By 
Being a classy man isn’t about having the best clothes, the most expensive car, or the fanciest watch.
It’s about having a set of values, qualities, and traits that set you apart from the rest and allow you to be the best version of yourself.
Being a classy man is not a destination, there is no finish line; it is a journey of continually striving to be better and as a result, becoming better. It’s a mindset that results in action. I don’t claim to be the perfect classy man. I am also on this journey. However, as a younger man experience taught me a lot.
Keeping these 10 traits of a classy man in mind have helped me to become a better version of myself and I hope, can help you to do the same.
01 Respect for Others
Experience has taught me that many young men treat people differently depending on their social standing. This is inexcusable and quite simply the antithesis of a classy man.
The most important trait of a classy man is respect for others. Being respectful in all situations, towards everyone, and under all circumstances is one of the most important ways to show that you are a classy man.
To be respectful is to value other people, their time, and their space with no expectation of anything in return. Respecting others is one of the best ways you can improve your relationships, your reputation, and your social standing.
Whether you are with your friends, family, or colleagues, you are constantly around people. Therefore, it is important that you respect everyone around you, at all times.
02 Polite and Courteous
Another key trait of a classy man is being polite and courteous. Being polite and courteous is similar to being respectful, but it also includes being gracious and having good manners.
It is not fake but a genuine and natural desire to be polite and courteous to all those around you because it is one of your moral pillars. It is something you do without the expectation of anything in return.
Polite and courteous men will hold the door open, let the woman go first, and be willing to help others. They will also be gracious in defeat, gracious in victory, and willing to accept apologies.
Being polite and courteous has countless positive effects on your life, and it’s one of the easiest traits to acquire. All you have to do is put yourself in the other person’s shoes and treat them the way you would want to be treated.
03 Dignified and Refined
Being a classy man means being dignified and refined. A classy man displays class and sophistication through his words and his actions. A classy man will not brag about himself or his accomplishments.
He is the type of man that people want to be around and that women want to be with. He does not engage in gossip, but he will always offer advice when it’s needed.
A classy man has a certain presence that shows his confidence, class, and refinement. He does not lower himself to others’ standards in order to please others. He takes the high road always maintaining an air of dignity and refinement in spite of stress or other factors.
04 Generous and Compassionate
Being a classy man means being generous and compassionate. A classy man is always willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it.
Whether it’s his time, his money, or his skills, he will always be available to help others out. If a friend is going through a difficult time, he will be there to lend an ear, offer advice, and give them the support they need. If a friend, family member, or colleague needs help with money, he’ll be there to help as far as possible.
05 Honest
Another key trait of a classy man is being honest. It is not easy these days but a classy man is honest in all situations, even if it means he has to tell someone something they might not want to hear.
Being honest and trustworthy is vital for maintaining healthy relationships and a positive reputation. If you are dishonest in any way, whether it’s about a small or a big thing, you stand to lose all the trust you built up. Trust me, it can take a lifetime to build real trust and a split second to lose it.
When I was younger, I wanted to get ahead like most young men. I am not proud to say that I told my fair share of ‘white’ lies to do so. However, I quickly learned my lesson. People respect honesty even when it’s ugly; this is particularly true in business relationships.
Whether you are looking for a new job, seeking to make new friends, or hoping to find a romantic partner, honesty and trustworthiness are essential.
06 Ambitious and Resilient
Another trait of a classy man is being passionate and resilient. A classy man is ambitious and determined to achieve his goals, no matter how long it takes him to get there.
A classy man has his eyes set on the prize and works hard to achieve his goals even when no one is watching.
No matter what you do, there will be times when you feel discouraged or times when you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere but a classy man knows that it will all be worth it once he has achieved his goals.
I am not saying I am perfect by the way. It will take a lifetime to master being a classy man and that’s okay. As an entrepreneur, I have struggled and will struggle more in the future. I am not always positive and there are times I have felt like giving up but as all men should, I strive to be strong and resilient and continue moving toward my goals despite setbacks.
He’s willing to put in the work and put in the time because he knows that it will be worth it in the end.
07 Self-Confident and Assertive
Being a classy man means being self-confident and assertive. A classy man is confident in his abilities and his actions, but he does not brag about himself or come off as arrogant.
He knows what he is capable of, and he does not accept failure easily. He is assertive when necessary.
He does not let anyone walk all over him and stands up for people who may need his help.
08 Well-Groomed and Presentable
We’ve already covered how to look like a classy man in more detail but in short, being a classy man means being well-groomed and presentable.
A classy man takes care of his body and his mind, and he strives to always look his best. He is well-presented because he knows it is simply good manners. A classy man pays attention to the details and always makes sure he is well-groomed and presentable.
When you are well-groomed and presentable, you feel better about yourself. It can do wonders for your confidence, and you will make a better impression on others. No matter where you go, whether it’s to the office, to a friend’s house, or out on a date, you should always try to look your best.
We have a full post on how to look classy which you can find here. Alternatively, if you are interested in a rugged, classy look, make sure to check out our post on how to dress like style-icon, Steve McQueen.
09 Independent and Self-Reliant
Being a classy man means being independent and self-reliant. A classy man does not rely on other people for his success, nor does he expect them to do things for him.
He strives to stand on his own two feet and support himself and his loved ones. An independent man is not afraid to do things on his own, and he is not afraid to stand up for himself when he needs to.
That’s not to say he is afraid to ask for help when he needs it. We all need a hand from time to time. However, when someone does offer help, he makes sure to appreciate it and repay that person in whatever way he can.
10 Well-informed
Being a classy man means being well-informed. A classy man is well-informed about the world around him and the people in it so that he more fully understands people. As a result, he is well-liked for his knowledge and perception.
Final Words
There you have it, our list of 10 traits of a classy man. As always, we hope you found this post useful and applicable to your journey of becoming a more considered man.
Of course, there are many other things that can make a man classy. If you have any more to share with fellow readers, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!