How Do I Choose My First Pair of Men's Earrings?
Key Takeaway:
Choosing your first earrings is a matter of style, quality, and comfort. Start with simple studs or small hoops in hypoallergenic materials. Match your earrings according to your style and face shape, and properly take care of them to enjoy men's jewelry confidently.
Picking out your first pair of men's earrings is a cool step in defining or adding to your personal style. It's more common than ever for guys to wear earrings, and they can make a real statement. But if you're new to this, figuring out where to start can feel like a lot. What style? What material? One ear or two? This piece will help you figure out how to select men's earrings that fit your style and are comfortable to wear.
What Are the Different Types of Men's Earrings?
There are different types of men's earring styles, and different types of men's earrings offer different looks.
Men's Stud Earrings
Studs are a classic and easy way to start with men's jewelry. As men's beginner earrings, they're small and attach directly to the earlobe. They come in a wide variety of designs, from plain metal balls or squares to small gemstones or hip shapes. Because they're simple, men's stud earrings can be worn with almost any outfit.
Men's Hoop Earrings
Hoops are another popular choice for men's earrings. They can vary in size and thickness, giving a more dramatic look than studs. A smaller, thinner hoop can be a good choice for a first pair if you'd like something a bit more noticeable but not necessarily flashy.
Small Dangly Earrings for Men
To introduce a bit of movement and extra flair, go for men's small dangly earrings. They are not the long, dramatic dangles but more usually short and simple, adding a bit of personality without being overwhelming for a beginner.
Men's Ear Cuffs
Ear cuffs offer a compromise between wearing "earrings" without piercing the ear. They come in a variety of styles, ranging from simple bands that clip onto the edge of the ear to elaborate designs that can cover a larger part of the ear. Men who don't feel they are ready to get pierced or who want to try out a specific style are ideal candidates for ear cuffs. They are stylish jewelry additions for a man and are easy to wear and remove.
Novelty and Statement Earrings
Once you are comfortable wearing earrings, you can experiment with novelty or statement earrings. These vary from small symbols or shapes that reflect what you like to a bit larger or more unique designs that make an impact. When you get your first pair, it is best that you start with something simpler.
What to Think About When Selecting Your First Pair of Men's Earrings
There's more to picking out men's earrings than just what looks good. You should think about your own style, any metal allergies, the size and how they'll fit, the type of backing, and how much you want to spend. These things will help you find the best first earrings for guys.
Match Your Personal Style
Your first pair of earrings should reflect you. Think about your overall style. Do you like a classic, minimalist look? Or maybe a little bit edgier? Your earrings should complement your outfit and overall appearance. For a first pair, versatility is often best. You'd prefer something that you can wear in a variety of situations, whether casual, work (if appropriate for the workplace), or somewhat dressed up. Remember, simple, understated styles are great first earrings that men will have no trouble wearing.
Select the Right Material
This is a very important consideration when choosing men's earrings. Some people's skin is reactive to metals and can cause itching, redness, or infection. For the first-time ear piercing and earrings, it is safe to choose hypoallergenic materials. The safe options are stainless steel, titanium, sterling silver, and gold (especially 14k and higher). Avoid lower-priced metals that can contain nickel, a proven allergen.
Get the Right Earring Fit
The size of the earrings will determine how they look and feel. For now, prioritize comfort and getting used to the look. For example, a good starting point for stud earrings tends to be between 3mm and 6mm in diameter. This is noticeable without being bulky. And for hoops, attempt smaller sizes, such as 8mm to 15mm, and lighter gauges (the thickness of the wire that goes through your ear). The intention for your first earrings is to feel comfortable and let you get used to seeing yourself in them.
Match Earrings to Your Face Shape and Skin Tone
- Round faces look good with square or angular studs to provide the face structure.
- Round faces suit round or curved earrings like hoops for softness.
- Oval faces can comfortably wear most styles of earrings.
Skin tone could determine the choice of metal - silver for cool tones, gold for warm tones, but that is a matter of preference.
Choose the Secure Earring Closure Type
What kind of back the earrings have is another thing to think about. Some common types are:
- Push-backs are easy to use and common. A post goes through the ear and a small backing slides on. They're simple to use, but they might not be the safest.
