3 Ways To Wear A Watch - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Wear a Watch PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Wearing a Wrist Watch Properly 2 Choosing the Right Wrist Watch for the Occasion 3 Wearing a Pocket Watch Properly Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Tavia Sharp

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Tavia Sharp. Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,161,363 times.

Watches come in many different styles and sizes, and can be worn as a functional accessory or a stylish piece of jewelry by both men and women. While it is acceptable to wear a watch in just about any occasion and setting, there are some basic guidelines for how to choose the right watch. These guidelines focus on what kinds of watches are most appropriate for a variety of situations and settings, how to match a watch to an outfit, and how to wear a watch properly.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Wearing a Wrist Watch Properly

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  1. Step 1 Don’t wear a watch with a face that is too big. 1 Don’t wear a watch with a face that is too big. Watch faces are measured in millimeters. Men’s watches average between 34mm-50mm, although they can be larger. You should never wear a watch bigger than 50mm, at most, but 34mm-40mm is standard and ideal for both men and women.[1]
  2. Step 2 Decide on which wrist you want to wear your watch. 2 Decide on which wrist you want to wear your watch. There is no “correct” side. Choose the wrist that is most comfortable and where your watch won't get in the way of your movements. This is typically the non-dominant hand, as it might be uncomfortable to write with a watch under your wrist. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Wear your watch beside your wrist bone. 3 Wear your watch beside your wrist bone. Make sure that the face sits right next to the bone on the outside of the wrist (the ulna). When standing, little or none of your watch should be visible beneath your shirt cuff. When wearing a long-sleeved shirt, your watch should only be fully visible when your arm is bent. Never wear your watch on top of your shirt cuff. Consider wrist and watch proportions. "When my new watch's lugs overhung my wrist, I worried it looked too large. This tipped me that proportions between wrist size and watch diameter matter for an optimal fit. I'll keep this rule of thumb in mind for future purchases." - Liam O. Position adjacent to wrist bone. "Unsure if my watch should sit on or next to my wrist bone, this instructed me to place it just beside my ulna. Now I can wear it in the most ergonomic spot to prevent discomfort." - Aidan Patino (wikiHow Community Member) Explain non-dominant hand norm. "Out of habit I've worn my watch on my dominant hand, but learning that the non-dominant side helps avoid restrictive discomfort during writing or tasks addressed my confusion. Now I understand the functional reason for this guideline." - Michele S. Expand basics into enriched knowledge. "Needing only a quick watch wearing primer, I appreciated that this still included extra details on styles for different occasions. Now, I have both key pointers and deeper insights into horology etiquette." - Natalie B. Avoid nerve pain from incorrect placement. "Wearing my watch below my wrist bone caused severe nerve irritation, so realizing I should actually position it above my ulna provided relief. Now I prioritize comfort over perceived aesthetics." - James H. Have a story our readers should hear? Share it with 1 billion+ annual wikiHow users. Tell us your story here.
  4. Step 4 Wear a band... 4 Wear a band that fits properly. A watch should appear comfortable, natural, and certainly not sloppy. It may be necessary to adjust it as needed, to accommodate natural fluctuations in wrist size.[2]
    • Some watches, such as dress watches and sports watches, have a prong and notch system that allows you to easily move the prong up or down a notch to tighten or loosen.
    • Casual or formal watches can have a more complicated fastening system that requires you to adjust the size by adding or removing links. Consult the instruction manual, or ask your jeweler for help or advice on adjusting the length of your watch.
    • A man should never wear his wristwatch loose around his wrist. It should move about an inch up and down your wrist as you move. The face of the watch should not slip to the side of your wrist. As a general rule, you should be able to fit a finger snugly between your wrist and the watch band.
    • A wristwatch should not be worn too tightly. If the watch leaves an imprint on your wrist, it is too tight and should be loosened.
    • Women's watches may be worn snugly, or loose around the wrist like a bracelet.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Choosing the Right Wrist Watch for the Occasion

