The ultimate guide to wearing a dress watch with t-shirt and jeans.
Often I read about pairing a dress watch with a more casual attire ie. T-shirts and jeans, and the most common answers are "wear what makes you happy", "there's no rules when it comes to watches", etc. And you know what? those people are right, it's all subjective; wear whatever makes you happy!
However... sometimes people, especially straight men, want the fashionista advice, we want to dress nice even casually and wear that dress watch that we paid lots of money for without it looking out of place. So here it is: "The ultimate guide to wearing a dress watch with t-shirt and jeans".
Disclaimer, I'm not a fashion expert, far from it, my mom, sister, and wife think I dress handsome and those are my only credentials.
Now, we need to start by de-contextualizing the dress watch, just like that chair glued to an art gallery wall that's no longer a chair since its intended purpose is lost to become something else. This is the type of watch that falls victim to its name the most, people don't dive with their divers (mostly), they're "desk-divers" and we've accepted that, following the same logic dress watches shouldn't be relegated to suit and tie situations.
• Dress it down: step one is to dress down the watch with a more casual strap, you might get away with crocco or the lizard grain these often come with, but my advice would be to go with a leather one with minimal texture and contrasting stitching, or a bracelet to make it sportier. Haven't tried rubber but Federico talks watches wears his H. Moser on a rubber strap and looks okay.
• Type of T-shirt: so I cheated by wearing a shortsleeve button up, but it might as well be a t-shirt. I recommend minimal printing/logo, and light colors. Hoodie follows the same rule.
• Jeans: Any, okay almost any type of jeans, avoid baggy or ill-fitting. I only have one pair of jeans and wear mostly chinos and shorts, here in California you'll find me wearing this combo + a pair or vans shorts for the most part of the year.
• Match: the thing that ties all down is matching, your outfit needs to look intentional but beware of falling into uniform territory, no more than two matching pieces of clothing, and low contrasting pieces if you can, keep the non-matching items neutral ie. gray shirt, taupe strap, mid-tone jeans. And of course match your watch with your shoes, shirt, or bottoms, could be the strap, dial or both.
• Shoes: they say women look at men's shoes before they notice anything else, this is not true. However shoes do matter, keep em clean and in good condition, and go for everyday shoes and maybe avoid tall boots, dress shoes, loafers, running shoes, rubber sandals, etc. Stay in the middle range, casual but not too casual, you know that brown leather shoe with white rubber sole that everyone has? Perfect.
• Type of watch: now last but not least, any type of watch can work, okay maaayyybe that black dial gold case cartier tank might be a bit of a stretch but in my experience lighter dials work best since black is such a strong color, Dwight said it best; it's the most dominant. I would just advice black dial with a different color strap, they work better in lighter colors like honey / whiskey; black dial, honey strap, black shirt? You're golden.
And that's it :) I hope someone finds this useful, and inspires y'all to take a second look at the dress watch, because it's really versatile (except for the low water resistance, that's the brands fault, seriously). And remember you can just ignore everything I said because at the end of the day it's all subjective, you do you, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy, life is too short to be following all these nonsensical rules or trying to please other people.
Cheers!
Wristwatch addict.
"And remember you can just ignore everything I said because at the end of the day it's all subjective, you do you, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy, life is too short to be following all these nonsensical rules or trying to please other people. "
I agree with the above statement.
I keep it simple and wear what I want, when I want, paired with whatever I want. In the unlikely event that anyone even notices and feels it's not appropriate, they can go pound sand.
"And remember you can just ignore everything I said because at the end of the day it's all subjective, you do you, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy, life is too short to be following all these nonsensical rules or trying to please other people. "
I agree with the above statement.
I keep it simple and wear what I want, when I want, paired with whatever I want. In the unlikely event that anyone even notices and feels it's not appropriate, they can go pound sand.
Yep, absolutely 100%
I wear a plaid carhart shirt, cargo pants and a watch themed black t-shirt underneath the shirt. I'm retired lol.
Here's what's on the wrist today. Changed the strap. Makes a difference.
For me strap changes and bracelets can integrate into that little change that ties it all together. My 2 cents.
Cheers!
I wear a plaid carhart shirt, cargo pants and a watch themed black t-shirt underneath the shirt. I'm retired lol.
Here's what's on the wrist today. Changed the strap. Makes a difference.
For me strap changes and bracelets can integrate into that little change that ties it all together. My 2 cents.
