Men's Hoop Earrings: Sizing, Styles, and How to Wear Them

Men’s hoop earrings have been in style forever. They have ancient roots in Sumerian, Egyptian, and Indian cultures where they were worn as status symbols of wealth and power. Fast forward to the 1970s and 1980s, and you can see photos of them being worn by musicians and members of various subcultures as symbols of rebellion. They’ve always been worn by prominent figures, such as in the 1990s when icons like Michael Jordan and Tupac Shakur made them part of their signature styles. Today, men’s hoop earrings have gone from ancient cultural symbols to mainstream fashion staples. Actually, I’m wearing one on my left ear while writing this article. We created this guide to cover everything you need to know about hoop earrings, including the difference between huggies and hoops, how to choose the right size, how to style them, and the best GLD options for every moment. Shall we begin? Let’s go.

What’s the Difference Between Huggies and Hoops?

The terms huggies and hoops are often used interchangeably, and although they’re similar, they actually refer to two different styles of earrings. Hoop earrings are circular earrings that are designed to loop through the ear. Huggie earrings are smaller, tighter versions of hoop earrings that sit closer to and hug the earlobe, hence the name. GLD’s hoop earring collection has a variety of different hoop and huggie styles in both yellow and white gold. Every GLD earring comes with 14K solid gold posts, so regardless of which style you choose, you’ll be wearing a high-quality piece.

Men's Hoop Earring Sizing Guide

Huggie Earrings: Close to the Ear, Built for Daily Wear

Huggie earrings sit close to the earlobe and don’t move around as much as hoops, making them great everyday options if you want to go with something more noticeable than a stud. They’re both minimal and versatile enough to work with any fit, in any setting. The Micro Double Row Extra Small Huggie Hoop Earrings in White Gold are the most subtle option for huggies, featuring two rows of hand-set stones that sit close to the ear. The Dripping Cross Extra Small Huggie Hoop Earrings in White Gold are a bolder option with more visual details. It features a hanging cross pendant that drops slightly below the huggie. GLD’s most premium option is the Solid Gold Polished Round Huggie Earrings, which feature solid gold throughout, available in both 10K and 14K.

Small and Standard Hoops: Everyday Versatility

Just like huggies, hoops are also versatile, everyday options. You can choose between different styles to match your personal style and switch them up depending on your fit or the occasion. The Polished Cross Round Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold are GLD’s entry-level option and feature a subtle cross detail added to the classic round hoop design. The Polished Round Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold and White Gold are great everyday options that feature the classic round hoop with a high-quality, durable yellow or white gold finish. If you want something with a little more flair, consider the Double Row Small Hoop Earrings in White Gold which add two rows of hand-set stones to the hoop. If you typically lean towards stud earrings but want to try something new, the Baguette Hoop Stud Earrings in White Gold are the sweet spot. If you want a hoop earring with a dangling pendant, the Star Drop Hoop Earrings add a small star pendant that hangs below the hoop earring as a distinct detail. All pieces are backed by GLD’s lifetime guarantee, so you know you’re getting something that’s high-quality.

GLD’s Most Distinct Hoop Earring Designs

GLD’s design team is always cooking up unique, innovative pieces. We’ve turned classic accessories into statement pieces that can be the focal point of any fit. Some of our favorites include the Split Iced Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold, which feature hand-set stones across a split hoop design that’s open at one point and iced-out across the rest of the earring. The Iced Ankh Cross Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold combines the Ankh cross with a fully iced-out hoop, and the Diamond Flame Hoop Earrings feature a flame silhouette, iced-out throughout. These are some of the most distinctive designs across the full collection. Some other unique designs include the Baguette Gothic Cross Hoop Earrings that feature baguette stones in a gothic cross silhouette pendant that hangs from the hoop, and the Micro Double Row Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold that add two rows of hand-set stones to the standard hoop. 

Build Your Own Set: The Mismatch Approach

One unique approach to styling hoop earrings is wearing two different earrings in each ear. Our Tyreek Hill Earring Set features a double row hoop in one ear, and a star drop hoop in the other. Although it’s currently sold out, you can get creative and build your own set with different GLD pieces. Here are some other options to help you build this look:

Double Row Hoop and Star Drop Hoop: Go with the Micro Double Row Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold in one ear and the Star Drop Hoop Earrings in the other. The double row is clean, with two rows of stones set into a standard hoop, which gives a polished look without being too loud. 

