How to Wear Rings: A Men's Guide
Few people today will bat an eye at a guy wearing a watch, a necklace or even an earring. So why is it that many guys still aren’t sure quite what to do with a ring? Even a wedding band can inspire some questions about how to wear rings for men who aren’t used to wearing rings at all.
To name a few: Why do you wear your wedding band on your ring finger — and is it OK for guys to wear rings on other fingers, too? What kinds of rings will look best on your hands? How do you coordinate your rings with any other jewelry you might be wearing?
The best rule of all is not to overthink it! Rings (wedding and otherwise) can and do look downright awesome on men, and getting them there is mostly just a matter of following some simple pointers. To get started, let’s talk about one type of ring you will find on tons of guys’ fingers: a men’s wedding band!
Choosing a Wedding Band
A wedding band is the ring that both partners begin wearing when they’ve officially tied the knot. The wedding band is almost always simpler than an engagement ring, usually just a single shank without stones or prongs, although many do have inlays. Most men and women wear their wedding bands daily (although some choose alternative options if rings are a safety hazard at their job).
Some couples choose the traditional option of matching wedding bands. For others, each partner picks their own band design. Whichever way you’re going, your wedding rings should express the things that mean the most to you and your partner while still maintaining a style that looks good on both of you. Find rings that fulfill these qualities, and you’ll always be able to rock your wedding band with confidence and aplomb.
Browse Our Collection of His and Her Wedding Rings
Wedding Bands: Should You Go for the Gold?
You might be used to seeing guys of your dad’s or grandpa’s generation with the traditional gold wedding band. If you love this classic look, you’ll be happy to know that it’s very much still around! Plenty of men rock the plain gold wedding band, and it looks just as suave and timeless as it always has. Silver and rose gold wedding bands for men are also popular for guys who want a slight twist on the traditional.
However, guys who want a more distinctive look also have many options for finding a wedding band that fits their lifestyle and expresses their deepest commitments and values. Let’s check out three of the top options:
1. Tungsten Rings
Tungsten carbide has quickly become one of the most in-demand men’s wedding ring materials of the 21st century. It’s not hard to see why: Tungsten is an incredibly tough and solid metal that’s highly resistant to scratches and dents.
Once more, tungsten carbide offers an aesthetic that’s just right for a lot of guys. With its heavier weight and its sleek gray or black appearance, tungsten carbide brings the vital, masculine energy that many men are looking for in a wedding band. Tungsten is a popular alternative if a normal gold band doesn’t fit your vibe.
Another great aspect of tungsten rings is just how many design possibilities they offer. Modern Gents’ selection of tungsten rings includes an amazing array of inlays and finishes, including everything from bourbon barrel wood to real meteorite shavings. There’s practically no limit to your self-expression when you choose a tungsten ring — perfect for a relationship that allows (and encourages) you to be your real self.
Shop Our Coolest Tungsten Ring Designs
2. Titanium Rings
Titanium is another non-traditional wedding ring material that’s recently exploded in popularity. It’s a high-tech metal with some very cool properties: Exceptional hardness and durability that help it resist scratches and dents, combined with an amazingly light weight. A titanium ring won’t weigh your finger down the way a tungsten ring will, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter ring that’s still super tough.
Although titanium ring designs tend to be simpler than tungsten rings, you’ll still have plenty of cool options. Modern Gents offers titanium rings in popular finishes like silver, gold and rose gold. That also makes them ideal for guys who want a ring with a traditional look but more durability than the standard gold or silver wedding band.
Featured: The Valyrian and The Dragon Glass
3. Damascus Steel, Carbon Fiber and More
What if you’re looking for a wedding band that truly breaks the mold? Modern Gents is proud to offer some of the most cutting-edge rings in men’s jewelry, suitable for wedding bands and fashion rings.
The Valyrian incorporates the rippling beauty of Damascus steel for a look unlike anything else, and The Stealth brings the futuristic technology of carbon fiber right to your finger. Our inlay rings are also ideal for any guy who wants something a little different — and we’re always adding new models!
Why Do Guys Wear Their Wedding Band on Their Ring Fingers?
In most Western cultures, the fourth finger of the left hand is the traditional place for both men’s and women’s wedding rings. (That’s why it’s known as the ring finger!) The original reason is an old-school myth about the human body that’s stuck around for centuries: The fourth finger contains a vein, known as the vena amoris, that runs straight from the fingertip to the heart.
Today, we know that all five fingers actually have veins, which by definition, connect to the heart. In any case, few people remember the myth of the vena amoris anyway. The real reason the ring finger is so popular is that it’s become a common symbol that most everybody in Western culture understands! A band-style ring on the fourth finger of your left hand will lead most people to assume that you’re married. If you are married, that’s probably what you want, but it can give people the wrong idea if you’re actually single.
