fixation, the product can be divided into riveted and clockwork versions. A bracelet with rivets is more affordable, it makes it possible to adjust the length of the product.
The watchband clasp is usually fitted to more classic bracelets. It provides a more accurate, than the previous analog, the ability to adjust the bracelet on the wrist, provides a more secure fit.
Less common, but still there are clasps like holster buttons. They look like a pin, one of the elements of which is located at one end of the bracelet, and the other at the other. One part of the retainer fits into the other, which looks very original. However, such a bracelet cannot be adjusted in width, and the likelihood of its unbuttoning is higher.
Brands
Many eminent designers and jewelry houses have separate lines of leather bracelets. In the middle price range, you can name such manufacturers as Police, Zaeda, Cerruti 1881, SJW. Their products are distinguished by modern design, variety of models and high quality.
The renowned bracelet manufacturer Pandora also has a line of men's leather bracelets. As with female models, you can buy a thin leather cord, and then purchase various pendants for it, changing them if desired. This will create a unique look.
In recent years, the market has been conquered by the jewelry house Sunlight, in which you can also find leather bracelets for representatives of the strong half of humanity.
Calvin Klein leather accessories are popular. There are many stylish braided options in the lineup with a stainless steel metal piece. Dense weave, medium thickness and stylish design make this product one of the most popular. There are several colors to choose from - black, deep blue, gray.
Leather goods for stylish and confident men are created by well-known brand companies - Hugo Boss, Diesel, Everiot, Louis Vuitton other.
How to choose?
When choosing a model, you should focus on the size and age of the man. Broader and more massive products are suitable for mature men with a large, wide wrist. It is better for young people and young men to give preference to more subtle models. They can be worn in several pieces at once or combined with a watch. Braided options of medium thickness are considered universal.
For comfortable wearing, bracelets 1-1.5 cm longer than the girth of the wrist are suitable.
The leather bracelet should not sag and go down below the wrist (if this happens, you should choose a model one size smaller). However, the product should not dig into the skin.
It is better to try on a piece of jewelry before buying. If this is not possible, focus on size ranges. Usually, each manufacturer has them - a table indicating the size of the product and the girth of the wrist. If you purchase a product as a gift, you should measure the girth of a person's hand and use the table. It is advisable to choose models with the ability to adjust the mount.
Pay attention to the quality of the leather. Preference should be given to natural products. Examine the surface of the product in detail (preferably through a magnifying glass) - whether there is any damage or scratches on it. Appreciate the quality and reliability of locks and fasteners. Ideally, you should be able to fasten and unfasten the bracelet yourself. Better to practice this already in the store.
What to wear with?
When choosing a bracelet, you should focus on the lifestyle and style of a man. Various "braids" and bead options are suitable for most casual and sport looks. They will bring dynamics to the image and become a modern accessory. However, in business and formal styles, it can look out of place. Medium-width bracelets made of rough leather like watch straps are suitable for them. By the way, they are also combined with watches, the main thing is that the accessories are made in the same style. Colors - black, dark gray, brown shades.
If you need to draw attention to your hands, you can choose clothes with rolled up sleeves, and decorate your wrists with a few delicate items with metal details, unusual weaving or other accent.
For summer holidays, you can choose brighter models of leather bracelets decorated with an anchor. The main thing is that this detail is not too large, otherwise, in combination with a rich shade of the product (and it can be blue, green, orange), the detail will look pretentious. The best companions for such a bracelet are jeans and a T-shirt, a white shirt, shorts or loose trousers.
When combining several bracelets, make sure that they are made in the same color scheme and a similar stylistic key. If you wear the product with a watch, check the compatibility with the watch strap. Laconic leather bracelets without decor look good with simple silver and metal items.
The leather wristband is associated with the image of a biker. However, it can be softened - combine such a bracelet with a leather jacket and jeans or skinny pants. You can beat him with a white shirt, roll up his sleeves. If you decide to warm up, choose a chunky-knit cardigan or a sweater that can be draped over your shoulders and the sleeves can be tied in a knot at the chest.
Correct care
Unlike jewelry bracelets, leather options are not recommended to be worn without taking off. On the contrary, it is better to remove the bracelet at night to avoid stretching it. At the time of taking water procedures, it is also better to take off the bracelet. If it does get wet under water, you need to dry it. Ideally, it is recommended to have 2-3 pieces of jewelry that can be worn alternately. This will extend the life of each of them.
In order to avoid the appearance of cracks and creases, it is better to store the jewelry hanging or putting it on a cylinder of a suitable volume. You should not choose a sunny or heated place for storing it, this can also cause cracking of the product, loss of color.
Taking care of leather goods is easy. Periodically (especially after storage), it is sufficient to wipe them with a soft cloth to remove dust. If there is visible dirt, you can add a little salt to the water, and briefly lower the bracelet into this solution. Then it must be rinsed, blotted with a cloth and dried thoroughly.
It is permissible to use special skin care products. However, do not abuse them (a couple of times a month is enough).
For information on how to make a leather men's bracelet with your own hands, see the next video.