Why hoop earrings never go out of fashion: trends, materials & DIY hoop earring ideas

Hoop earrings: These timeless circle shaped earrings have managed to endure fashion stories for centuries. Whether as delicate mini hoops or bold XL statement hoops, they’re simply classics that never disappear from the world of jewellery. If you love hoops, you already know: they always work. They’re versatile, elegant, and can elevate any outfit. No wonder they’re among the most popular jewellery pieces of all. That’s why we’re dedicating an entire post to these statement earrings—and showing you how they were worn in the past, which materials are best, and how you can easily make your own hoop earring!
 

Hoops—also known as creoles—are simply the ideal accessory. They’re easy to combine with any look, making them perfect for everyday wear as well as special occasions. If you’re looking for hoops, Smyks offers a very large selection for your DIY projects: hoops in different sizes, materials, and styles—from a simple silver ring to an XL hoop with a charm.

The history of hoops: jewellery with real tradition

Hoops aren’t a fashion trend from yesterday—or just from the 90s. They have a history going back thousands of years. Even in antiquity, circular earrings were worn by women and men. In more modern times, hoops became especially popular among sailors: often made of real gold and engraved with initials. They served as identification in the event of a shipwreck. They also had a practical value, as the material value of the hoops could help fund a proper burial.

Even today, hoops can carry a special symbolic meaning for some people beyond their fashion value: some carpenters and construction tradespeople, for example, wear a hoop in the left ear as a guild symbol. In that sense, hoops are much more than a fashion accessory—they’re a piece of jewellery with history, tradition, and depth.

Popular materials for hoops

Hoops come in a wide variety of materials, and each has its own advantages, care tips, and visual appeal:

• Gold (solid & gold-plated):
  Elegant, luxurious, and durable. Solid gold is especially value-retaining, while gold-plated silver is a more affordable alternative with a gold look.

• Silver / sterling silver / silver-plated:
  Timeless, classic, and often the best choice for allergy sufferers. Silver can tarnish, but it’s easy to bring back to a shine with a polishing cloth.

• Stainless steel:
  Robust, easy-care, and often hypoallergenic. Stainless steel is great for everyday wear because it hardly scratches.

• Titanium:
  Very lightweight and extremely durable. Titanium is ideal for sensitive skin and holds up well even during sports.

• Pearl details:
  Pearls add elegant or playful, feminine accents—especially when paired with gold or silver.

• Rhinestone or crystal accents:
  Add plenty of glamour and turn the hoop into a real eye-catcher for parties and events.

• Wood, resin & colour variations:
  Perfect for boho styles or relaxed summer looks. These materials are lightweight, but less durable than metal.
   

Material comparison: pros and cons at a glance

DIY hoops: handmade eye-catchers

Hoops are also perfect for creative DIY projects! Here are two popular and trendy ideas that even beginners can make easily:

1. Delica bead hoops

Materials:

• 1 pair of hoops, wire thickness 0.7 mm
• Delica beads, size #11

Instructions:

1. Carefully bend the end of the hoop straight.
2. Thread on the Delica beads. You can fill the entire hoop or only part of it, leaving the metal ring visible.
3. Vary colours or patterns, e.g. gradients or small geometric designs.
4. Carefully bend the end back into its original position.
5. If you’re making several pairs at once, sort the beads beforehand and decide on an order—this saves time and keeps the result symmetrical.

You can find more Delica bead hoop tutorials here.

Extra tip: Use a little jewellery glue to secure the first bead before wrapping further. This keeps everything in place and helps the beads sit evenly.

