The Rise Of The Chunky Wrist Stack

Once upon a time, a wrist stack was a delicate affair. A sliver of gold here, a glimmer of diamond pavé there – jewelry that murmured rather than shouted. This eclectic, multi-strand aesthetic has been trending for several years, largely due to the prevalence of ’90s and Y2K styling, but this season, the mood has noticeably shifted. In place of whisker-fine chains and barely-there bracelets, there is a new layering language – bold geometry, unapologetic shine and vivacious contours. Chunky wrist stacks are in – and they’re taking no prisoners.

“The shift towards bigger, bolder bracelet stacking has definitely been influenced by the SS25 runway collections,” explains Emily Johnston, fine-jewelry buyer at NET-A-PORTER. “At Chloé, stacks of thick, sculptural bangles in brushed brass complemented the luxe bohemian mood of the clothes, while Saint Laurent showed cuffs in slick black lacquer and gleaming metal that were worn three-deep. Bottega Veneta – never one to shy away from volume – doubled down on leather bangles that felt as decadent as they did rebellious.” Even some of the brands known for their ultra-feminine aesthetics, such as Zimmermann and Elie Saab, sent models down the runway wrists-a-clinking.

There’s no doubt that the A-list has had its influence, too. Hailey Bieber is known for wearing a stack of chunky yellow gold bangles, one notably engraved with her son’s name, Jack Blues, while Cardi B has been spotted wearing a stacked trio of building-block charm bracelets that spell out the names of her three children. Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid regularly sport oversized stacks of all-metal bangles in both yellow gold and silver tones – perhaps because they offer a no-fuss approach to accessorizing summer dresses and swimwear.

“These fashion-jewelry pieces are not ones to be worn timidly – today’s wrist stack is a statement and should riff on scale and texture,” says Johnston. “Silver is a great way to explore this look, as it is more affordable than gold, but still looks impactful when oversized pieces are paired in twos or threes.” Lié Studio, a Copenhagen-based brand founded in 2021, is the master of designing sculptural bangles and bracelets – consider the likes of its ‘Emma’ silver-plated cuff, which elegantly flares to hug the wrist. Its perfect partner? Look to the sleek contours of Sophie Buhai’s ‘Gallop’ bangle – handmade in Los Angeles and a tribute to the designer’s form-driven aesthetic.

If you’re seeking a similarly minimalist and modern look in yellow gold, then Tabayer’s ‘Oera’ bangle is an irresistible option. Crafted from 18-karat gold, the curvaceous design is inspired by ‘Inanna’s knot’, a symbol of the Mesopotamian goddess of protection and fertility – and the bangle has an ultra-tactile brushed finish. “A chunky wrist stack can really benefit from a play with contrast,” suggests Johnston, “so don’t be afraid to place smooth metal against diamond-set designs, vintage pieces alongside modern, or line up colored enamel next to vibrant gems… For 2025, a wrist stack should feel curatorial; you want to create an eclectic mix that speaks to personal expression over polish.”

That’s not to say, however, that ultra-precious pieces should be avoided. Lashings of diamonds will draw the eye to any wrist stack, and few brands deliver more sparkle than Shay – its crossover 18-karat gold bangle features three strands of perfectly set diamonds totaling over 12 carats. No need to overthink your wrist styling here – it delivers a ready-made stack in seconds. Marla Aaron is another US designer leading the charge on what a modern wrist stack should look like – her ‘Trundle’ bangle speaks to the utilitarian aesthetic that underpins her brand and has something of a meditative quality, thanks to its rolling wheel, shimmering with over 3.5 carats of snow-set stones. The bangle also unlocks for you to add extra personalized charms; so give a nod to the power wrists of the ’80s and enjoy a melodic jingle-jangle that heralds your arrival – it’s time to let your wrists do the talking.