Men's earrings are earrings made for or suited to men, most often a stud, a small hoop or a huggie, in plain gold, a diamond or a bold black diamond. Scale is what keeps them looking right: a small stud or a close hoop reads as deliberate, where a large one rarely does.
An earring is a small piece that still makes a clear statement, which is why men tend to keep it simple. The choice comes down to the style, the size, the metal and the ear. This guide covers the styles men wear, how to pick a size that stays subtle, which metals are kindest to the skin, the question of which ear, and how to keep an earring clean.
The earring styles men wear
Stud
The most popular men's earring
2-5 mm
A subtle stud size for men
Either
Which ear carries no fixed meaning now
Gold
A classic, skin-friendly earring metal
Men's earrings sort into a few clear styles. The stud is the most popular by far, with hoops and huggies for those who want something a little bolder.
| Style | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain stud | A small bead or shape on a post | Subtle, everyday wear |
| Diamond stud | A small set diamond | A discreet sparkle |
| Hoop | A small ring through the lobe | A bolder, classic look |
| Huggie | A tiny hoop that hugs the lobe | A close, modern style |
| Black diamond stud | A dark stone on a post | A bold, modern accent |
A plain or diamond stud is the safest first earring, while a small hoop or huggie steps it up. You can browse the earrings range to see studs and hoops together.
Choosing a size
Size is what keeps a men's earring looking intentional. A stud of 2 to 3 millimeters is very subtle, 4 to 5 millimeters is clearly visible without shouting, and 6 millimeters or more makes a bold statement. For hoops, a small diameter of around 8 to 12 millimeters reads better on men than a large one.
Stud diameters shown at relative scale; most men start at 3 to 4 millimeters.
A single earring or a matched pair both work, and many men start with one stud in a single ear. The smaller the piece, the easier it is to wear every day without a second thought.
Metals for men's earrings
Earrings sit in a piercing, so the metal matters for comfort as much as looks. Gold is the classic choice, with 14 karat in yellow or white a good balance, and the complete guide to gold jewelry covers the karats. Sterling silver is a brighter, easy option for the lobe.
Good to Know
For a new or sensitive piercing, choose 14 karat gold or surgical steel posts. Nickel is a common irritant, so a higher-gold alloy or steel sits more comfortably for skin that reacts.
Which ear should a man choose?
For years there were myths that one ear or the other carried a meaning. Today that idea has faded, and neither side stands for anything fixed. A man can wear an earring in whichever ear he prefers, or in both.
If you are starting out, a single stud in one ear is the simplest way in, and you can always add a second later. The piece itself matters far more than the side it sits on.
Caring for earrings
Earrings need a little hygiene as well as care, because the post sits in the skin. Wipe the post and back regularly, and clean the studs every few weeks in warm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry them fully before wearing.
A new piercing should follow the aftercare given by your piercer until it has fully settled. Once healed, store earrings apart so they do not scratch, and the fine jewelry care guide sets out cleaning for each metal.
Earrings for men returned to fashion after a 300-year absence.
Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion
Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion, encyclopedia.com
Further reading: Encyclopaedia Britannica on earrings. Men have worn earrings since antiquity, and the modern stud continues that long tradition.
In Short
1Men's earrings are usually studs, small hoops or huggies, in plain gold, diamond or bold black diamond.
2A 2 to 5 millimeter stud reads as subtle, and small hoops suit men better than large ones.
3Neither ear carries a fixed meaning today, and men wear a single earring or a matched pair.
New to earrings?
Our fine jewelry guide covers styles, metals and fit in plain language, so you can choose a first earring with confidence. We will email it to you.
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Every order ships free with a 30-day return policy.
An earring is a small piece that makes a clear statement, so getting the size and metal right matters most. Start with a simple stud in a metal that suits your skin, keep it subtle, and add a hoop or a second stud later. Every order ships free with a 30-day return policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
01
What earrings do men wear?
Men usually wear studs, small hoops or huggies, in plain gold, a diamond, or a bold black diamond. The stud is the most popular, worn as a single earring or a matched pair.
02
Which ear should a man pierce?
Either ear is fine for a man today, since neither side carries a fixed meaning any longer. Many men wear a single stud in one ear, while others wear a matched pair in both.
03
What size earring looks best on men?
A 2 to 5 millimeter stud reads as subtle and suits most men, while 6 millimeters or more makes a bolder statement. Small hoops of around 8 to 12 millimeters look better on men than large ones.
04
Which metal is best for men's earrings?
Gold and sterling silver are the classic metals for men's earrings, with 14 karat gold a good choice for sensitive ears since it contains little nickel; the complete guide to gold jewelry covers the karats. Surgical steel is common for a new piercing.
05
Can men wear diamond earrings?
Men wear diamond earrings often, usually as a small stud rather than a large stone, in white or black diamond. The men's diamond jewelry guide covers choosing the stones.
06
How do you care for earrings?
Earrings stay clean and comfortable when the posts and backs are wiped regularly and the studs cleaned every few weeks, and a new piercing should follow the piercer's aftercare. The fine jewelry care guide sets out cleaning for each metal.