2. Wrap hoops with crystals and pearls

Materials:

• 1 pair of oval gold-plated hoops, 15 mm
• 14 apatite beads, 2 mm
• Approx. 40 cm thin gold-plated wire
• Optional: figaro chain, 8 cm, 0.4 mm, gold-plated
• Tools: needle-nose pliers, cutting pliers, jewellery glue

Instructions:

1. Start with a short piece of wire and wrap it once around the hoop to secure the base.
2. Thread beads and crystals and wrap the wire evenly around the hoop. Between beads, add 2–3 turns for a delicate effect.
3. Optional: incorporate a small chain after every fourth bead for a modern layered look.
4. Hold the beads firmly while wrapping so they don’t twist or slip.
5. Finish by pressing the wire end close to the hoop, using needle-nose pliers if needed.

You can find more inspiration—also for hoops with freshwater pearls— here.

Extra tip: Try mixing different wire colours (copper, silver, gold) and different bead types. This creates unique patterns and exciting colour combinations.

Hoops: trend & styling ideas for every occasion

When it comes to styling, hoops are the ultimate all-rounders, because they come in so many variations. With a business outfit, casual street style or a glamorous evening look: they truly always fit. Here are a few ideas for how to wear hoops in a trendy way in 2026:

• Casual look: Mini hoops or delicate gold or silver hoops are perfect with jeans, a T-shirt and trainers. For a pop of colour, try bead hoops or acrylic hoops. Asymmetrical combinations are also a strong trend right now.

• Business style: Medium-sized hoops in gold or silver add an elegant finish to blouses, blazers and tailored trousers. Slightly thicker styles work well too. Subtle details like small charms can suit an office look without feeling overdone. Pairing hoops with simple studs (e.g. elegant freshwater pearls) creates a modern, professional layered look.

• Evening outfit: XL hoops with charms, rhinestones or Swarovski crystals stand out beautifully with cocktail dresses and gowns. Hoops look especially glamorous with updos or sleek ponytails.

• 90s revival: With a half bun, curly bob, baggy jeans or platform trainers, hoops are the perfect retro accessory. Chunky hoops, playful mini hoops or hoops with charms make the 90s look feel fresh and current.

• Layering trend: Ear cuffs paired with small hoops and delicate studs are particularly popular right now. Mix sizes, materials and details—silver with gold, smooth rings with pearls, or rhinestones.

So hoops aren’t just classics—they’re highly versatile jewellery pieces that adapt to any look, whether casual, elegant or extravagant.

How to care for hoops properly

To keep hoops looking beautiful for a long time, a little care goes a long way:

• Cleaning: Different materials require different methods.

Silver hoops can tarnish easily: a polishing cloth or a gentle jewellery cleaner will quickly bring back the shine. Gold and gold-plated hoops should be wiped carefully with a soft cloth to avoid scratches. Stainless steel and titanium are particularly easy to care for—often a damp cloth is enough. Pearls, rhinestones and crystals shouldn’t be soaked in water; a gentle wipe is enough to maintain shine and durability.

• Storage: Store hoops separately, e.g. in small fabric pouches or a jewellery box with compartments. This prevents scratches and tangling—especially for delicate styles with pearls or charms. Different materials may also react poorly when stored together.

• Everyday & durability tips: Put on hoops only after hair styling, perfume or make-up. With DIY earrings, ensure wire ends are fixed securely so beads and crystals don’t slip. Regular checks help you catch small repairs early.

Properly cared-for hoops keep their shine for years—and because they’re such a timeless accessory, good care and storage are truly worth it.

Conclusion: hoops are timeless classics

Hoops aren’t just a short-lived fashion trend—they’ve proven that over centuries. They combine history, style and versatility in a single piece of jewellery. Whether delicate or bold, gold or silver, simple or embellished: hoops suit every look and every occasion. DIY variations with beads, charms or crystals let you get creative and turn them into personal one-of-a-kind pieces.

The 90s trend shows: hoops never go out of style. Every fashion lover should have at least one pair in their jewellery box—better yet, several to style different looks. Paired with ear cuffs or studs, they create modern layered looks that feel timeless and still totally on-trend in 2026.

Hoops are jewellery pieces—but at the same time, they’re a statement, a classic, and an accessory that will probably stay in style forever.