The 20 Best Hoop Earrings of 2024

Just like the best ready-to-wear basics, such as a black T-shirt or white button-down, there are a few jewelry classics that no bijoux lover should be without—one being hoops. The best hoop earrings are an uncomplicated choice that transcends trends, always remaining in fashion, and is able to adapt to any personality and budget. 

“Hoops are a jewelry box mainstay,” says fashion editor Paula Lee. “They’re classic, super versatile, effortless, and can see you through pretty much every occasion.” Hoop earrings can add a little extra flair and polish to the simplest of looks, or can compliment something more extravagant when you are going the over-the-top route. “From shiny metal to ones adorned in diamonds and gemstones, there’s something for every mood,” says Lee. “Plus, if you have multiple piercings it’s fun to curate an ear stack with different textures and widths.”

Whether you are investing in your first pair of hoops or looking to add to your ear stack, you want a style that's comfortable, versatile, and long-lasting. To help you find the best hoops, we spoke to several jewelry experts and evaluated jewelry pieces on materials, style, fit, and durability to bring you this list of the best hoop earrings.

Best Overall

Metal: 14K yellow gold | Closure: Continuous| Dimensions: 18-millimeter diameter

“I love simple hoops and these are light with a specific, clip closure,” says fashion publicist Novella Paghera. Mejuri’s Between Hoops are a basic pair that fit right with every outfit. Made from hollowed, 14K solid gold, they are ultra-light in weight, without sacrificing quality. These hoops are made to last forever and are guaranteed to not show signs of oxidation or discoloration over time. Mejuri also works with recycled gold, in order to reduce environmental impact, and conducts tests to ensure all their gold is certifiably recycled, from scrap or post-consumer sources. 

Best Classic

Metal: 18K yellow gold plated brass, white gold-plated silver | Closure: Post| Dimensions: 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 millimeters

“These are our most classic hoops and the ultimate option if you want something timeless, sizable in thickness, and in a half-moon shape,” says Neumi Anekhe, CEO and founder of Oma the Label. “They come in six sizes, so you can really find the right fit for you. This is what my mind instantly goes to when I think about classic hoops!” Choose from gold-plated brass or gold-plated silver depending on your color preference. The weight is light to medium, so they won’t be too heavy on earlobes either. Whichever size you choose, these are the hoops you will lean on for everyday wear and might just result in repeat purchases.

Best Budget

Metal: 14K white gold, yellow gold, rose gold plated sterling silver | Closure: Paddle back| Dimensions: 20, 30, 40, or 50 millimeters

If the price point is top of mind when on the hunt for your perfect pair, these chunky hoops are a steal. Coming in at under $20, they are also a customer favorite due to their comfortable feel, expensive look, and lightweight nature. The chunkier-sized hoops are also crafted with 925 sterling silver posts and plated in 14K yellow gold plating, making them nickel and lead-free, and hypoallergenic for sensitive ears. The brand is also dedicated to sustainability, an important aspect to consider when shopping for jewelry. Every piece is made from 100 percent recycled materials and the brand also works to reduce carbon emissions and offset plastic consumption. 

Best Sculptural

Metal: Goldtone plated brass or silver plated brass | Closure: Ball backing | Dimensions: 24.7 x 12.2 x 16.9 millimeters

“Jenny Bird has a covetable range of hoops, from thin, oversized shapes, to cool, sculptural ones, like these,” Lee says. The Florence hoops are modeled with a unique design that gives the illusion of two earrings stacked together. Finished in high-polish gold or silver, they’re a modern pair that will add dimension and a bit of interest to any outfit. Coming in at only 0.3oz in weight, they are surprisingly light for such a substantial design, so they won’t overwhelm earlobes.

Best Splurge

Metal: 14K yellow gold, cultured freshwater pearl | Closure: Snap latch| Dimensions: 35 millimeters

Mateo is the result of self-taught jewelry designer Matthew Harris’ affinity for minimalist designs, inspired by art and the modern woman. His fine jewelry line is an editor and stylist favorite, for good reason. Made in New York City, the carefully crafted designs are both versatile and well-made. The Detachable Pearl Hoop embodies these principles. A thin, 14K gold hoop with removable freshwater pearl drop makes for a classic style with a modern twist. With two ways to wear them, just detach the pearl drop to wear them as plain hoops, this one is worth the investment. 