Huggie and Round Hoop: Another good look is the Micro Double Row Extra Small Huggie Hoop Earrings in White Gold with the Polished Round Hoop Earrings in White Gold. There's a noticeable contrast between the tight-fit huggie and the open hoop that looks intentional rather than mismatched.

Cross Hoop and Round Hoop: One more clean option is the Polished Cross Round Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold ($80) paired with the Polished Round Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold ($100). This is subtle and contrasts the design details cohesively within the same metal tone.

If you prefer a pre-built set, consider the Alternate Cross Drop Hoop + Iced Hoop Huggie Earring Set which pairs a cross drop hoop with an iced huggie.

We also recommend you keep the metal tone consistent across both ears when mixing styles to keep the look together when wearing different designs.

One Ear or Two? How to Style Men's Hoop Earrings 

One ear, two ears, and two different earrings on both ears all work well. The choice really comes down to your personal style and what look you’re going for.

One ear: The one-ear look comes off as an intentional style choice that works with either an iced-out hoop or a classic hoop. All GLD earrings come as pairs, so whenever you want to switch it up from one ear to two you can.

Two matching earrings: Two matching hoop earrings on both sides is the most symmetrical approach. This works with almost any personal style and pairs well with iced-out, white gold, and yellow gold earrings.

Two different earrings: The mismatch style is a bolder look you can pull off. The contrast is eye-catching, so if you’re going for subtle this isn’t recommended. We just recommend you keep the metal tones consistent with both earrings to keep the look cohesive.

How to Choose Your Metal Tone

GLD's hoop earring collection is available in both yellow gold and white gold across styles. Yellow gold is a warmer, more traditional finish, while white gold is cooler and pairs perfectly with silver-toned jewelry.

GLD recommends matching the metal tone of your earrings. If you prefer to wear yellow gold chains, go with yellow gold earrings. If you wear white gold or silver pieces, pair them with white gold earrings. You can, at times, mix the metal tones of your jewelry, but it requires more intentional styling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between huggie and hoop earrings?
Hoop earrings are circular earrings designed to loop through the ear. Huggie earrings are smaller, tighter versions that sit closer to and hug the earlobe. Huggies move less than standard hoops and are a strong everyday option for anyone who wants something more noticeable than a stud.

Are men's hoop earrings in style?
Yes. Men's hoop earrings have ancient roots in Sumerian, Egyptian, and Indian cultures where they were worn as symbols of wealth and power. In the 1990s, icons like Michael Jordan and Tupac Shakur made them part of their signature styles. Today, they’re fashion staples.

What are the best men's hoop earrings for everyday wear?
Huggie earrings are the strongest everyday option. They sit flush against the earlobe and work with any fit in any setting. GLD's Micro Double Row Extra Small Huggie Hoop Earrings in White Gold are the most subtle everyday option. The Polished Round Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold and White Gold are the best everyday hoops.

Should men wear one or two hoop earrings?
Both work, the choice comes down to personal style. One earring looks like an intentional style choice and works with either an iced-out or classic hoop. Two matching earrings is the most symmetrical approach. Two different earrings is the boldest option. All GLD earrings come as pairs so you can switch between looks whenever you want.

What is a mismatch earring set?
A mismatch earring set uses two different earring styles, with one in each ear. GLD's Alternate Cross Drop Hoop and Iced Hoop Huggie Earring Set pairs a cross drop hoop with an iced huggie in one purchase. You can also build your own by pairing any two earrings from GLD's collection.

What metal tone should I choose for men's hoop earrings?
Match the metal tone of your earrings to the other jewelry you wear most. If you wear yellow gold chains, go with yellow gold earrings. If you wear white gold or silver pieces, pair them with white gold earrings.

Are GLD earrings good for sensitive ears?
Yes. Every GLD earring comes with 14K solid gold posts which are the parts that make contact with your skin. 14K solid gold is one of the safest materials for earrings and is a strong choice for anyone with sensitive ears.

John Polanco

John Polanco is a copywriter from the birthplace of hip-hop whose work spans jewelry, fashion, beauty, music, world-leading brands, and art institutions shaping the diaspora.