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Hoop earrings: A guide to choosing the right hoops
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Hoops are one of the most classic earring styles there is. The round shape has been popular for centuries, and today hoops come in everything from small, discreet styles to big statement earrings. But which hoops should you choose? Here's a guide to sizes, styles and styling.
Contents
- What are hoop earrings?
- The different types of hoops
- Which size should you choose?
- How to style hoops
- What to look for when you buy
- How to put in and care for hoops
- Frequently asked questions
What are hoop earrings?
Hoops are earrings shaped like a ring or loop that passes through the piercing. In Danish and several other European languages they are called creoler, and you'll often see both words used in Scandinavian shops.
The shape is ancient and has been worn in many cultures, yet it still feels modern because it is so simple.
Hoops can be completely plain, or they can feature stones, pearls, patterns or small charms. It's this variety that makes them a piece most people end up owning several of.
The different types of hoops
Huggies
The smallest hoops, which sit right up against the earlobe. They are perfect for everyday wear and for building an ear stack. Read more in our guide to huggie earrings.
Hoops with stones
Hoops with a row of stones add sparkle when the light hits them. Multi Stars Hoop Earrings have small stars around the hoop and are a good example of a hoop that is both playful and elegant.
Hoops with pearls
Pearls give a hoop a feminine and slightly more classic look. Pearl Hoops combine the round shape with the sheen of pearls and work for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Hoops with flowers and motifs
Hoops can also carry a motif. Flower Hoop Earrings have floral details that make them romantic and eye-catching.
Single hoops with a charm
A single hoop with a small symbol is one of the most popular ways to wear earrings right now. Symbol Single Hoops come with a heart, moon, sun, clover or lightning bolt, among others, so you can choose a symbol that means something to you. Read more about the trend in our guide to single earrings.
Which size should you choose?
| Size | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small (huggies) | Discreet and elegant | Everyday, work, ear stacks |
| Medium | Visible but balanced | Almost everything, from jeans to dresses |
| Large | Bold statement | Parties, summer, when the earring is the main event |
A few rules of thumb:
- If you have short hair or often wear it up, your hoops will be more visible. Smaller styles may be plenty.
- If you have long, loose hair, larger hoops or styles with details can help create contrast.
- If you wear glasses or headphones, small hoops are the most comfortable because they don't get in the way.
How to style hoops
Let the hoops take center stage. If you choose large or detailed hoops, keep the rest of your jewelry simple. A thin necklace or a couple of rings is enough.
Build an ear stack. Place the largest hoop at the bottom and go smaller as you move up the ear. Feel free to mix hoops and studs, for example a pearl hoop at the bottom and mini studs at the top.
Go asymmetrical. Try a hoop in one ear and a stud in the other. It creates a modern, effortless look.
Mix metals. Gold and silver hoops can easily be combined, especially if both metals appear elsewhere in your outfit, such as in a ring or necklace. See how in our guide to mixing gold and silver.
What to look for when you buy
- Material. Hoops in sterling silver are a good choice for earrings you'll wear for long periods. See what 925 silver means.
- Closure. A solid hinged closure that clicks firmly into place makes hoops easy to put on and secure to wear.
- Weight. Large hoops can get heavy. Feel the weight, or choose a hollow or thin style if you want to wear them all day.
- Gold-plated or silver. Consider whether you want the warm gold tone or the cool look of silver. Read about gold-plated silver.
How to put in and care for hoops
How to put in hoops
- Open the closure fully. On hinged hoops, you flip the small bar out.
- Pass the post through the piercing from the front. Hold your earlobe lightly with your other hand to keep it taut.
- Close it gently. Click the bar into place and check that it's secure. You should hear or feel a small click.
Never use force. If it feels stiff, try a different angle. That protects both your ear and the closure.
How to make hoops last longer
- Take them off before pulling a sweater over your head. Large hoops can catch on knitwear and get bent.
- Avoid sleeping in large hoops. They can bend and press uncomfortably against your ear.
- Store them closed. That way the hoop keeps its round shape.
- Polish them with a soft cloth, and keep them away from perfume, lotion and water.
Hoops with pearls need a little extra care. See how to look after pearls in our guide to baroque pearls. If your silver hoops have darkened, read our article on why silver turns black.
Hoops with meaning
Many hoops have a small motif, and the motif can say something about the person wearing it: a star for dreams, a heart for love or a clover for luck. See the meaning of the most popular motifs in our guide to symbols in jewelry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hoops and creoles?
There is no difference. Creole (creol) is the word used in Danish and several other European languages, and both terms describe round earrings that pass through the piercing.
Which hoops are best for everyday wear?
Small and medium hoops are the most practical for everyday wear, because they are light and don't catch on clothes or hair.
Can you wear hoops in several piercings?
Yes. Hoops in different sizes are a popular way to build an ear stack, usually with the largest at the bottom.
Can you wear a single hoop?
Yes. A single hoop, ideally with a small charm, is one of the most popular ways to wear earrings right now.