Brilliant Earth

Expertise you can trust: Brilliant Earth is known for its award-winning jewelry designs and seamless, innovative shopping experience. This Brilliant Earth jewelry guide explores different types of hoop earrings and helps you choose the perfect pair for your face shape, style, and occasion. All Brilliant Earth guides are meticulously researched and reviewed by our certified gemologists, content, editorial, and brand teams before publication to ensure industry-leading excellence and accuracy.

What Are Hoop Earrings?

Hoop earrings are a type of earring designed in a circular or semi-circular shape that loops through the ear piercing. Unlike studs, which sit flat against the earlobe, hoops extend outward and curve around, creating a ring-like silhouette.

Key Characteristics:

Shape: Traditionally round, but modern designs also include oval, square, or geometric variations.
Size: Can range from tiny “huggie” hoops that hug the earlobe closely, to oversized hoops several inches in diameter.
Closure: Usually secured with hinged, latch-back, or seamless “endless” mechanisms for comfort and stability.
Materials: Commonly made from gold, silver, platinum, or other metals, and sometimes adorned with diamonds, gemstones, or textured finishes.

Hoop earrings remain popular because they are timeless, versatile, and universally flattering. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to suit nearly any occasion while adapting to both classic and trend-driven styles.

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Model wearing gold, diamond hoop earrings.

Hoop Earring Styles

Hoop earrings come in a wide range of styles beyond the classic circle. The most popular hoop earring styles include:

Classic Round Hoops: Simple and timeless.
Huggie Hoops: Small hoops that hug the earlobe, great for layering.
Chunky or Tubular Hoops: Bold and trendy, adding dimension.
Geometric Hoops: Squares, triangles, or unique shapes for modern flair.
Embellished Hoops: Set with diamonds, gemstones, or charms for extra sparkle.

When choosing between these types of hoops, think about the occasion: simple hoops for everyday wear, gemstone or diamond hoops for elegance, and oversized or geometric hoops for bold fashion statements.

Assortment of gold and diamond hoop earrings.

How to Choose the Best Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings are a timeless accessory that can range from subtle everyday staples to bold fashion statements. To choose your perfect pair follow these six steps:

1. Select a Size

Decide on the size of hoop based on your lifestyle and whether you want a subtle or bold look. The size of the hoop is one of the most defining characteristics.

Small (10–20 mm): Subtle, professional, and comfortable for daily wear; ideal for layering.
Medium (20–40 mm): Balanced and versatile, flattering on most face shapes and easy to style.
Large (40–70 mm+): Eye-catching and bold, often used as a statement piece.
Oversized (80 mm+): Dramatic and trendy, perfect for fashion-forward looks.

Smaller hoops are more practical for active lifestyles or multi-piercing stacks, while larger hoops work best as a standalone statement.

2. Pick a Metal

Choose the metal that best fits your style, skin sensitivity, and budget. The metal you choose can also influence longevity.

Gold: Classic and warm-toned, available in yellow, white, and rose gold.
Silver: Bright, modern, and affordable.
Platinum: Durable and hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin.
Plated Metals: Budget-friendly but less long-lasting.

For a cohesive look, match your hoops to your everyday jewelry. If you have sensitive ears, nickel-free or hypoallergenic metals are best.

Gold diamond hoop earrings in different sizes and diamond stud earring.

3. Determine Thickness and Weight

Select the thickness of the hoop depending on whether you prefer a delicate or statement style. The thickness and weight of hoops affect both comfort and appearance.

Thin Hoops: Lightweight and minimal, perfect for everyday wear.
Thick Hoops: Bold and contemporary, adding visual impact.
Tubular Hoops: Hollow and rounded, offering volume without heaviness.

When choosing thickness, factor in not only style but also comfort if you plan to wear your hoops for long periods.

4. Decide on a Closure Type

Pick a closure type that offers the right balance of comfort and security.

Hinged Closures: Easy to open and snap shut; very secure.
Endless Hoops: Seamless and lightweight, though trickier to fasten.
Latch-Back Closures: Common on larger hoops for added stability.
Click-Top Closures: Convenient and user-friendly, especially for huggies.

The right closure makes your hoops more practical and ensures they stay securely in place.

5. Consider Face Shape

Take your face shape into consideration and choose hoop styles that complement your natural features.

Round Face: Elongated oval or angular hoops create balance.
Oval Face: Most hoop styles are flattering.
Square Face: Rounded hoops soften angular features.
Heart-Shaped Face: Wider-bottom hoops balance a narrow chin.

