How Do You Hoop?
Silpada’s Guide to Choosing The Right Size Hoop Earrings
The iconic hoop earring is more on-trend than ever! With universally flattering silhouettes and tons of variations to choose from it can seem daunting to find the perfect pair.
Deciding Which Hoop Is Right for You
There are a couple of things to consider when you’re picking your pair:
1 – Your Lifestyle!
Choose earrings that you’ll be able to wear regularly to make the most of your jewelry budget.
Small (20mm and under) to medium (30mm-35mm) sized hoops with minimal embellishments are great for casual everyday wear, from running errands to meeting friends.
For a pop of color, choose a pair with a removable charm, (Like our Soleil Turquoise Drop Huggie Hoops), or colorful gemstone accents (Like our Soleil Studded Huggie Hoops).
If you’re looking for that extra WOW factor, add a pair of extra-large hoops to your wardrobe. Or, if you’re more of an early-morning sunrise-hike kind of person, then simple huggie style earrings that hug your earlobe might make the most sense.
2 – Your Personal Style
For the fashionista with fierce street-wear style, a pair of large hoops (in both length and diameter) is a wardrobe essential. Someone with a more tailored style will get a ton of use out of high-quality minimalist hoops in gold or silver. If you’re already a hoop connoisseur, start filling out your collection with new sizes.
3 – Get Familiar with Sizes
Hoops vary in drop (jewelry-speak for the distance from your earlobe to the end of the earring) – from mini hoops that hug your ears to statement-making ones that graze your shoulders.
We know it can be difficult to visualize how big some of the hoops are from a picture and a number of millimeters. So here’s a cheat sheet:
| Earring Size (mm/in) | Comparison | Perfect For… | Pair to Try |
| 8mm and under | Kids and Teens; Second, Third or Cartilage Pericings | ||
| 10mm (.39in) | |||
| 12mm (.47in) | Mini Hoops, Teens, Cartilage Piercings | Silpada Soleil Huggie Hoops | |
| 17.91mm (.7in) | 10 Cent (Dime) | Small Hoops | |
| 19.05mm (.75in) | 1 Cent (Penny) | Small Hoops | Silpada Lune Hoop Earrings |
| 21.21mm (.84in) | 5 Cents (Nickel) | Small Hoops | |
| 24.26mm (.95in) | 25 Cents (Quarter) | On smaller side, but noticeable | Silpada Bare Circle Hoop Earrings |
| 25.4mm (1in) | On smaller side, but noticeable | Silpada Classico Hoop Earrings | |
| 30 – 35mm (1.18in) | Perfect Medium | Silpada Full Circle Hoop Earrings | |
| 40mm (1.57in) | A Golf Ball | Noticable, but not overpowering. | |
| 45-50mm (1.77-2in) | Classic Large Hoop | Silpada Essential Hoop Earrings | |
| 60mm-75mm | Making a Statement | ||
| 76mm+ | A Baseball | In a League of Your Own! |
Once you know what size, you’re ready for styling.
Going Solo
If you’re new to the trend, consider starting somewhere in the middle with an ‘average size’ hoop (approx 35mm) to get used to the weight and feel. Classic hoops look great with anything from a little black dress to a jeans and a baseball cap.
Add interest by opting for hoops with details, like a textured metal or inlay details. Even pairs as small as huggies come with embellishments, like removable charms, so that even the littlest accessories make a big splash.
Get Set
Have multiple ear piercings? Petite hoops and huggies (8mm-15mm) make perfect second piercings and great additions to your ear stack.
Pair hoops in different finishes –
– or layer different size hoops for a graduated effect.
Mini hoops also work well in cartilage, tragus, and other piercings beyond the lobe. (For more Huggie Hoop Inspiration, read this blog post.)
Hoop Dreams
From smooth and polished to hammered and edgy, tubular to flat, humungous to teeny — there’s a pair of hoops to complement every style out there. Wear what makes you feel your best!
Shop All Hoop Earrings >
Shop Huggies >
Shop Sets >
Shop Statement Hoops >
For more ear stack inspo (and to share your own) check out #SilpadaStyle and follow @SilpadaDesigns.
– Tessa
