Men’s Earrings Guide: How To Find Your Perfect Earrings

The popularity of men’s earrings is growing and growing. From sports stars, actors, business mavericks, and more, men from all walks of life are wearing earrings. 

Which makes sense, because earrings are the perfect men’s accessory. They are easily customizable,  there is something for every style, and they can easily take any outfit to the next level.

That is why we put together our men’s earrings guide, so you can find the perfect pair to accentuate your personal style, whatever the occasion.

This Men’s Earring Guide will everything you need to know to find your perfect pair, including: 

What Makes A Great Men’s Earring?

The best men’s earring choices for a variety of styles

The best mens earrings for every event, formal, casual, active, etc.

And, even more tips to ensure you become a men’s earring expert

Now, let’s get started!

What Makes A Great Men’s Earring?

Now before we look at specific earrings that will fit your style, let’s look at what makes a great men’s earring regardless of style. Because when it comes to jewelry, quality is king. So let’s find out what makes a quality earring.

What are the best jewelry metals?

The most important thing when it comes to picking out earrings is the type of metal used. It doesn’t matter how amazing an earring looks if it causes irritation, inflames your ear, or breaks because it is poor quality . That is why you must choose durable, body safe metals for your earrings. And the most body safe, durable metals are… drum roll please…..implant grade titanium and 14k gold.

Implant Grade Titanium

Implant grade titanium is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a bio safe metal used for medical implants, the reason it is used for this is that it is nickel free, stronger than stainless steel, and very light weight. This makes implant grade titanium the ideal material for men’s earrings. It is very durable so it won’t break if those of you with the most active lifestyles, it looks and feels amazing, and it will not irritate your ears. 

Implant grade titanium natural color is silver, but you can get it in almost any color. Although it is very high quality, it is also very affordable. Titanium, as mentioned above, is very strong. This is great for durability, however, it means it is harder to create different earring designs, so they may be a bit less customizable.

14K Gold

14k gold is gold, and gold is not only very body safe, but it also gives you that touch of luxury. Why should you choose 14k gold and not 18k or 24k for your earrings? Because 18k and 24k are a bit too soft, and this leads to your earrings breaking, or losing them. 14k gold is the sweet spot, still pure enough to be extremely body safe, but strong enough to withstand a man’s active lifestyle.

Gold costs a bit more, and comes in the three classic colors, yellow, white, or rose gold. Gold is soft meaning it is easy to customize which means there are tons of different options to choose from. If you are looking to elevate any outfit, you can’t go wrong with gold.

Other Earring Metals

Every other metal is inferior to these two choices. And yes, that includes surgical stainless steel and silver. Both of these mislabeled “hypoallergenic” metals are packed with nickel, and nickel is the number one culprit of ear irritation. 

To learn more about the best metals for body piercing jewelry including earrings, click here.

Most Comfortable Earrings

Now that we have the material that makes for the best earrings, you are also going to want the most comfortable earrings. When it comes to earrings you don’t want to be changing them constantly, you don’t want to have to remember to take them off before bed and then have to put them on in the morning. You want to put your earrings in and forget about it. That means they need to be comfortable as well as stylish.

Most Comfortable Studs

The pinnacle of comfort for stud earrings is studs with flat backings. Traditional earring backings or “butterfly backings”, are the pokey backing that stick out from the back of the ear. These backings poke you when you lay down to sleep, they get caught on in your hair, they also look terrible. Luckily there is a different option, flat back earrings. Flat back earrings sit flush with your ear, they get caught on far less hair. They are so comfortable to sleep in, that they are also known as nap or sleep earrings.

Click here to learn more about flat back earrings

Most Comfortable Hoops

For hoops, you are going to want to go with an 18 gauge or 16 gauge hoop, anything thinner can tear your ear when pulled. 

Now let’s move on to the fun part, finding the best earrings for your style…

Earring Ideas For Different Styles 

Everyone has a different style, and more often than not us men fall into or in between more than one style. Below we have put together men’s earring ideas based on different styles to get you inspired and help you find some earring ideas that work for you.

Minimalist Style Earrings 

Is your style more sleek and understated than over the top? Then you are probably minimalist when it comes to your style.This style emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Opt for tiny studs, simple geometric shapes, or thin hoop earrings for a clean, understated look.

Titanium Hinged Hoops

Ball Titanium Studs

Bohemian Style Earrings: 

Bohemian style is very Indian Jones-ish. It’s the style of a world traveler, an adventurer, and your choice of earrings need to represent that. Good mens earrings for the bohemian style include earrings made with natural materials, nature inspired earrings, and dangle earrings that create a layered slightly eccentric look.

Tigers Eye Studs

14K Gold Vitrail Studs

14K Gold Snake Charm

Rock and Roll Style Earrings:

The rock and roll style is characterized as the type of man with tattoos, jeans, and a bit of a darker edge. The perfect earrings for the rock and roll style reflect this. Think daggers, skulls, colors like silver and black, and basically anything that rocks.

Titanium Dagger With Chain

Titanium Coffin With Pentagram

Titanium Skull and Crossbones

Active Style Earrings

Active style earrings should mesh perfectly with a man's active lifestyle. That doesn’t just mean simple, it means functional earrings that represent the wearers love for their active lifestyle. From titanium to gold, simple studs and hoops, to elaborate “good luck” charms, these earrings all look great in motion.

Titanium Lightning Bolt Studs

14K Gold Round CZ Studs

14K Gold Lightning Charm

Preppy Style Earrings

These earrings look perfect when paired with a nice sweater, a polo, and a side of Grey Poupon.  Opting for more of a timeless look, Preppy style earrings have a classic look that tends toward an understated air of luxury.

Classic Crystal Studs

Titanium Cross Studs

14K Gold Ball Studs

Street Style Earrings

Expressive and contemporary, street style allows for bolder choices. Experiment with unique designs, larger hoops, or statement earrings.

Titanium Thick Hinged Hoops

Titanium Vampire Teeth

Square Cut CZ Studs

Grunge Style Earrings

The cousin to Rock and Roll and Street styles, Grunge style earrings tend to be more relaxed and a bit darker. Good earring choices are below, but just like most styles, there are many options.

Weed Leaf Studs

Titanium Dagger Stud

Titanium Spiked Hoop

Men’s Earrings For Different Events

Earring choices should complement the occasion and your own personal style. Below are a few earring ideas for specific events that should get you off to a great start, and have you looking your best.

Black Tie Events: Diamond or onyx, or simple stud earrings. Small hoops are also a good choice, and remember to add a level of luxury by opting for gold.

Weddings and Galas: Same advice as mentioned above for the black tie, but weddings give you the opportunity to “let loose” a bit with your earring selection. For bonus points match your earrings to the wedding theme.

Business Events: It all depends on the type of business, but in general don’t wear anything too flashy. You want the attention to be on your business, and want your earring choice to complement that.

Casual Settings: In a casual setting wear what you want! This is the time to let loose and wear whatever makes you happy.

Wrapping It Up

Earrings are a powerful way to express individuality and enhance your overall look. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can confidently choose the perfect pair to complement your style on any occasion. 

If this guide made you want to shop for new earrings, then CLICK HERE to shop our huge collection of Body Safe Jewelry.

If this guide made you want get a new piercing, then CLICK HERE to book your piercing at Mr. Inkwells.

See you soon!