- Screw-backs have a threaded post and a backing that screws on. They are safer but a bit trickier to put on and take off. If you're afraid of losing your first pair of earrings, this might be a good choice.
- Hinged style has a hinged post that clicks into place and is often found on hoops. For that style, they're usually safe and simple to use.
A secure and easy-to-handle backing is good for men who are just starting to wear earrings.
Budget for Your First Male Earrings
Your first pair of men's earrings doesn't have to break the bank, but you also shouldn't choose the cheapest option if it means sacrificing material quality. Look for hypoallergenic materials. Surgical steel or titanium studs can be very reasonably priced, but gold or platinum will obviously cost more. Set a budget that works for you, and remember that quality and safety should come first for your first pair.
How to Style Your Beginner Set of Male Earrings
So, you've picked out your first pair of men's earrings, which is a great move! Simple earrings like studs or small hoops can add a nice touch to your look. Here are some stylish ways to wear your new men's ears.
- Match Your Vibe. Think about your clothes. If you're in nice, simple clothes, a classic metal stud or small, plain hoop will fit right in. If your style is a bit more rugged, a pair of black studs might look good.
- Think About Where You're Going. For everyday casual wear, literally any beginner earring will work. If you're going somewhere a bit more formal, an unobtrusive gold or silver stud will look sharp. Your guys' first earrings can be more versatile than you'll think.
- Take Other Jewelry into Account. If you wear a watch or a necklace, consider whether your earrings complement them or not. You don't necessarily need to match everything perfectly with your earrings, but you don't want it to seem messy. At times, less is more when it comes to an earring.
- Let Them Be Seen (Or Not). If you have a short cut, your earrings will be more conspicuous. Studs will fit most guys, no matter what their face shape.
- Wear Them Confidently. The best manner to wear any men's jewelry, including your first pair of earrings, is to wear them like you're the king of style. If you feel good, then you'll look good.
Try out different styles later on after you get used to your first pair of earrings. This is when you can explore different types of men's earrings, like small dangles or more unique designs, as you figure out what you like best.
Enjoy Your New Look with Men's Earrings
Your first pair of men's earrings is a small detail that can sharpen your look and hint at what makes you, you. It's fascinating to see why men are wearing jewelry more than ever in today's fashion world - from self-expression to breaking traditional norms.So go ahead, pick that first pair to show the world what you're about. Wear them with whatever makes you feel good. There's no right or wrong here, just your own style taking shape.
FAQs about Men's First Earrings
Q1: What is the most common type of male earring?
Studs are typically the most common and prevalent type of earring for men, and especially for beginners. They are simple, flexible, and easy to wear.
Q2: Is it okay for guys to wear earrings?
Absolutely! Earrings are a way of personal self-expression, and some men wear them to accessorize and show their individuality. There's no good or bad way for men to wear jewelry.
Q3: What metal is best for men's first earrings?
For your first ear piercing and earrings, use hypoallergenic metals like surgical steel, titanium, or sterling silver. These are less apt to irritate. Gold (14k or higher) is also a good option.
Q4: How do I know what size earrings to wear?
For studs, start with a smaller size, 3-5mm in diameter. For hoops, 8-15mm diameter is a good starting point. Consider the size of your earlobe – smaller lobes might be more suited to smaller earrings. Try sizes on if possible, or refer to online size guides. Consider what looks and feels proportionate on your ear.
Q5: Can I just wear a single earring?
In fact, one earring is a cool fashion choice for men. Some guys like the look of one earring, and some guys prefer wearing two. There's no rule saying you have to wear two.
Q6: Do I need to spend a lot of money on my first pair of earrings?
You can find good quality men's earrings at a price range. For your first pair, look for comfort and material more than expensive brand names. Generally, you will get a good option between the $10-$50 range.
Q7: How can I clean my new earrings?
Overall, you can clean your earrings with mild soap and water. You should thoroughly rinse them and allow them to air dry prior to wearing them. This keeps your ears from getting infected and keeps the earrings looking their best.
Q8: What if my ears are not pierced? What are my options?
If you do not have pierced ears but wish to try earrings, you may consider ear cuffs, clip-on, or magnetic earrings. These are temporary options that will allow you to wear the style without piercing.