However, even married guys don’t always wear their wedding ring on the traditional finger! For one thing, some cultures typically use a different finger for a wedding ring, such as the right-hand ring finger or even the index finger. Beyond that, some couples just enjoy wearing their wedding rings in non-traditional styles.
What Are the Meanings of Different Fingers for Your Rings?
If you’re thinking of wearing rings on other fingers, our guide to ring symbolism will give you a deep dive into what every finger means. Here’s a quick summary of what the different fingers can mean:
- Pinky Finger: For guys who like to wear fashion rings, the pinky finger has long been the standard place to put them. Some organizations with rings that signify membership also choose to use the pinky. It’s the standard choice for an Order of the Engineer ring, for example. Generally speaking, however, the pinky is a great spot for any ring, whether or not it has special significance.
- Ring Finger: In addition to the left-hand ring finger being the traditional finger for a wedding band in the U.S. and Canada, the ring finger of either hand is a standard place for any ring with great personal meaning. Many guys wear their class ring, fraternity ring or organization ring (such as a Shriner or Masonic ring) on the ring finger. That said, there’s definitely no reason you can’t rock a fashion ring on the ring finger!
- Middle Finger: The middle finger also has no particular significance, so it’s a versatile place to put your favorite rings. Larger rings often look good on the middle finger since it’s bigger than other fingers. However, it’s worth noting that a ring on your middle finger can rub uncomfortably against your other fingers, especially if you’re wearing rings on those fingers.
- Index Finger: An index finger ring projects power, prestige and confidence, so most guys save this finger for a big, bold ring. It’s a great place for a signet ring or a larger fashion ring. Note that some guys find index finger rings inconvenient because the index finger is one of the most commonly used in daily life, so a ring can weigh it down sometimes or make it harder to do some activities.
- Thumb: Your thumb is a distinctive and somewhat unusual place to rock a ring, so you’ll definitely want to go big with this one! You’ll also literally want to go big, size-wise, since the thumb is often a good bit wider than your other fingers. Like the index finger, the thumb can be inconvenient for guys who work with their hands.
How to Wear Rings for Men: Five Key Rules
If you’re looking for hard-and-fast rules about how to wear rings for men, the truth is that there really aren’t any — aside from one important safety tip, which we’ll cover first. Beyond that, however, there are definitely some basic pointers any guy can use to make sure he looks good when rocking one or more rings, so let’s explore what you need to know!
1. Safety first: Consider a silicone ring if your job involves working with your hands.
Many guys don’t wear metal rings while they’re working (or working out) because of the risk of a ring avulsion injury. Instead, it’s common for guys to swap in a silicone wedding band to show their commitment while keeping their hands safe. Thanks to the soft and pliable nature of silicone rings, they’ll simply break if they become caught on machinery, tools or gym equipment. That, of course, is exactly what you want — better the ring than your finger!
Naturally, you also want a ring that looks good on you, so check out Modern Gents’ lineup of silicone rings. We’ve got tons of cool style and color options to suit any guy’s style, including classic black and military green.
2. Start out with something simple.
Confidence is key when wearing rings as a man, and the best way to build confidence is to take it one step at a time. If you’re only used to wearing a wedding ring — or no ring at all — it’s a good idea to ease yourself into it with a ring that brings a vibe of chic simplicity. Try something you can rock on your pinky finger for an instant splash of style that won’t overdo it.
3. Consider the size of your fingers when choosing rings.
Generally, bigger rings are the best look for guys with bigger hands, and vice versa. It’s also worth paying attention to the size differences between your fingers, as (for example) a ring that fits your middle finger may be too big for your pinky. That’s why it’s important to think about which finger you’re most likely to wear the ring on before you decide on which size to order.
4. Choose a ring that matches your watch.
A great ring and watch combo can be just what a guy needs for a little extra swagger. The first rule of pulling off this combo is to carefully consider the colors of your watch and ring. They don’t have to match perfectly — but the closer you can get, the more your outfit will benefit! If they’re not the same color, they should at least feature colors that work well together, like a black ring paired with a gold watch.
5. Pick a ring that expresses something meaningful to you.
Obviously, it’s perfectly OK to choose a ring purely because it looks cool! On the other hand, lots of guys find that they can rock a ring more confidently when it expresses something of great personal value to them. Modern Gents is all about self-expression, so we’ve created rings to appeal to every kind of guy, including:
Browse All of Our Men's Wedding Ring Designs
Modern Gents is the perfect place to shop for men’s wedding bands, fashion rings and more! Check out our full selection of men’s rings — ethically sourced, affordably priced and always made with the highest quality materials.