In Ridley Scott’s mega-action-blockbuster Gladiator II, out in theaters now, Denzel Washington is perfectly cast as the scene-stealing Macrinus—an antagonist character who (no spoiler) is driven by a pursuit of power and ambition. As he weaves his web of deception and backstabbing, I simply could not take my eyes off one element of his ornate outfits, all of which were costume designed by Janty Yates and David Crossman: his sexy little dangly earrings. His small golden hoops hang off his lobes discreetly, yet undeniably catch the eye (and light), giving him a regal and powerful feel, no matter which room he’s in. It got me thinking more about the mearring (that’s man earring, a term coined by my boss Chloe Malle): How can it be so subtle, yet so impactful?
It takes a certain man—a confident one for sure—to pull off a dangly little earring. (Though it does help if you are Denzel friggen Washington.) Over the years, the accessory has been embraced by heartthrobs (George Michael’s famous cross earring, anyone?), but has also simultaneously gotten a bad rap for being a piece mostly worn by sleazy players or bad guys. “The sluttiest thing a man can do is wear a dangly earring,” wrote one X user recently of the piece; “Will never take a man who wears a dangly earring seriously,” wrote another X user. If the dangly earring has become a signifier for the type of men who wears them, then it is largely—according to the internet—an accessory that should be avoided at all costs, like the plague; a scarlet letter, a red flag!
As a passionate earring-wearer, I fear this is an unfair judgment to make. To add fuel to the fire, there’s also the gayness of it all. Not literally, but the historical association of the single little earring. In the 1970s, it became common for gay men to wear an earring on their right ear as a means to signify their sexuality—a way to find romantic partners on the down-low. Since then, many have (wrongfully) suggested that the single dangly earring, regardless of what ear it’s on, is still an accessory only sported by queer men—though prominent, straight earring enthusiasts like Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. have all proven that theory wrong. Even so, dangly jewels continue to be viewed as a bad thing. Why is there such negative energy being hurled towards such an itty-bitty piece?
To me, the mearring is all being taken far too seriously. Like a great timepiece or a necklace, a dangly little earring can be tasteful, and add a sense of dressiness to an otherwise reserved look. We have seen red carpet stars like Lil Nas X, Paul Mescal, and Harry Styles all understand the polish of it, styling earrings with classic suits and tuxedos. (Styles essentially broke the internet at the 2019 Met Gala, wearing Gucci and a teardrop pearl earring.) The accessory defies traditional menswear codes in a way that is extremely minuscule; it adds just the right amount of modernity and visual interest without making the bold statement of a giant brooch or makeup look.
When men wear the tiny dangly earring, it is also hot because they know it’s slightly polarizing; a sense of self-confidence comes with wearing it, despite the connotations. Lest we forget that that dangly earrings were once donned by royalty, as a means to exude their wealth? Wearing one in 2024 is not dissimilar to that spirit. To sport one says, Notice me. Judge me! I do not care if you think I’m a man-slut. But we must truly get over that association, because it is—at the end of day—just a piece of jewelry. If everyone from Odell Beckham Jr. to Jackson Wang can proudly sport one, perhaps they are not as sleazy as one may think. And like it or not, it is becoming an increasingly mainstream styling choice. There is something about seeing a legend like Denzel rock a little dangly earring on the big screen that solidifies it as a mens accessory with staying power. To which I say: More, please!
Below, more men in sexy little dangly earrings. (Enjoy.)