Selecting hoops that work with your face shape enhances your features and creates a more balanced overall look.

6. Set Your Budget

Balance quality and budget, deciding whether to invest in fine jewelry or opt for trend-driven fashion pieces.

Fine Jewelry (gold, platinum, diamonds): Long-lasting, heirloom-quality pieces that retain value.
Fashion Jewelry (plated or mixed metals): Affordable and trendy but less durable over time.

If you’re building a core jewelry wardrobe, invest in one versatile, high-quality pair for daily wear, then expand with affordable trend pieces. Ultimately, your budget should reflect both your lifestyle and your priorities for durability, value, and style.

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FAQ

How do you measure hoop earrings?

Hoop earrings are measured by their diameter, which is the distance across the circle. This measurement is usually given in millimeters (mm) and can range from small 10–15 mm huggies to extra-large 70 mm+ statement hoops.

When shopping, it’s helpful to visualize sizes using everyday objects — for instance, a U.S. dime is about 18 mm across, while a quarter is about 24 mm. Thickness, or the width of the metal, is another important dimension to note since it can dramatically change the look and feel of the hoop.

When measuring hoops you already own, lay them flat and use a ruler to measure directly across the widest part. If you’re new to hoop earrings, starting with a versatile medium size (20–40 mm) is a safe choice, as it works for both casual and professional settings. From there, you can experiment with smaller huggies or larger statement pieces to expand your collection.

What are huggie hoop earrings?

Huggie hoops are small hoop earrings that sit very close to the earlobe, “hugging” it without much space between the earring and the ear. They typically measure between 10–15 mm in diameter, making them one of the most comfortable and versatile hoop styles available. Huggies are especially popular for second or third piercings, where their snug fit makes them easy to layer with larger hoops or studs.

Despite their small size, huggies come in a wide range of styles, from plain gold or silver to designs accented with diamonds, gemstones, or pavé detailing. Their low profile makes them practical for everyday wear, including at work or while exercising, since they’re less likely to snag on hair or clothing. For anyone looking to build an ear stack or start with a versatile, minimal hoop, huggies are a perfect choice.

Are hoop earrings in style?

Yes — hoop earrings are one of the most enduring jewelry styles and remain consistently in fashion. Their history spans thousands of years across cultures, and today they are considered both a timeless classic and a trend-forward accessory. Small and medium hoops are staples for everyday wear, while large and oversized hoops regularly cycle back into fashion as bold statement pieces.

Part of their staying power comes from their versatility. Designers continuously reinvent hoops with new shapes, textures, and embellishments, so there’s always a style that feels current. Whether you’re drawn to sleek minimalist huggies, diamond-studded hoops, or chunky geometric designs, hoops remain a cornerstone of modern jewelry wardrobes.

What's the best way to style hoop earrings?

The best way to style hoop earrings depends on your personal aesthetic and the occasion. For a minimalist look, small to medium hoops pair beautifully with dainty studs or layered necklaces, creating balance without overwhelming your outfit. Larger hoops can stand alone as a statement piece, especially when paired with sleek hairstyles that highlight the earrings.

You can also use hoops to add contrast or personality to your look. For example, oversized gold hoops can elevate a casual jeans-and-tee outfit, while diamond hoops bring elegance to formal wear. Mixing metals, textures, and sizes allows you to create a custom style that feels both modern and personal.

What size hoop earrings are best for me?

The best hoop size for you depends on comfort, lifestyle, and personal style. Small hoops (10–20 mm) are ideal if you prefer something subtle, lightweight, and easy to wear every day. Medium hoops (20–40 mm) strike a balance between noticeable and versatile, making them a popular choice for both work and casual wear.

If you enjoy making a statement, larger hoops (50 mm+) can add drama and flair to your look. That said, larger hoops can also be heavier, so consider weight and wearability before committing to oversized styles. A good strategy is to start with a medium-sized hoop as a staple, then expand into smaller or larger sizes depending on your needs.

What size hoop earrings are best for a second piercing?

For second piercings, small huggies or hoops between 10–15 mm work best. Their snug fit ensures they don’t overlap or crowd the larger hoop in the first piercing, creating a layered but balanced look. These smaller hoops are also lightweight, which makes them comfortable for long-term wear.

Many people enjoy pairing simple huggies in a second piercing with a more decorative hoop in the first piercing, such as a twisted design or gemstone-accented hoop. This creates a stacked effect that feels intentional and stylish. Choosing smaller hoops for secondary piercings also helps avoid tangling or discomfort when wearing multiple earrings at once.

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Types of Hoop Earrings