Male shoppers learning to accessorize

Neal Augenstein, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Men are accessorizing again — buying hats, umbrellas and bags in what forecasters predict could be a 20-year high.

And the top male accessory? Bracelets. Wristwear.

According to The New York Times, sales of men’s bracelets are skyrocketing.

Bracelets made of thin rope, rubber or leather — some braided or accented with metal clasps — are being marketed for and embraced by everyone from hipsters to businessmen.

Designers say the wristwear looks polished without being overly dressy when peeking out from under a man’s jacket sleeve.

Men’s bags also are selling well. And, no, it’s not a purse — it’s called a holdall.

“Men were the last to start spending coming out of the recession …,” Eric Jennings, fashion director for men’s wear at Saks Fifth Avenue, tells the Times. “Looking schlumpy is not going to help you keep your job, get promoted, or get a new job.”

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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