Cheers!
Nice! Yeah, strap makes the most difference.
Man, if there is one thing I could have done that would have made a real difference when I was younger and single, it was to dress nicely. I've always had horrible sartorial taste. I would guess that if at the age of 22, I had hired a personal stylist, I might have doubled my attractiveness to the opposite sex - that is, I would have gone from a 1.5 to a 3.
Man, if there is one thing I could have done that would have made a real difference when I was younger and single, it was to dress nicely. I've always had horrible sartorial taste. I would guess that if at the age of 22, I had hired a personal stylist, I might have doubled my attractiveness to the opposite sex - that is, I would have gone from a 1.5 to a 3.
Yeah man, I feel like we're so clueless about that when we're younger.
Yeah man, I feel like we're so clueless about that when we're younger.
Problem is, I still dress like a complete schlub!
Only saving grace is that now that I'm married, it doesn't matter anymore!
I dress like a hobo most of the time. I have zero issue wearing a Cartier or Rolex with jeans and an indie band t-shirt. Nobody who would judge me by the quality of my clothes or my watches has any agency in my decisions or the course of my life.
I wear my watches for me. The clothes, I don’t care about. The watches I do.
I dress like a hobo most of the time. I have zero issue wearing a Cartier or Rolex with jeans and an indie band t-shirt. Nobody who would judge me by the quality of my clothes or my watches has any agency in my decisions or the course of my life.
I wear my watches for me. The clothes, I don’t care about. The watches I do.
I agree, those decisions shouldn't be made to please other people only oneself.
I also cheated by wearing a polo but regardless 😁
In my opinion,
If you wear casual clothes, you can wear whatever nice watch, even a dress watch, no prob.
If you are going formal and are wearing a nice suit, you cannot wear whatever watch, stick to a dress watch.
Now, this is for the mature man, let´s say...30, 35+.
If you are a teenager or a young guy in his early 20ies.....you can get away with everything, then you can even wear an oversized yellow sponge bob watch from amazon with a suit, and you'll still look great.
I long for the day when 'smart' comes back in fashion and men go back to shirts and waistcoats as daily wear.
I've never held the title of CONNOISSEUR OF FINE THREADS but the guy who does probably is wearing a killer watch with freshly ironed designer jeans, Gucci loafers and matching Dougle G belt 😀
I long for the day when 'smart' comes back in fashion and men go back to shirts and waistcoats as daily wear.
Having seen the apprentice and met my brother-in-law, the problem is that the people below a certain age who currently take this approach are quite often, but not without exception — to find the right word — cockwombles.
Some pull it off. Others get a leather jacket and never look back. Ties are a pain in the arse after all.
Your Silver Arrow looks really nice and I can see it work in multiple situations. I can see the same in a Reverso which can surprisingly easy adopt to casual situations with the right strap as well as serving as the dress watch it has to be considered as today despite it’s history.
Ohhhh I love your watch, great piece! You're in luck if you want a silver arrow, they're way cheaper than the birch and shouldn't have a problem finding one way below msrp.
🤣
This post could have definitely used some more pictures! Even if I don't own a dress watch yet, I also plan to wear dress watches with casual attire in the future. So I see the value in compiling ideas as a starting point for what works and what doesn't.
Obviously taste and style are ultimately subjective. Some points I can agree on, others I don't. It's clear to me that you're enthusiastic about fashion and style, even though people can misinterpret the intent. I feel this could be improved if the recommendations were more open-ended, instead of locking into specific examples.
For example, on the topic of straps. The post recommends a "casual leather strap with minimal texture and contrast stitching" (just paraphrasing). One way that the recommendation can be more open-ended is if we present the basics of what are generally considered as formal or casual straps, give samples with pros/cons, and let the reader decide what is appropriate for their personal taste or situation.
People can either conform to norms or personalize their style rules. But this way, it becomes a conscious choice rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
This post could have definitely used some more pictures! Even if I don't own a dress watch yet, I also plan to wear dress watches with casual attire in the future. So I see the value in compiling ideas as a starting point for what works and what doesn't.
Obviously taste and style are ultimately subjective. Some points I can agree on, others I don't. It's clear to me that you're enthusiastic about fashion and style, even though people can misinterpret the intent. I feel this could be improved if the recommendations were more open-ended, instead of locking into specific examples.
