Hoop Earring Size Guide

Hoops are the earrings people put in at the start of the week and forget about until the weekend. Getting the size right is what makes that possible. A hoop that suits you sits where you expect it to, feels light by evening and goes with everything you own.

How hoop earrings are measured

Hoop sizes are usually given as a diameter, the distance straight across the circle. Some listings give two numbers. The outer diameter is measured across the outside edge of the hoop, and the inner diameter across the opening in the middle. The gap between the two tells you how thick the band is.

Two hoops with the same outer size can look quite different. The Eclipse Hoops measure 2.5cm outer and 2.0cm inner, so the band is broad, half 22k gold plated metal and half white mother of pearl. The Plait Hoops measure 2.5cm outer and 2.2cm inner, a slimmer twisted-rope band of the same overall size.

Small vs large hoops

Small hoops sit close to the lobe. They hug the ear rather than hang from it, which is why a small hoop is often called a huggie. They stay out of the way of scarves, phone calls and hair, and they suit a second piercing too. For a second hole, start with a small pair such as the 2.5cm Eclipse Hoops, which sit close to the earlobe.

Large hoops hang lower and frame the face. They are the hoops you notice across a room, and they suit hair worn up or tucked behind the ear so the shape is not hidden. The Halo Hoops are 4cm across, graduated so they are thicker at the base, and they weigh about 8.3g each.

A simple way to choose is to hold a coin or a ring of about the size you are considering against your ear in the mirror. You will know straight away if you want it closer or bigger.

Hoop sizes in our range

Pair	Size	Closure
Eclipse Hoops	2.5cm outer, 2.0cm inner	Hinged lever-back
Plait Hoops	2.5cm outer, 2.2cm inner	Thin hinged wire latch
Halo Hoops	4cm across, about 8.3g each	Hinged latch
Wish Earrings	About 4.5cm total drop with the pearl	Hinged hoop
Duet Hoops	Open hoop, sits close to the lobe	Post back

Weight matters as much as size

A large hoop that is heavy will pull on the lobe by the end of the day, while a light one can stay in all day. When a listing gives a weight, use it to compare two pairs of a similar size. The Halo Hoops weigh about 8.3g each, which is why they were picked as a big hoop for everyday wear.

How the hoop closes

The closure decides how easy a hoop is to put in and how secure it feels.

• Hinged latch. A small hinged section swings open and clicks shut. It is quick to fasten by feel and holds firmly. Halo and Plait both close this way.
• Hinged lever-back. A lever folds down over the end and locks. The Eclipse Hoops use one.
• Post back. A straight post goes through the ear with a stopper behind, like a stud. Open hoops that do not form a full circle often use this. The Duet Hoops are chunky open hoops on post backs with clear friction stoppers, and they sit close to the lobe.

Choosing by face and style

There is no strict rule here, but a few patterns help. If you mostly wear your hair down, a small hoop close to the lobe will show more than a large one hidden in your hair. If you wear it up, a larger hoop has room to be seen. If you wear a lot of necklaces, a small hoop leaves the neckline to them. If you wear very little jewellery, one larger hoop can do the work of everything else.

Mixing metals

If you already wear a silver watch or white gold rings, a two-tone hoop saves choosing. Each Duet hoop pairs a rounded 22k gold plated outer tube with a flat silver tone inner band.

See every pair in gold hoop earrings, and if you are buying hoops as a present, our Christmas jewellery gift guide explains why earrings are the gift that never needs sizing.