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  1. Step 1 Match your watch to your shoes. 1 Match your watch to your shoes. As a general rule, if you are wearing dress shoes, a dress watch would be appropriate. If you are wearing sneakers, then a sports watch would be appropriate. If you are somewhere in between, such as boots, boat shoes, or flip-flops, an everyday casual watch is your best bet.[3]
  2. Step 2 Choose a go-to, everyday watch that can be worn with casual clothing. 2 Choose a go-to, everyday watch that can be worn with casual clothing. Your everyday watch should be neutral and durable, as it's meant to be worn throughout your daily activities, including work, casual social functions, and errands. Stainless steel is a popular choice as this makes for both neutral and sturdy watches, but options include basic watches made of all sorts of different materials, including plastic and rubber.
  3. Step 3 Wear a formal watch to events that require formal wear. 3 Wear a formal watch to events that require formal wear. This includes weddings, christenings, funerals, formal dinners, opera and theater performances, and other formal events. Formal watches add a finishing touch to a well-polished outfit.
    • Formal watches are usually made of a precious metal (silver, gold, or platinum), and can be incredibly expensive, depending on brand and materials.
    • Many people prefer a formal watch that is made of the same metal tone as the rest of their jewelry or accessories. For example, a woman who's wearing a platinum necklace might prefer to wear a platinum, silver, or white gold watch, while a man who's wearing gold cufflinks will usually prefer to wear a gold watch.[4]
    • Formal watches can be incredibly expensive, and are seen as a status symbol among men. If an expensive formal watch is not in your budget, consider foregoing the formal watch altogether; a cheap watch can carry a negative perception, while there are no consequences for not wearing a watch during these occasions.
  4. Step 4 Wear a sports watch. 4 Wear a sports watch. You can wear it as an everyday watch, or as a functional tool for running or working out. Sports watches can be made with rubber, plastic, or even fabric bands that are meant to be durable, sweat-resistant, and often water-resistant. Pay close attention to the instructions that come with the watch—they will tell you how far under water your watch can safely go.
    • Wear your sports watch when you will need to keep time, measure depth or speed, consult a compass, or when you will use other special features included.
    • Outside of athletic endeavors, you can wear your sports watch with a long sleeve shirt or even a tie to casual events.
    • Never wear a sports watch with a suit—this is the fashion equivalent of wearing sneakers with a tuxedo! It is considered to be in poor taste.
  5. Step 5 Wear a dress watch for business dress or business casual. 5 Wear a dress watch for business dress or business casual. This would be appropriate with something slightly more dressed up than khakis and a polo, such as a shirt and jacket. Dress watches are usually more plain and simple than formal watches, and generally won’t have the same level of adornment that formal watches can have.[5]
    • Choose one with a thin black or brown leather band to wear at events that require semi-formal wear, business professional wear, or even business casual wear, including blazers with slacks or jeans, dresses, and trousers with a nice blouse or jacket.
    • Match your shoes and belt to your watch band. If your shoes are black, then don’t wear a watch with a brown band.
    • Buy multiple bands for your watch, so you can easily and inexpensively make your watch match your shoes and belt. Or, look for a band that is a mix of brown and black.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Wearing a Pocket Watch Properly