For example, on the topic of straps. The post recommends a "casual leather strap with minimal texture and contrast stitching" (just paraphrasing). One way that the recommendation can be more open-ended is if we present the basics of what are generally considered as formal or casual straps, give samples with pros/cons, and let the reader decide what is appropriate for their personal taste or situation.
People can either conform to norms or personalize their style rules. But this way, it becomes a conscious choice rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Yeah, and the reason why I didn't include more photos, of my clothes or other dress watches I own for example, is that this is all my opinion coming from the experience of one individual, if I had done more research we'd end up with many opinions, but that's why having an open ended discussion is great.
Ohhhh I love your watch, great piece! You're in luck if you want a silver arrow, they're way cheaper than the birch and shouldn't have a problem finding one way below msrp.
Thanks mate. I've found the Silver Arrow for 20% discount. I did say my next piece would be a cheapish field watch. I'm looking at the Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium 38mm, which is also available below msrp. Watch addiction is painful at times 🙈🤣
Thanks mate. I've found the Silver Arrow for 20% discount. I did say my next piece would be a cheapish field watch. I'm looking at the Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium 38mm, which is also available below msrp. Watch addiction is painful at times 🙈🤣
It's so painful lol. The good thing about the silver arrow is that it wasn't a popular launch, so there's going to be cheap ones.
Yeah, and the reason why I didn't include more photos, of my clothes or other dress watches I own for example, is that this is all my opinion coming from the experience of one individual, if I had done more research we'd end up with many opinions, but that's why having an open ended discussion is great.
That's alright. I saw "Ultimate guide" in the title and had lofty expectations. Turns out there was more context behind the post, as it seems to be a continuation of a prior discussion.
It's so painful lol. The good thing about the silver arrow is that it wasn't a popular launch, so there's going to be cheap ones.
I think it's a great piece. I think Longines are killing it at the moment! Some beautiful pieces around.
That's alright. I saw "Ultimate guide" in the title and had lofty expectations. Turns out there was more context behind the post, as it seems to be a continuation of a prior discussion.
The title is colloquialism and clickbait, what this is is just my opinion really, just having a bit of fun. As I said, I know nothing about fashion, someone that does would be better suited to give the advice you seek.
The title is colloquialism and clickbait, what this is is just my opinion really, just having a bit of fun. As I said, I know nothing about fashion, someone that does would be better suited to give the advice you seek.
It would be too unfair to yourself if you say you know nothing, because you have a systematic sense of what pairs well with what. Anyone who has put on a watch, looked in the mirror, and decided to go with a different watch will get it (and I'm sure it's not just me!). There are tidbits of advice here that could help someone understand why a watch sometimes "looks off".
"Wear what you like" is too vague for some of us. It's opinions like this that give people something new and interesting to try. One develops a clear understanding of what they like or don't like only when they have tried a lot of things. That's why I'm sure your post can help someone and it's worth refining these ideas. 🍻
It would be too unfair to yourself if you say you know nothing, because you have a systematic sense of what pairs well with what. Anyone who has put on a watch, looked in the mirror, and decided to go with a different watch will get it (and I'm sure it's not just me!). There are tidbits of advice here that could help someone understand why a watch sometimes "looks off".
"Wear what you like" is too vague for some of us. It's opinions like this that give people something new and interesting to try. One develops a clear understanding of what they like or don't like only when they have tried a lot of things. That's why I'm sure your post can help someone and it's worth refining these ideas. 🍻
Thanks, will start working on "the REAL ultimate guide to wearing a dress watch with t-shirt and jeans."
Interestingly, the Silver Arrow was originally marketed as a sports watch
Interestingly, the Silver Arrow was originally marketed as a sports watch
That's so cool, didn't know that, thanks for sharing!
Having seen the apprentice and met my brother-in-law, the problem is that the people below a certain age who currently take this approach are quite often, but not without exception — to find the right word — cockwombles.
Some pull it off. Others get a leather jacket and never look back. Ties are a pain in the arse after all.
Can't agree more with this. I think it's more about how you conduct and express yourself than how you dress - I knew a classmate who would try to dress like that, with a waistcoast and hat and... pocketwatch. He looked like he just stumbled out of try-hard thrift store and was on his way to the Involuntary Celibate's Anonymous.
I've lived most my life in the hot, sweaty tropics or a scorching dry heat, so I'm not fond of ties either. That being said, I would like to update my wardrobe so I don't look like some uncle twice my age.