Jewellery for him: Bangladeshi men joining global trend
The growing interest in men’s jewellery in Bangladesh shows a global shift towards breaking gender norms in fashion
Not long ago, a wedding ring was the only piece of jewellery a man could think of wearing in his lifetime. There were cultural boundaries separating feminine and masculine jewellery.
Today, however, the distinction between men's and women's jewellery is fading, with jewellery fashion becoming less exclusive to women, largely due to the influence of Gen-Z and younger millennials.
Vogue Business reported that the emerging men's luxury fine jewellery market reached around $7.3 billion in 2023. In terms of annual growth, it even outpaced the female market.
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This global trend has also influenced Bangladesh, leading to the rise of a men's jewellery market in recent years. Brands such as 'Cresol Bangladesh' and 'Get the Juice' have emerged to fill this gap.
Jahid Alam Munna, the founder of Get the Juice, shared that the brand was launched in December 2022 after he faced challenges finding quality silver chains. With limited designs and no customisation options available, he decided to open a shop to make these items more accessible to everyone.
"It wasn't that there was a significant demand in the local market," he explained.
"Most people wore Chinese products, and there was very little supply of gold or silver items. But we made it happen— similar to how Pathao or bKash filled their own market gaps," he added.
Rings, chains, and bracelets
Jahid mentioned that rings, chains, and bracelets are the most popular items across all age groups. Boys aged 18 to 22 frequently buy bracelets and chains. There is also a high demand for customised products where people can choose their own designs.
Men's chains and rings are often designed to uphold masculinity, featuring bolder and heavier designs compared to women's jewellery. These pieces tend to be more substantial and rugged, with thicker materials that emphasise strength and style.
When it comes to bracelets, the industry-standard bracelet diameter is 7 inches; for men, the standard is 8 inches. Men's bracelets (mostly cuff bracelets) come in a wide range of materials, including leather, metal, and stone, making them a great option for men who want to wear bracelets that can complement any outfit.
We're all familiar with the iconic silver bracelet that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan sports, which has become a signature accessory. This stylish piece has inspired countless young people to embrace bracelets as a key element in their everyday fashion, making it a popular trend.
In modern days, unisex jewellery is also on the rise. These designs strike a perfect balance—neither too heavy nor too light—offering versatility and appeal to a wider audience, regardless of gender.
"Just 5% of our products are for women. The rest are unisex. They are designed for both men and women," Jahid added.
There are various types of products available at different price ranges. The price of rings, bracelets, and necklaces falls within the bracket of Tk2,500 to Tk8,000. These are premium items made of gold and silver.
Understanding men's needs for accessories, Rahul A Islam, Founder of Cresol Bangladesh, launched his brand in September 2021. Rahul claimed Cresol to be the first-of-its-kind online shop for men's jewellery items in Bangladesh.
Cresol focuses on introducing high-quality, custom-designed jewellery and accessories for men. All pieces are designed by Rahul himself and are manufactured abroad.
Most of their products are high quality and durable, with materials such as 925 sterling silver and titanium. Some are made of stainless steel metal, beads and pearls. They also have offerings for people on a budget. The price ranges from Tk500 to around Tk1,500. People of all ages buy these products based on personal choice.
Apart from such specialised shops, men's jewellery items are also available on online marketplaces like Daraz, AjkerDeal, Priyo shop, and Kablewala Bangladesh.
Several factors contribute to the increasing demand for men's jewellery.
A revival, not arrival
Historically, men wearing jewellery is nothing new. From the Stone Age, when they adorned themselves with claws and fangs, to the Middle Ages, where rulers in Europe and Greece wore jewellery as symbols of power and nobility. Priests and shamans also used accessories as sacred symbols.
In the Indian subcontinent, men embraced jewellery too, with Muslim rule bringing a revolution in design. Elite women wore diamonds, gold, and precious stones, while noblemen preferred pearls. Nawabs decorated their turbans, clothes, and swords with gems, and often exchanged these items with other rulers. A portrait of the then-Dhaka's nawab Khawja Abdul Gani stands as evidence of elite men wearing jewellery.
Today, the trend has resurfaced, following global influences.
"The youth in Bangladesh tend to follow Indian and Western fashion trends, which significantly drives the demand here," said Rahul.
Pop culture and evolving gender norms
Music holds a special place for the youth in Bangladesh, and this passion has played a role in the rise of men's accessories. Alongside this, the concept of masculinity is evolving. Once seen as exclusive to women, jewellery is now becoming a symbol of masculinity.
Bangladeshi rapper Black Zang commented, "Music and fashion are closely linked. Wearing jewellery expresses one's personality. I've been wearing it since I was young. There was a time when people associated it with troublemakers, but that perception has shifted now."
Black Zang mentioned that he has noticed this influence spreading among music fans. Young people attending shows and concerts often come wearing jewellery.
Celebrities have a powerful impact on the jewellery market. They shape trends and consumer choices through their appearances, endorsements, and social media presence. When a celebrity is spotted wearing a specific piece of jewellery, it often triggers a spike in demand, as fans and fashion followers try to replicate their look.
For instance, Nagar Baul's James' eyebrow piercing once inspired hundreds of his fans all around the country to do the same.
This influence grows even stronger when celebrities partner with jewellery brands, using their fame to promote collections that frequently sell out.
The growing interest in men's jewellery in Bangladesh shows a global shift towards breaking gender norms in fashion. Men now have many ways to express their style through accessories. The market for men's jewellery in Bangladesh is expected to keep growing as more men adopt this new trend.
