Hoops 101: Your Style Guide to Gold Hoops, Huggies & Stacking Like a Pro | GLDN

Gold hoops: the icon, the legend, the wardrobe essential. They’ve been serving looks since forever, and they’re not going anywhere. Whether you're a first-time stacker or already juggling multiple piercings like a pro, there's always room (and a reason) to add more hoops.
This guide is your go-to for hoop sizes, styling tips, stacking secrets, and our fave picks—from bold gold hoops to huggie heroes and cartilage cuties. And we’ll let you in on the best-kept secret: all our earring charms fit on our hoops. Game. Changed.
Looking for gold hoops, huggie hoops, or cartilage hoop earrings? You’re exactly where you need to be.
Huggie hoops: small but mighty
Tiny? Yes. Impactful? Absolutely. Huggie hoops hug the ear just right and bring the perfect amount of shine to cartilage piercings or multi-pierced stacks. They’re the unsung heroes of everyday style—compact, classic, and wildly stackable.
Style tip: Stack a few huggies together or pair a gemstone huggie with a plain one for that “effortlessly curated” look. Want to stir things up? Pop a charm on just one ear.
Our huggie hoop faves:
Before you build your dream ear stack, you’ll want to know what size hoop works best for your vibe (and your lobe). Not all hoops are created equal—some hug close for a barely-there glimmer, others make a statement from across the room. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we’ve broken it down so you’ll know exactly what you’re working with, no guesswork required.
Hoop sizes explained: your quick guide to getting it right
Now that you're dreaming up your ultimate hoop stack, let’s talk sizing. Because when it comes to hoops, one size definitely does not fit all. From tiny huggies that hug your lobe just right to large hoops that turn heads across the room, finding the right hoop size is key to achieving that curated, balanced look. No more guessing or returning earrings that looked way smaller (or bigger) online—this is your cheat sheet for hoop sizing confidence.
- Huggie hoops (6–9mm): Snug and subtle. Ideal for stacking or cartilage.
- Small hoops (10–19mm): Everyday ease with a little edge.
- Medium hoops (20–39mm): Balanced and bold, aka your new go-to.
- Large hoops (40mm+): Drama, but make it chic. These are your statement-makers.
Hoop styles: everyday, gemstone, and sparkle
Let’s break it down by mood, because your ears deserve a vibe check.
Maybe you're heading into a work meeting and want something clean and classic, or maybe it's date night and you’re feeling a little flirty and sparkly. The point is, hoops can do it all, and then some.
Want to play it safe with a polished finish? Go for it. Feeling extra? Throw in a charm or two. No wrong answers here, just lots of fun ways to switch things up.
How to style a hoop stack
Think of your ear as a blank canvas—each hoop you add is a brushstroke that brings your personal masterpiece to life. Whether you're going for a polished, pulled-together look or something a little more playful, building the perfect stack is all about mixing, matching, and having fun. Here are some fab options to choose from:
- Anchor your look: Start with a statement hoop in your first piercing.
- Add variety: Mix smooth and textured finishes.
- Layer the sizes: Large, small, huggie—it’s a party.
- Pop in a charm: Keep it cute and personalized.
- Try asymmetry: Not everything has to match to make sense.
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Finish strong: A cartilage hoop ties it all together.
Need some inspiration? Our Hoops Collection is full of styling options, so you can create a look that feels uniquely you.
Charms: tiny additions, major upgrades
Want to switch things up without committing to a whole new earring? Meet the charm. Any GLDN hoop becomes a brand-new look with just one swap.
Top picks to make your hoops extra:
Pro tip: Try different charms on each ear for an effortlessly cool, mismatched vibe.
Cartilage hoops: the unsung hero
If you’re not giving your cartilage the love it deserves, you’re missing out. Cartilage hoop earrings add dimension and edge to your stack, and yes, they’re just as comfy as your go-to loungewear.
Favorites for cartilage:
Hot tip: Most huggies can double as cartilage hoops. Secure, sparkly, and oh-so-snug.
Gold vs. silver: don’t pick sides
Gold hoops = warmth and timeless vibes. Silver hoops = cool and modern. Want the best of both worlds? Layer them together for contrast and texture. It’s one of our favorite ways to make a stack feel fresh and unexpected.
It’s all about balance
At the end of the day, the best hoop stack is the one that feels like you. Go bold or stay barely-there—either way, a well-built stack should feel intentional, balanced, and just a little unexpected. Think of it as jewelry with main character energy: curated, effortless, and totally personal.
Ready to build your dream ear stack? Explore our full Hoops Collection and start stacking!
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