Best Mixed Material

Metal: 24K gold plating, multihued bone beads | Closure: Post| Dimensions: 44.5-millimeter outer diameter and 4.5-millimeter thickness

“I have to throw in a mixed material piece here because our unique materials are something that sets SOKO apart,” says the brand’s Merchandising Manager Kaela Walsh. “These hoops have been successful in our collection for several years now.” The confetti-like discs are made from Ankole cattle horn and bone, which are a byproduct of the meat industry in Kenya. “We love using local materials, especially those that reduce waste, in our products,” she says. Offered in multiple colorways, the style is a fun way to add more color to your jewelry box. 

Best Clip-On

Metal: Gold, white gold | Closure: Clip| Dimensions: 15 millimeters

Don’t have pierced ears? No problem. Yurielys’ Small Hoop Earrings are made with a comfortable clip-on closure. The brand guarantees these earrings to be pain-free. Since often clip-on earrings can become uncomfortable over time, or even the moment they are put on if they pinch too hard, it was important for the brand that these remained comfortable. They also boast a secure grip, which promises to stay in place, another design flaw often associated with this particular closure. Choose from gold tone, silver tone, (or both), for everyday wear.

Best Huggie

Metal: 14K yellow gold, 14K rose gold, 14K white gold | Closure: Snap post| Dimensions: 10-millimeter interior

“These are my everyday go-to pair,” says Lee. “Crafted in 14K solid gold with diamond pavé, I don’t have to worry about taking them off for the shower.” These fit like a huggie, so they will be close to the earlobe. Choose from three metals, including yellow, rose, and white gold, and buy them as a pair or single, based on how many piercings you are working with. “I switch them around my first and second holes, depending on the look I’m going for,” Lee adds, making this a versatile option for those with multiple holes. 

Best Designer

Metal: Sterling silver, gold vermeil | Closure: Hinged| Dimensions: 15-millimeter drop (small), 20-millimeter drop (large)

“I like sculptural shapes,” says Paghera. “Simple, but rich at the same time, and in summer, I like to wear silver metal.” Sophie Buhai’s heirloom-quality designs are the modernist’s go-to for architectural pieces with style and substance. The brand’s Pyramid Hoops are characterized by a curved, triangular design that feels fresh but still classic. Available in both sterling silver (Paghera’s personal pick) and gold vermeil, these are custom-made to order in both small and large sizes, depending on how large you want to go.

Best Upside Down

Metal: 14K yellow gold, 14K rose gold| Closure: Thread-through| Dimensions: 63.5 x 40.64 millimeters

“Delicate 14K gold wire makes this barely-there style a great ‘starter’ hoop”, Lee says. The thin wire is threaded through the ear lobe, creating a unique, upside-down shape that is sophisticated and simple. The best part—there are no uncomfortable closures to worry about on this piece. Since the brand was built upon the endless search for the perfect pair of gold hoops by its founder Lana Bramlette, you can count on the quality to be impeccable and a thorough research process.

Best Pearl

Metal: Swarovski pearl | Closure: Post| Dimensions: 38.1 millimeters

“When you want to switch it up from classic metal, try a sweet, pearl hoop,” Lee suggests. These Chan Luu stunners are assembled with Swarovski pearls, making for a playful addition to any hoop lover’s collection. Handmade in Vietnam, the various-sized pearls create a gradient effect along the outline of the hoop design. The earrings are simple enough to work for daywear with a blouse or chunky knit, or for a more formal occasion, with a silky cocktail dress or floral gown. 

Best Diamond

Metal: White gold diamond, yellow gold | Closure: Snap post| Dimensions: 6.5, 8, or 9.5 millimeters

“I have many piercings, so I like to wear multiple hoop earrings with diamonds and play with sizes to create points of light around my face,” Paghera says. These Maria Tash eternity clickers feature a dazzling, unbroken line of diamonds around the exterior of the petite, huggie style. The shine from the diamonds will bring a brightening effect to the face, due to that extra touch of sparkle a plain metal huggie doesn’t have. This style works for high earlobe, low helix, rook, tragus, and forward helix piercings. 

Best Silver

Metal: Silver-tone plated brass | Closure: Post| Dimensions: 20 millimeters

“If you prefer silver, these chrome mini hoops could be a better fit, and they're sure to go with anything,” Walsh says. “They feature a subtle ripple texture that gives them an almost liquid softness, that's a SOKO signature finish.” Responsibly made by the brand’s artisan partners in Kenya, using traditional techniques, the brilliant silver style is made even more intricate, thanks to the handcrafted, hammered effect. Reach for these on the daily—believe us, they go with everything. 

