8 traits of a classy man (that can’t be faked)

We sometimes include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate disclosure.

There’s something undeniably magnetic about a man who exudes class.

Whether it’s the way he carries himself or the way he interacts with others, a classy man is impossible to ignore.

But what exactly makes a man classy? Is it his style, his manners, or something deeper?

In this article, we’re going to explore the traits of a truly classy man and how you can cultivate those qualities in yourself.

So buckle up, gentlemen, because it’s time to up your game and become the kind of man that people can’t help but respect and admire.

1. Self-respect

The first thing that separates a classy man from the rest of the pack is his unwavering sense of self-respect.

He doesn’t need to prove himself to anyone, because he’s already secure in who he is and what he stands for.

This means that he’s not afraid to say “no” when something doesn’t align with his values or priorities, and he won’t compromise his principles for the sake of fitting in or being liked.

In a world where everyone seems to be trying so hard to be liked and accepted, the classy man stands out by being unapologetically himself.

So if you want to be a truly classy man, start by getting clear on your values and boundaries, and then don’t be afraid to stand by them.

2. They treat everyone with respect

Another hallmark of a truly classy man is his ability to treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their social status or background.

Whether he’s talking to the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or the janitor who cleans his office, the classy man treats everyone as an equal and shows genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.

This not only makes him a pleasure to be around, but it also earns him the respect and admiration of others.

I once met a man named David at a networking event who embodied the trait of treating everyone with respect and kindness.

Despite his success as an entrepreneur and investor, he approached me with genuine interest and asked about my background and goals.

Throughout the night, he engaged with everyone in the room, from high-powered executives to college students, treating each person with warmth and respect.

By the end of the night, I felt like I had made a new friend, and I learned that being a truly classy man means treating everyone you meet with respect and kindness, regardless of their background or status.

3. Embraces his weirdness and quirks

A truly classy man is not afraid to embrace his own quirks and eccentricities.

While society often pressures us to conform to certain norms and expectations, the classy man knows that his uniqueness is what sets him apart and makes him interesting.

Whether it’s a quirky sense of humor, a love of obscure hobbies, or a distinctive fashion sense, the classy man owns his individuality and doesn’t apologize for it.

In fact, some of the most iconic and memorable men in history have been known for their unconventional quirks and interests.

Take Albert Einstein, for example – a brilliant physicist who also loved to play the violin and had a habit of going on long walks without shoes.

Or consider Salvador Dali, the famous surrealist artist who was known for his eccentric appearance and flamboyant personality.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that a classy man should go out of his way to be weird or attention-grabbing.

Rather, it’s about embracing the things that make you unique and not being afraid to let your personality shine through.

So if you’re a classy man who loves to wear bright colors, play the accordion, or collect vintage typewriters, own it and let your individuality shine.

Who knows – it might just be what sets you apart and makes you unforgettable.

4. He stands up for the little guy

Another trait of a truly classy man is his willingness to stand up for the little guy. While it’s easy to go along with the crowd and turn a blind eye to injustice, the classy man knows that true strength lies in defending those who are weaker or less fortunate.

This could take many forms – standing up to a bully who’s picking on someone, advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, or simply lending a helping hand to someone who’s struggling.

Whatever the situation, the classy man is never afraid to speak up and do what’s right, even if it means going against the status quo.

I once witnessed an example of this trait in action when I was out with a group of friends at a bar. A man at the table next to us started berating and belittling the waiter, who was clearly flustered and upset.

Most people at our table just looked away, not wanting to get involved, but one of my friends, a truly classy man named Alex, stood up and confronted the man.

“Hey, that’s not cool,” he said firmly. “There’s no need to talk to him like that.”

The man sputtered and tried to defend himself, but Alex wouldn’t back down. He kept calmly but firmly standing up for the waiter and demanding that the man apologize.

Eventually, the man relented, and Alex was able to diffuse the situation and ensure that the waiter felt supported and respected.

