The Watch And T-Shirt: A Stylish Pair?

Wearing a watch with a T-shirt is a great way to express your personality and elevate your style. While some people believe that the formality of the watch should match that of the outfit, others argue that you should wear what makes you happy. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how to rock your timepiece.

Dressing down a watch

While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to fashion, and you should ultimately wear whatever makes you happy, there are some tips you can follow to dress down a dress watch.

One of the easiest ways to dress down a watch is to change the strap. Leather straps are generally considered more formal than metal bands, and black leather is more formal than brown. So, to dress down your watch, opt for a brown leather strap or a colourful NATO strap. Straps made from suede, distressed, or rough-cut leather will also give your watch a more casual feel. You could also try a rubber strap, a Zulu 5-ring canvas strap, or a metal mesh bracelet.

The type of t-shirt you wear can also help to dress down your watch. Minimal printing or logos and light colours are best. You can also wear a short-sleeve button-up shirt, a hoodie, or a vintage/hipster t-shirt.

If you're wearing jeans, opt for a pair that fits well and isn't too baggy or ill-fitting. Chinos or shorts can also work.

To make your outfit look intentional, you can match your watch with your shoes, shirt, or bottoms. However, be careful not to fall into "uniform territory" by having too many matching pieces.

When it comes to shoes, it's best to avoid tall boots, dress shoes, loafers, running shoes, and rubber sandals. Instead, opt for a pair of casual brown leather shoes.

Finally, the type of watch you're wearing can also make a difference. Dive, racing/driving, pilot, field, and smartwatches tend to pair better with casual outfits than dress watches.

T-shirt type

When it comes to the type of T-shirt you should wear with a watch, the general consensus is that less is more. Opt for a T-shirt with minimal printing or logos and light colours. A charcoal T-shirt can also work well with a dress watch, especially when paired with dark blue designer jeans and leather shoes.

If you're wearing a short-sleeve button-up shirt, you can treat it like a T-shirt. Keep the shirt light-coloured and avoid bold patterns. A hoodie follows the same rule.

For a casual look, you can pair your watch with a polo shirt, a chambray button-down shirt, jeans, and dress boots. This combination works well with diver, field, pilot, and racing watches, as well as digital watches or watches with rubber bands.

If you're going for a sporty look, make sure your watch has a strap, case, and watch dial that can withstand the activity.

Matching watch to jeans

When it comes to matching a watch with jeans, there are several factors to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve a stylish and harmonious look:

• Formality: The formality of your watch should match the formality of your outfit. Jeans are typically considered casual attire. So, for a casual look, you can choose from various watch types such as diver's watches, chrono/sports watches, pilot or aviator watches, or field watches. If you want to dress up your jeans for a sharper casual look, a dress watch can also work.
• Strap Material and Colour: When it comes to the watch strap, leather and metal are common options. For jeans, a leather strap, especially in brown or a similar tone, can be a great choice as it complements the casual nature of denim. You can also opt for a metal strap, with silver watches often pairing well with blue jeans. If you want to add a touch of formality, a black leather strap with dark jeans can be a good combination.
• Leather Complementing Leather: If you want to take a more coordinated approach, match the colour of your watch strap to your belt and shoes. This creates a cohesive look. For example, a brown leather strap with brown shoes and belt, or a black leather strap with black shoes and belt.
• Metal Complementing Metal: If your watch has a metal case or band, you can match it with other metal accessories. Coordinate the colour of the metal – gold, silver, or other metals like titanium or platinum. This creates a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy.
• Heirloom Watches: If you're wearing an heirloom watch, the rules can be bent or even violated. These watches are often worn as conversation pieces and to honour family traditions. So, feel free to style them in a way that showcases their unique character and your personal style.
• Context and Confidence: Ultimately, the context of your outfit and your confidence in carrying it off matter. As long as you feel comfortable and confident, you can make any watch and jeans combination work, whether it's a dress watch with casual jeans or a sports watch with a dressed-up jeans ensemble.

Metal watch bands

• Match the Metal to Your Outfit: The colour of the metal band should complement the rest of your outfit. Silver watches go well with black, grey, and blue shades, while gold watches pair nicely with earth tones like brown, beige, and tan.
• Mix and Match Metals: You don't have to perfectly match the metal of your watch to your other accessories. For example, a rose gold watch can complement a yellow gold belt buckle.
• Consider the Occasion: Metal bands are quite versatile and can be dressed up or down. While they may be too casual for very formal events, they are perfect for business attire or casual outfits.
• Play with Different Styles: Metal watch bands come in various styles, such as oyster bracelets, mesh straps, and bands with hidden clasps. You can also find them in different finishes like black tone, silver tone, rose gold, and two-tone.
• Pair with Other Accessories: When wearing a metal watch, consider pairing it with other metal accessories like cuff links, rings, or a belt buckle. This will create a cohesive and stylish look.
• Keep it Clean: Metal watch bands are easy to clean and maintain, so make sure to give them a wipe down from time to time to keep them looking their best.

So, feel free to experiment with metal watch bands and find the style that suits you best. With their versatility and durability, they are a great addition to any wardrobe.

Heirloom watches

When choosing an heirloom watch to pass down, it is essential to consider the connection and meaning that the watch holds for you and your family. A watch that is worn regularly and becomes a part of your daily life is more likely to be cherished and remembered by your loved ones. Additionally, the story and memories associated with the watch can add to its sentimental value.

While some people may choose classic dress watches from famous brands, others may opt for unique timepieces that fly under the radar, such as the F.P.Journe Chronomètre Souverain, which features a rose gold movement and case. Ultimately, the choice of an heirloom watch is deeply personal and should reflect your personality and values.

Frequently asked questions