Best Chunky

Metal: 18K gold plated brass | Closure: Post| Dimensions: 29, 39, or 55 millimeters

“These hoops are our chunkiest hoops and can make any outfit look elevated and well put together,” says Anekhe. “Although they are our chunkiest hoops, they are created to feel super lightweight, compared to what you would expect for hoops of this thickness.” Customer-tested and -approved, the thicker frame will dress up everything from your favorite T-shirt and jeans to a cotton sundress or soft button-up shirt.

Best Textured

Metal: 18K gold-plated sterling silver | Closure: Leverback| Dimensions: 12.7-millimeter diameter

“I like art deco and I feel these earrings embody the aesthetic of that period,” Paghera says. “They are classic and rich but at the same time, rigorous, and sexy.” Divots create a blocked texture across the whole exterior of this hoop, that nod to the past decade, while still feeling completely modern. The size is still small enough to wear every day, without causing too much of a statement. 

Metal: Recycled sterling silver, recycled 18K-gold plate, topaz | Closure: Hinge with snap post| Dimensions: 6.35-millimeter drop

If you are looking to switch up your plain huggie game, try a drop design like Monica Vinader’s topaz design. These tiny, sterling hoops are balanced by a delicate, clear topaz gem. The brand is a recipient of the Butterfly Mark certification, which identifies luxury brands that adhere to social and environmental best practices, and this hoop remains true to the low-impact initiative. It is made with recycled sterling silver and recycled 18K gold plating. Durable and eco-friendly, they’re light as a feather and extremely versatile. 

Best Puffy

Metal: 18K gold plated brass, rhodium-plated brass, 18K rose gold plated | Closure: Latch back| Dimensions: 20 millimeters

“I love a puffy hoop!” says Lee. “These are lightweight and make any outfit look effortless.” Built to last, they’re made with 18K micron gold plating on high-quality brass, and fastened with a sturdy latch back closure to hold them in place. Their uniqueness lies in the thin-to-thick, curved design that is not as typical as a normal, chunky hoop. Bonus points: these are celeb-approved too, having been seen worn on the likes of Katy Perry, Freida Pinto, Jasmine Tookes, and more. 

Best Sparkle

Metal: 10K yellow gold | Closure: Hinged| Dimensions: 30 millimeters

This delicate pair of hoops is thinner in size but still features plenty of shine. Made from 10K solid yellow gold, the texture radiates splendor, without having to be chunky or thick. The solid gold material won’t tarnish or flake, so you will be sure that these will last, and the fair pricing of these hoops makes them a no-brainer. Wear these on their own, or add to a full ear party on your first hole, and mix up different-sized hoops, for an eclectic feel.

Best Twisted

Metal: 22K gold-plated bronze, surgical steel posts | Closure: Post| Dimensions: 38.1 x 28.58 millimeters

“For something with an organic feel, try these sculpted hoops with a twist,” says Lee. The soft texture gives these hoops dimension and is a welcome alternative to the classic earring shape—a true “twist” on a classic. These were designed with surgical steel posts that won't irritate sensitive ears, so they won’t be uncomfortable after hours of wear. Style them with an LBD for a night out or a blazer and trousers for the office. 

Best Statement

Metal: 14K gold plating or sterling silver | Closure: Post| Dimensions: 45 x 30 millimeters

Who doesn't love a fun pop of color? Not only do these hoops come in an abstract shape, but certain styles are hand painted in glossy enamel like pink, yellow, and white. Depending on how you wear them, you can have the yellow gold be the dominant color with a glimmer of the vivid shade popping through or you can wear the bright shades head on. We also love how the 14K gold plated earring is made from recycled materials.

Where We Stand

Clean, classic hoops, such as Oma the Label’s The Benter Hoop and Mejuri’s Between Hoops, are tried and true styles you can rely on for everyday use. Mixed materials are a fun way to play with texture and switch up your everyday styles. Try Monica Vinader’s Topaz Drop Huggie Hoop Earrings or SOKO’s Karamu Hoops, and if you are looking to splurge, a diamond-encrusted huggie, such as Maria Tash’s Diamond Eternity Clicker, is just the thing to add a bit of shine and luxury to the mix. 