To me, that’s what it means to be a classy man – standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular, and using your strength to protect and uplift those who are vulnerable.

5. He’s not afraid to apologize and own up to his mistakes

Another important trait of a truly classy man is his ability to apologize and take responsibility when he’s wrong. Nobody’s perfect, and we all make mistakes from time to time.

But the classy man knows that admitting fault and making amends is a sign of strength and integrity.

I’ve personally struggled with this trait in the past – I used to be the kind of person who would avoid apologizing at all costs, even when I knew I was in the wrong.

But over time, I’ve come to see the value in owning up to my mistakes and showing humility and vulnerability.

One time, I had a disagreement with a close friend of mine. I said some things in the heat of the moment that was hurtful and out of line, and it caused a rift in our relationship.

For a while, I was too proud to apologize – I felt like I had been justified in what I said, and I didn’t want to admit that I had been wrong.

But as time went on, I began to see the damage that my words had caused. I realized that my stubbornness and unwillingness to apologize were only making things worse and that if I wanted to salvage the relationship, I needed to take responsibility for my actions.

So I called up my friend and apologized, sincerely and from the heart. I didn’t make excuses or try to justify my behavior – I simply owned up to my mistakes and asked for forgiveness.

And you know what? It worked. My friend was gracious and understanding, and we were able to repair our relationship.

Looking back on that experience, I realize that being a classy man isn’t just about looking and acting the part – it’s also about having the courage and humility to admit when you’re wrong, and to take steps to make things right.

6. He treats women with respect

A classy man treats women with respect and equality.

He recognizes and values their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. He listens to them and takes their concerns seriously.

He never objectifies or belittles them, but instead treats them as equals with their own agency and autonomy. He advocates for women’s rights and equality both in his personal life and in the wider world.

Being a classy man means standing up against sexism and misogyny, and supporting women in their struggles for equality. It’s not just about words, but also about actions.

A truly classy man makes a conscious effort to ensure that his behavior towards women is always respectful and equitable.

By embodying these traits, he can make a real difference in the lives of the women around him, and help to create a more just and equal society for all.

7. He takes care of himself

Another trait of a classy man is his ability to take care of himself, both physically and mentally. This means prioritizing self-care and making sure that he’s taking the time and effort to stay healthy and happy.

I’ve seen the power of this trait in my own life. For years, I struggled with anxiety and depression, and I felt like I was constantly at the mercy of my own negative thoughts and emotions. But over time, I learned that taking care of myself was key to managing my mental health.

For me, this meant developing a regular exercise routine, eating healthy foods, and prioritizing sleep and relaxation. It also meant seeking out therapy and other forms of support when I needed it.

By taking care of myself in these ways, I found that my mental health improved dramatically. I felt more energized, more focused, and more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

But taking care of oneself isn’t just about physical and mental health – it’s also about cultivating a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

A classy man knows what he wants and works towards his goals, while also recognizing the importance of balance and enjoyment.

For me, this has meant pursuing my passion for writing and helping others through my work as a therapist. It’s meant taking risks and stepping outside of my comfort zone, while also enjoying the simple pleasures of life – spending time with loved ones, trying new things, and taking time to appreciate the beauty of the world around me.

In short, being a classy man means taking care of oneself in body, mind, and spirit. By prioritizing self-care and cultivating a sense of purpose and fulfillment, a classy man can live a truly meaningful and fulfilling life.

8. He knows the value of humility

A classy man knows the value of humility, and is willing to admit when he doesn’t know something or has made a mistake. He recognizes that true strength lies in being open to learning from others, and in recognizing the contributions of those around him.

Humility is not weakness – it is a sign of strength and confidence in oneself. By being willing to ask for help and acknowledging the contributions of others, a classy man can build stronger relationships, achieve greater success, and become a more positive force in the world.

In a culture that often values bravado and self-promotion over humility, the classy man stands out by his willingness to put others first and to recognize his own limitations. By embodying these traits, he can become a truly exceptional person, respected and admired by those around him.