From hats to hairstyles
Remember when a chunky watch screamed "success"? Well, those days are fading. This year, high status for men is revealed in the soft drape of cashmere, the subtle glint of a bespoke brooch, and the nuanced notes of a niche fragrance.
Experts are noticing a shift in the status symbols of 2025. Curious to decode the new language of male luxury? Click on to explore the luxury items, trends, and even the hobbies redefining what it means to be "in."
A men's jewelry revival is underway. Experts note a shift from last year's watch focus to rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Men are turning to brands like Van Cleef and David Yurman, favoring their silver bracelets accented with onyx (pictured left).
A David Yurman Classic Cable Band Ring is priced at US$425, while Van Cleef 18K Yellow Gold and Onyx Bracelets start at $3,650, depending on the number of stones.
Brooches are also making a comeback, frequently spotted on the red carpet in sparkly forms adorning the tuxedos of actors, musicians, and billionaires. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos wore a diamond-encrusted brooch on his tuxedo lapel to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Dior sells a US$340 silver monogram brooch on its website, while Hermès offers a range of chain-shaped pins for $530. According to fashion experts, brooches are accessories that blend timeless luxury with modern sophistication.
But the brooch trend is not celebrity-exclusive, extending beyond formal events. Designer brands are launching casual options, designed for styling on denim jackets and button-up shirts.
Japanese menswear is gaining momentum, amplified by TikTok fashion influencers. GQ recently reported its "profound" impact on American menswear, calling it the style inspiration for "cool guys."
Visvim, a Japanese workwear brand, is a TikTok favorite among young men, particularly for its coveted US$995 backpacks.
And the brand's boots, selling for approximately $1,959, are just as popular.
Back to the jewelry and accessories departments, one brand is generating significant buzz. Though a fashion staple since the late '80s, Los Angeles-based Chrome Hearts has gained a new following among Gen Z.
Adding to its popularity, style icons such as Timothée Chalamet and Troye Sivan are often spotted in Chrome Hearts.
Chrome Hearts' sales are mainly through authorized retailers, with limited online offerings. Yet its resale market is far larger, with secondhand sunglasses around US$500 and necklaces reaching upwards of $8,000.
This year, cashmere is the undisputed must-have for male fashion enthusiasts. Sleek designs featuring the fabric debuted on the Todd Snyder runway during February's New York Fashion Week 2025.
Cashmere’s appeal varies, ranging from classic coats to Italian brand Loro Piana’s more casual—yet equally luxurious—sweaters, the latter with prices anywhere from US$925 to $20,000.
Whether styled casually or luxuriously, fashion enthusiasts agree that cashmere adds an "old-money" polish to men's office-ready outfits.
Andrew Garfield's tinted sunglasses at the 2025 Oscars, coupled with colorful runway displays from Prada, Amiri, and Louis Vuitton, signal a trend: expect vibrant tinted sunglasses to be the 2025 status symbol.
While tinted sunglasses are now a designer focus, with Balmain, Dior, and Gucci offering styles from US$480 to $625, Robert Downey Jr. has been a consistent champion of the look.
When asked about their favorite fragrances, many successful men highlighted scents from New York brand Le Labo, known for producing niche fragrances, meaning exclusive perfumes released on a smaller scale.
While Santal 33 is Le Labo's hallmark, Thé Noir 29, Jasmin 17, and Another 13 are also popular fragrances among business professionals. Prices range from US$107 to $1,095 per bottle.
Contrary to popular belief, men are embracing candles. They're bringing the trend home with Le Labo's US$105 candle set.
In 2025, men are increasingly embracing designer bags, with Spanish brand Loewe emerging as a leading choice.
Their Spring-Summer 2025 men's collection showcases innovative designs, including the reimagined Puzzle Bag and the exotic leather Flamenco Purse.
Following its success among women last year, the brand’s Puzzle Bag is now a male fashion status symbol.
Since the start of the year, fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and TikTok influencers have been highlighting Loewe bags, with the US$1,250 Fold Shopper Tote, $2,500 Cubi Bag, and the $4,100 large Puzzle Bag as clear favorites.
Beyond fashion, experts highlight how status symbols are being expressed in other areas.
Columbia Business School professor Silvia Bellezza notes a shift in elite leisure, from passive luxury consumption to active expertise.
Gentlemen now pursue mastery, not just luxury, delving into the intricacies of wines, sports, art, and even Japanese blades craftsmanship!
Because affordable knockoffs make outward wealth less distinctive, Bellezza predicts that clothing emphasizing self-expression or sustainability will define the new "it" items.
Brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton are adapting to the personalization trend. Burberry offers a monogramming hub for luxury items, while Louis Vuitton is introducing more vibrant styles, signaling the rise of customized status symbols.
Sources: (Business Insider) (Fortune) (Gentleman's Code)
See also: How cool is cashmere?
Men's favorite status symbols in 2025
Items men are obsessing over to convey wealth and style
FASHION Fashion
Remember when a chunky watch screamed "success"? Well, those days are fading. This year, high status for men is revealed in the soft drape of cashmere, the subtle glint of a bespoke brooch, and the nuanced notes of a niche fragrance.
Experts are noticing a shift in the status symbols of 2025. Curious to decode the new language of male luxury? Click on to explore the luxury items, trends, and even the hobbies redefining what it means to be "in."