How To Wear A Pocket Watch
One of the most common questions we receive from customers is asking different ways to wear a pocket watch. Whilst features may have been added or designs may have tweaked slightly over the past century, the way to wear a pocket watch has remained the same for hundreds of years.
The classic way to wear a pocket watch is at the end of a chain (called a fob) in your waistcoat pocket. The fob should pass through the buttonholes in the middle and terminate in a pocket on the other side, anchored by another object such as a cigar cutter. However, there are other types of pocket watch chains available to allow you to safely attach your timepiece to your clothing.
Different Types of Pocket Watch Chains
T-Bar Chains
The classic Albert T-Bar is best paired with a waistcoat or jacket. The buttonhole will hold the bar in place; allowing you to attach the pocket watch to the other end and store in the breast or side pocket.
Belt Bar
You can probably guess where a belt loop attaches to thanks to its name - it simply slides onto the belt or the top of trousers to allow you to securely place your watch within your pocket for a classic look.
Bolt Ring
Much the same as the classic belt loop, bolt ring chains attach to the trouser belt loop to store the watch in your pockets. However, they can also be attached to the buttonhole in your waistcoat.
How To Wear A Pocket Watch For a Wedding Or Formal Event
A wedding is one of the most common events that has men reaching for a pocket watch. Pocket watches - in both gold and silver - bring an instant touch of class to a formal ensemble, making them a great way to take your wedding look to the next level. Whether you’re the groom, a groomsman or simply a dapper guest, a pocket watch for a wedding guarantees to make an impression.
How To Wear a Pocket Watch With a Waistcoat
One of the most classic ways to wear a pocket watch for a special occasion such as a wedding is attached to a waistcoat. This look is traditional and ever-stylish, making it a great choice for a formal look. This is also perfect for when you don’t want to wear a full three-piece suit, for example, if you’re attending a summer wedding.
To wear a wedding pocket watch with a waistcoat, you need one of the chains detailed above - a T-bar chain or a bolt ring chain works best. One end of this chain attaches to your pocket watch, and the other through your waistcoat buttonhole. The watch can then be placed into your waistcoat (or jacket) pocket, leaving the decorative chain on show.
How To Wear a Pocket Watch With a Suit
A pocket watch can also be paired with a suit rather than simply just a waistcoat and shirt. This look is slightly more formal, great for creating a powerful impression at work parties or high-class special events.
If your suit is not three-piece (i.e does not include a waistcoat), there are still a number of ways you can attach your pocket watch. A pocket watch chain can be attached through your suit jackets buttonhole, leaving the watch free to be slipped into your jacket pocket. Otherwise, a belt loop chain will allow you to attach your pocket watch to your trouser belt loop, with the watch safely stored in your trouser pocket.
How To Wear a Pocket Watch Casually
While many people assume pocket watches are only for formal wear, we are seeing more and more stylish gentlemen working them into a more casual look. A pocket watch is a great addition to a smart casual look, bringing an instant touch of class. So, how can you style a pocket watch informally?
How To Wear a Pocket Watch Without a Waistcoat
Despite what many people think, you don’t always need a waistcoat or sharp suit jacket in order to work a pocket watch into your look. If you’re looking to work a pocket watch into a more casual look, we’re happy to tell you it’s more than possible!
A shirt is the easiest way to work a pocket watch into your look without a waistcoat. Why not try a sharp white shirt paired with slightly more relaxed chinos and loafers? Your pocket watch can be attached to either your shirt buttonhole or your belt loop, and then stored in your trouser pocket for a relaxed look that oozes class.
How To Wear a Pocket Watch With Jeans
We know, we know - jeans and a pocket watch aren’t a combination you would generally expect to work together. However, with the right styling, jeans and a pocket watch can actually make a fantastic impression.
We would recommend opting for black, grey or very dark blue jeans if you are wearing a pocket watch. Light or stonewashed jeans bring an ultra-casual feel, which slightly contrasts the pocket watch accessory. Similarly, we would recommend opting for a smarter slim or straight fit jean, rather than a loose or baggy option. Team your jeans with a shirt or blazer jacket to tie the look together, and there you have it - the perfect ‘smart casual’ combination!
To attach your pocket watch to your jeans, simply choose a belt loop pocket watch chain and then place the pocket watch in your jean pocket.
Having trouble with your pocket watch? Check out our guide on pocket watch repair and common issues here.