Top 30 Modern Status Symbols Revealed: From Luxury Watches to Home Saunas

A luxury watch has claimed the top spot as the ultimate modern status symbol, according to Brits. A study of 2,000 adults revealed that today's symbols of success include owning your own sauna, a luxury handbag, an outdoor kitchen and the latest iPhone. Other items that show you have 'made it' range from an LED face mask to a walk-in wardrobe.

Modern Status Symbols in Detail

An outdoor pizza oven and a robot vacuum cleaner also featured on the list, alongside a Peloton bike and modern art. Almost half (46%) said they own at least one item they consider a sign of success, with a luxury watch named the biggest status symbol by 35%.

Should their prized possessions be lost or damaged, 31% said they would feel sad, 20% angry and 14% said they would experience a sense of grief. Despite this, only 12% said they are certain the items are insured.

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Gary Davess, director of insurance for John Lewis Money, which commissioned the study, said: "The 1980s had giant mobile phones and 2000s had 'logomania' - now it's more about at-home saunas and outdoor kitchens. These items can carry significant financial and personal value, so it's important people make sure they're properly protected and insured."

Age and Social Media Influence

More than a quarter believe it's important they own one of these modern status symbols, with 18 being the average age people begin thinking about getting their first one. However, for 37%, such items have become less significant as they've got older. Seven in 10 reckon social media is driving people to crave pricey possessions, while one in five say TV programmes, films and influencers shape their purchasing choices.

A fifth of adults have splashed out on something to impress others rather than because they genuinely wanted it themselves. But when questioned about how owning a status symbol made them feel, 22% said it left them feeling proud, 21% satisfied, while one in five said it made them feel happy and successful, according to OnePoll.

What It Really Means to Have 'Made It'

Reflecting on what it really means to have 'made it' in life, half of UK adults said it boils down to having no money worries day to day and 42% said it's feeling content with what they have in life. Davess added: "Whether it's through knowing your spending sensibly, or that you've got protections in place, feeling secure in your finances can give you space to enjoy what's really important in life."