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  1. Step 1 Choose a pocket... 1 Choose a pocket watch if it fits your personal style. Pocket watches were once the norm, but have become more of a novelty. They appear distinctive and can add a lot of character to your look, if worn properly. Pocket watches are often passed down through families and inherited, so they can also carry sentimental value.[6]
  2. Step 2 Wear a pocket watch with a waistcoat. 2 Wear a pocket watch with a waistcoat. You should put the watch in the pocket that's most convenient to you, then loop the watch chain through the waistcoat's buttonhole and put the fob in the pocket on the other side. This will give you a subtle look of sophistication, while remaining functional.
  3. Step 3 Wear a pocket... 3 Wear a pocket watch with khakis or jeans. Simply put your watch in the pocket that is most convenient, loop the watch chain through a belt loop and clip the watch to the belt loop, leaving the fob exposed. This will protect the watch and make it quick and easy to check.
  4. Step 4 Don't be afraid to wear a pocket watch as a woman. 4 Don't be afraid to wear a pocket watch as a woman. Although they aren't commonly worn by women, pocket watches can give women a great vintage look. Wear it around your neck on a long chain or fastened on a broach or pin to be attached on your shirt. Keep other accessories minimal if your women's pocket watch is elaborate and highly decorative.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question When do I know the watch fits well? Community Answer Community Answer When the watch is not continuously moving and neither is it squeezing your wrist, you are wearing the correct fit. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 27 Helpful 124
  • Question Can I wear a dress watch with casual shirts and everyday clothes? Community Answer Community Answer With a collared shirt and khakis or nice jeans, yes, but it will probably stand out with anything more casual than this. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 42
  • Question Can a woman wear a watch on her right wrist? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, there is not a man/woman rule about which wrist to wear your watch on, it is simply personal preference. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 45
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Video

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Tips

  • A watch is something that will last a long time. A high-quality watch is an investment that you can keep for a very long time. When buying, think about quality over quantity.[7] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Matching the watch to the occasion is always important, but it's even more important to match it to your personal style.[8] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • When handling or storing your watch, you should handle it carefully to protect the glass from scratches. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/mans-guide-wristwatches-choose-watch/
  2. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/mans-guide-wristwatches-choose-watch/
  3. ↑ https://effortlessgent.com/best-mens-watches/
  4. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/matching-your-watch-with-your-clothes/
  5. ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/watch-styles/
  6. ↑ https://www.dapperfied.com/buying-a-pocket-watch-18-things-consider/
  7. ↑ Tavia Sharp. Certified Image Consultant. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Tavia Sharp. Certified Image Consultant. Expert Interview

About This Article

Tavia Sharp Co-authored by: Tavia Sharp Certified Image Consultant This article was co-authored by Tavia Sharp. Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery. This article has been viewed 1,161,363 times. 14 votes - 80% Co-authors: 24 Updated: June 25, 2025 Views: 1,161,363 Categories: Watches Article SummaryX

To wear a watch, start by putting it around your wrist on your non-dominant hand so it doesn't get in your way. Then, position the watch face so that it sits comfortably next to your wrist bone. It should be high enough on your arm that it doesn’t show under a long sleeved shirt unless you bend your elbow. Next, adjust the band tightness so that you can fit one finger snugly between the watch and your wrist. For tips on coordinating your watch with the rest of your outfit, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Michele S.

    Michele S.

    May 28, 2017

    "Out of habit I've worn my watch on my dominant hand, but learning that the non-dominant side helps avoid..." more Rated this article:
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Tavia Sharp Co-authored by: Tavia Sharp Certified Image Consultant Co-authors: 24 Updated: June 25, 2025 Views: 1,161,363 80% of readers found this article helpful. 14 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote Michele S.

Michele S.

May 28, 2017

"Out of habit I've worn my watch on my dominant hand, but learning that the non-dominant side helps avoid..." more Rated this article: Liam O.

Liam O.

Apr 16, 2021

"When my new watch's lugs overhung my wrist, I worried it looked too large. This tipped me that proportions..." more Natalie B.

Natalie B.

Jun 17, 2016

"Needing only a quick watch wearing primer, I appreciated that this still included extra details on styles for..." more James H.

James H.

Dec 22, 2016

"Wearing my watch below my wrist bone caused severe nerve irritation, so realizing I should actually position it..." more Aidan Patino

Aidan Patino

Jun 16, 2017

"Unsure if my watch should sit on or next to my wrist bone, this instructed me to place it just beside my ulna. Now..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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