2026 ROPE TREND

Rope bracelets are enjoying a real surge in popularity because they sit neatly at the centre of several wider style movements happening at once: the comeback of cord and rope details, the ongoing pull of nautical “fisherman” styling, and a clear preference for jewellery that feels easy, wearable and suited to everyday outfits. Fashion coverage has been flagging cords as a big return (not just as bracelets, but across cord jewellery more generally), while nautical-inspired accessories continue to be promoted as part of the broader coastal aesthetic in seasonal trend edits. What really makes rope bracelets stand out is their practicality compared with more delicate pieces — they give a relaxed, effortless feel while still reading as premium. A straightforward rope bracelet can look clean and minimal, but once you add metal hardware it immediately feels more polished and “complete,” which is why that rugged-but-smart look keeps appearing in men’s bracelet roundups and brand styling: it works just as well with a t-shirt as it does with a shirt or blazer.

Another reason they’re trending is that people are getting much more confident mixing materials — pairing cord or rope with stainless steel, or layering rope alongside chains and cuffs. Jewellery trends through 2025 have leaned into contrast and texture rather than perfectly matched sets, and rope delivers that tactile interest without being loud. From a styling point of view, the current look stays simple: wear one rope bracelet on its own for a crisp coastal finish, or stack it with a single metal piece (like a slim chain bracelet) to create a balanced contrast. Men’s styles often feel most classic in darker tones with understated hardware, while women’s versions tend to look more refined in softer coastal colours or a slightly slimmer profile — but the bigger shift is that rope bracelets are increasingly unisex, less tied to one “type” of wearer, and more about personal styling. 

Looking ahead, that same cord story is set to get even stronger as ’90s-inspired cord jewellery gains attention as a key 2026 trend, especially pieces built around a bold, oversized feature detail — think a large clasp, statement knot, chunky hardware element or standout focal bead — which aligns perfectly with rope bracelets that already combine texture with a premium hardware finish.