The earring is a very common place item of jewellery in today’s world. Both men and women can confidently wear earrings, whether it’s to express individuality or experimenting with a new trend. Thanks to the changing mindsets on men’s fashion there has been an enormous increase men’s jewellery and earrings trends. They are no longer just viewed as a feminine accessory and men now have the chance to experiment and wear earrings with confidence. If you are yet to find your prefect earring match, we have put together this guide for the best earrings for you.
History of Men Wearing Earrings
Archaeological evidence from Egypt and Persian wall carvings suggests men’s earrings date as far back as 7000 BC. Back then only the super wealthy and royalty wore jewellery. During the 20th century, earrings were won by pirates, gypsies and sailors. The catholic church forbade men to wear them as it spoiled the perfect image of a man. Earrings were associated with rebels and criminals. People who wanted to stand of from the norm started to wear earrings to express their personality. In the 60s and 70s earrings hippies and homosexuals adopted the wearing of earrings and the negative connotations of earrings being worn my men suddenly vanished. Many men started adopting the earring trend, such as celebrities, punk and rock bands and athletes began piercing their ears. Today, men wear earrings as a fashion statement and the criminal stereotype of wearing earrings is no longer relevant. Men commonly wear one earring in the right earlobe, however, having both ears pierced now is increasing in men’s fashion. Nowadays earrings are worn for many reasons, such as fashion trends, religious custom or traditions, as a symbol of status or wealth, spirituality and many more.
Different Types of Men’s Earrings
Men’s earrings can come in all shapes and sizes, the most popular being the stud, but there are a few more styles that are popular with male fashions such as, the hoop and dangle earring.
Men’s Stud Earrings
The stud earring is a very common style, it consists of a small singular point attached to a post that passes through the earlobe, usually to a push or butterfly fastening. They are commonly made from precious metals such as gold and sterling silver and can be ornamented by a single gemstone. They are simple in design which makes them a popular choice for every day casual wear. They can be worn in one ear or both and have a simple but classic look. They can be paired with a casual t-shirt and jeans for a laid-back look or you can pair a classy diamond stud with an evening suit for a more blingy look.
Men’s Hoop Earrings
Hoop earring are becoming increasingly popular within men’s fashion. They are a very versatile type of jewellery and come in many shapes and sizes. They range from tiny hoops that fit tightly around the ear to large styles that dangle from the ear and make a bold statement. Often created from precious metals, natural materials such as wood or bone or a wide range of other metals. They conjure a romantic image of pirate or gypsies, also popular with rock starts and other celebrities but the type of hoop earring a man wears depends on individual style and preference.
Some larger hoop designs can be less practical as they are heavy to wear and can catch on clothing and hurt the ear after long periods of wearing. While, a smaller hoop is a lot more practical, they are less likely to get caught in clothing. Hoop earrings can be engraved or carved which gives them a unique look. A smaller hoop would be best styled to an everyday look as they have a casual, laid-back look. Larger hoops would be perfect for a special occasion.
Men’s Dangle/ Drop earrings
The newest trend that is emerging in men’s fashion is the drop earring, also known as the dangle earring. A dangle earring typically hangs below the earlobe and swings back and forth or side to side. The length of the hang can vairy, some are only a few centimetres long and others can be nearly shoulder length. Commonly made from precious metals with other masculine enhancements included such as, skulls, crosses, dragons and feathers. This style can be quite daunting for men to wear and it has a more dramatic look than other styles. They are popular with many celebs and offer an edgier look. They can be worn to bring some bling to an every day casual outfit. But can also be paired with formal clothing, however the dangle earrings tend to look more informal and have an alternative vibe.
At the end of the day, earrings are no longer limited to one gender, men and women can both enjoy experimenting with different styes of earrings. Whether it be a simple stud, a hipster hoop or an edgy dangle style, earrings can be worn and look good on men. You can shop wide variety of earrings here, and find the perfect ones to suit you!
