20, 30 or 40 mm hoop earrings: which size should you choose?

To choose your hoop size, start with a pair you already enjoy wearing. Measure the diameter, then check its thickness and weight: 20 mm, 30 mm and 40 mm describe a size, but do not by themselves determine volume or comfort. A small, wide hoop can be more noticeable than a large, very fine ring.

Compare our 20, 31 and 40 mm hoops.

This guide focuses on dimensions. If you are still choosing between hoops, studs and drops, start with our guide to different types of earrings.

20, 30 or 40 mm: picture the difference

These reference sizes apply to round hoops. For an oval hoop, compare height and width separately. Also check whether the stated measurement is the outer or inner diameter; ask for clarification if the product page does not specify.

Three examples: diameter is only part of the picture

20 mm: a band with concentrated volume

The 20 mm wide curved-band hoops take up relatively little vertical space, but their rounded face produces a broad reflection. They are an option if you like visible silver with a compact outline. Their stated approximate weight is 7.1 g per pair.

Around 30 mm: link-like texture adds rhythm

The chain-textured hoops measure 31 mm. Their outline suggests links, with an open centre. This is close to the 30 mm reference size, rather than exactly the same. The stated weight is 6.74 g per pair: in this example, a larger diameter therefore does not mean a greater weight than the previous design.

40 mm: give the pattern room

The 40 mm criss-cross lattice hoops combine a larger ring with an openwork texture. Their approximate weight is 7.12 g per pair. Wearing your hair back reveals the pattern; with loose hair, the effect will depend more on its colour and movement.

The photographs show different designs. They help you explore the pieces, but are not a photographic comparison at an identical scale.

How to compare sizes at home

1. Lay an existing hoop flat and measure its outer diameter with a ruler.
2. Draw circles of 2, 3 and 4 cm on paper and cut them out. Hold them beside the ear without attaching them: this gives a sense of overall size, rather than the exact way an earring hangs.
3. Try this with your glasses and a collar you often wear. Look for places where a large hoop might touch the fabric or the arms of the glasses.
4. Compare the pair’s weight and fastening with those of your usual earrings.

The distance between the piercing and the bottom of the lobe also affects the space available. An outer diameter does not directly indicate the inner clearance, particularly with a thick tube or band.

Which size will feel comfortable?

No diameter or weight guarantees comfort for every ear. The distribution of material, post, clasp and your own sensitivity matter as much as the grams. If earrings pull on your lobes or feel uncomfortable, remove them; do not choose a pair solely because it looks light in a photograph.

On days when you frequently use headphones or a phone, compare the actual space the earrings occupy. A small thick hoop may interfere more than a thin earring. These suggestions are for ears with fully healed piercings.

Questions before choosing

Are 40 mm hoops only for evenings?

No. Hoops of this size can work with a T-shirt or shirt. Diameter, texture and outfit together determine whether the result feels understated or dressy.

Should you choose according to your face shape?

You can try different outlines for the effect you want, without treating any shape as off limits. The best starting point is what you enjoy wearing and how much attention you want the jewellery to attract.

Can you give hoops without knowing a size?

A ring size is not needed, but you should still check wearing habits and pierced ears. Our guide to giving jewellery without knowing the measurements explains the useful checks.

Explore our women’s sterling silver earrings and compare each pair’s dimensions. Discover our story.