The Best Hoop Earrings

Buying Guide

Whether you’re wearing jeans and a T-shirt or a cocktail dress, hoop earrings can add a little pizzazz to your outfit. They are a fun accessory that are versatile and eye-catching, and work with just about any kind of style. Hoop earrings come in many different sizes, and the size itself has a specific style connotation.

Tiny hoop earrings are less than 1 inch in diameter. They hug the earlobe closely, and are often encrusted with diamonds or other gems. These types of hoop earrings can also be worn on the cartilage of the ear. They are subtle and relaxed, and perfect for everyday wear. Tiny hoop earrings suit those who have small faces. The next size up in hoop earrings measure about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. These small hoop earrings suit those with fuller faces, and are great for those who have shorter hair cuts. Small hoop earrings are minimalist and casual in style. The embellished versions work well for formal occasions.

Medium hoops are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. They definitely make a style statement because of how bold and eye-catching they are. This type of hoop earring looks great on those who have angular or long faces. Big hoops, meanwhile, are usually 3 to 4 inches in diameter and are trendy and bold. They are statement pieces, so you don’t need to wear a lot of other jewelry with these. They are ideal for those who have long or full hair. You can also find hoops that have a larger diameter than 4 inches. These are dramatic accessories that catch the eye. They have a casual and fun flair.

• When it comes to materials for hoop earrings, you have a couple of choices. Gold and stainless steel are common options, as well as gold plated. Metallic hoop earrings are neutral so they work with a number of different types of outfits for any kind of occasion.
• Are you a minimalist or maximalist? If you like simplicity and serenity, you may want to go with a plain hoop earring. These are ideal for everyday wear or for casual occasions. If you like bold and dramatic accessories, go with hoop earrings that are encrusted with stones and jewels. These work well for formal occasions but can also be worn with certain casual outfits.
• How do you store hoop earrings? If they are smaller in size, it’s best to keep them in a jewelry box where they don’t rattle around or get lost. Larger hoop earrings can be hung up in a jewelry holder or be wrapped in a soft cloth to keep them safe and minimize damage. This will also help prevent tangling.
• What other jewelry should you wear with hoop earrings? If your hoops are small, you can add on necklaces, rings and bracelets to fill out your look. If you’re wearing large hoops, then minimize the necklaces so that your earrings can take center stage around your face.
• Hoop earrings can have different types of backing or earring hangers, depending on their design. Post earring hangers include a thin metal wire that is secured with a clutch that holds it in place. Another option is the French hoop, which is similar to a fishhook shape. Lever back earring hangers have a movable section that folds against the back of the earlobe. All of these are secure ways to ensure your hoops don’t fall out of your ears.