How We Researched

To find the best hoop earrings, we spoke to four jewelry experts to get their advice on how to pick hoop earrings as well as their product picks. With their advice and recommendations, we researched the market for the best hoop earrings, evaluating products based on these attributes:

• Materials
• Weight
• Fit
• Comfort
• Durability
• Style
• Price and overall value

What to Look for in Hoop Earrings

• Materials: Something that shoppers often overlook when it comes to jewelry is what materials are used. Every metal has unique properties that require specific care. For example, if you want jewelry you can wear in the shower, you may have to splurge a bit to get long-lasting pieces in solid gold, and if you're purchasing a gold-plated piece you have to be more careful not to expose the metal to moisture or chemicals and clean the piece as needed to prevent tarnishing. You also want to think about it if you prefer hoops with a gold or silver finish.
• Size: If it’s your first hoop, Anekhe stresses the importance of choosing a size that you can see yourself using regularly. “This varies for everyone so make sure you try on a few, you might be surprised at what you end up with!” she says. However, sizing can sometimes be tricky to navigate. “When shopping for jewelry online it can sometimes be hard to gauge the size of a piece (even with on-figure images),” Walsh says. “Luckily most brands provide dimensions in the product description for their products so that you can better anticipate the scale before purchasing.” Analyze these descriptions and measurements before buying and also consider when you will be wearing the earring most.
• Weight: Weight is another concern to address in the search. “You want something that doesn’t weigh down your ears, so you can have them on all day comfortably,” Anekhe explains. “Some weight is good, as it in some cases, can indicate if they are good quality.”
  

FAQ

• “They are honestly very similar,” Anekhe says. “Both of them are a thin layer of gold on a base metal. With gold-filled you are always guaranteed that it’s 5 percent gold, and gold plated is usually a thinner layer, in efforts to make it more cost-effective for the customer.” She notes that both are great options, it simply depends on how you intend to use your jewelry. “With new plating technology, there are a lot of brands out there that have gold plated jewelry that will last just as long and gold-filled,” she says.

• Unanimously, our experts say yes you can, but the key lies in the metal type. “The best would be solid gold (which also doesn’t tarnish), but you can also look for earrings labeled hypoallergenic or nickel-free to avoid itchy or irritated earlobes,” Lee recommends. Walsh stresses the importance of research to determine your personal allergens. “People with sensitive ears can react to certain metals, which is why I stress doing some research on what materials are used in producing your earrings,” she says. “By being aware of what you typically react to, you can more easily navigate safely wearing hoop earrings.” Nickel is a common allergen, which even metal brass may have traces of, as is copper, and cobalt. Opt for earrings that are sterling silver base or 14K gold.

• “Hoop earrings are typically measured by the inner diameter, which is the length across the widest part of the circle,” Walsh explains. “This is the measurement usually provided in product descriptions by brands.” Anekhe points out that most measurements are in millimeters, which can easily be converted to other metrics using Google.

• “Huggies are just like how they sound,” Lee describes. “The mini hoop ‘hugs’ the earlobe.” Generally micro in size, they are a dainty option, great for those with multiple piercings. “I like wearing these every day in my second lobe piercing for an effortlessly layered look,” Walsh says, while Anekhe agrees: “Huggies are great for building an ear stack for someone who has several holes without it looking over the top.”

Why Trust Byrdie 

Full-time freelance writer and fashion editor Kristina Rutkowski has been covering all things style, trend, and shopping for over 10 years. Her bylines have appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, WWD, The Zoe Report, Editorialist, InStyle, and SELF. Living in New York City, she is often able to see and try out brands firsthand, directly through the designer showrooms, which has provided ample research opportunities for this story. She also spoke to the following experts for this story:

• Neumi Anekhe is the CEO and founder of Oma the Label. Created in 2018, the New York-based fashion stylist saw a significant lack of POC representation within the fashion industry and sought to create a brand that would not only provide high-quality fashion pieces, but also further diversify the imagery and representation that have dominated modern fashion.
• Paula Lee is a fashion editor with over a decade of experience covering fashion, accessories and jewelry. She previously worked at Oprah Magazine and Marie Claire and currently contributes to Only Natural Diamonds, Glamour, and LVR Magazine.
• Kaela Walsh is the founder of SOKO and committed to curating captivating jewelry pieces that resonate with customer preferences while also navigating the complexities of a responsible production model.
• Novella Paghera is the founder of public relations firm NPPR and has over 20 years of experience working with the highest echelon of luxury lifestyle brands.