Guys—how you wear a ring can say a lot about you, and wearing several pieces will say even more. So if you like the look of multiple rings and want to make sure you do it correctly, this article’s gonna explain how you can pull off wearing rings on both hands.
Wearing rings on both hands can help balance your overall look and achieve the aesthetic that suits you. It’s just a matter of knowing how to do it. And that’s what we’re here to help you do!
So when it comes to your own personal situation, you may be thinking…
Can I Wear Rings on Both Hands?
Yes! Any guy can wear rings on both hands, regardless of your personal style.
It isn’t considered a fashion faux pas, and there are no unwritten rules about not wearing rings on both hands.
However, how you wear the rings will give off a certain impression. The key is to achieve balance and avoid looking lopsided.
While we’re focusing specifically on the two-hand approach, we go in depth on the importance of balance in our guide on how to wear multiple rings overall.
Here’s how to do this with easy actionable tips!
How Do I Wear Rings on Both Hands?
The first thing you need to do is choose your anchor piece. Your anchor piece is the one that draws the most attention, either visually or sentimentally.
- If you’re married, your wedding ring would be the most important ring on your hand, and therefore the anchor.
- If you aren’t married, it might be another piece that has sentimental value or even an affiliation, like a class ring.
- Otherwise, it could be the largest piece, or the only ring with a gem, or basically any characteristic that would make it the statement piece. There’s no right or wrong answer.
Once you’ve thoughtfully selected your anchor piece, you’ve got to think about placement. Obviously, a wedding ring would go on your left ring finger, but what about anything else?
Well, if it’s a class ring, as we point out in this article, it often will go on the ring finger of your right hand. The second most common option is the index finger.
If it’s a signet ring, you’ll likely wear it on the index finger or the pinky finger of your non-dominant hand. If you want to go this route, definitely check out our article all about signet rings and how to wear them!
Where to place any other kind of ring is up to you!
What A Ring On Each Finger Means
You don’t always have to go by these conventions, but when choosing a spot for your anchor, the tried-and-trues are good starting points.
We have in-depth guides on each of these, which we’ll link as well!
Thumb Ring
According to some interpretations, wearing a thumb ring indicates that a man is assertive and aggressive in life.
If you like to make a statement with your jewelry, a thumb ring is certainly one way to do that as it’s the widest finger.
Index Finger
A ring on the index finger also represents strength and assertiveness.
In the past, only noblemen and aristocrats were allowed to wear a ring here. Luckily, anyone can wear a ring on their index finger nowadays, even if you don’t have a family crest.
And since it’s the finger you point with, placing your anchor there is undeniably striking.
Pinky Ring
The pinky finger is the smallest of them all and is very decorative.
In the past, placing a ring on the pinky finger was a symbol of wealth and status, which is why it was a popular choice for Wall Streeters in the ‘80s (Gordon Gecko wears a pinky ring!).
Middle Finger
Wearing a ring on your middle finger represents balance and steadiness, which makes sense visually since it’s literally in the middle of your hand, making it an easy anchor to style around.
It also represents Saturn, which may be of significance to an astrology lover.
Wearing Multiple Rings Around the Anchor Ring
Now, the anchor ring depends on what’s important to you or your preference. But what about the other rings?
Here are two conventions that will make this easy and work for most men.
- The first general principle is to not have more than two or three rings on one hand.
- Then, on the other hand, achieve balance by wearing rings on non-corresponding fingers.
So, if you’re married, and you have a classic simple wedding ring, you can wear a chunkier band on your left hand’s middle finger, perhaps something with a gem or embossing, as contrast.
Then on your right hand, wear a pinky ring, since the pinky finger is bare on the left.
If you aren’t married, you can wear a signet on your left pinky, paired with a broad ring on your left index. Then on your right hand, you can wear your class ring on the ring finger, or a simple band on your middle finger—or both!
As you can see, it’s important to vary up the thicknesses as well.
There are definitely ways to mix gold and silver rings, but sticking to the same metals (especially on one hand) is the safest bet if you’re still feeling unsure.
Now if you want to mix materials, always temper brighter colors with more neutral ones. For example:
- If you have a jade band, pair it with a matte steel ring, instead of a bright yellow gold one.
- If you want to try out a black titanium piece, the other ring can be white gold, silver, or something in that family.
Mixing takes a bit more experience, which brings us to the next topic…
Experience Counts: Consider Your Comfort Level
At the end of the day, you won’t look good if you’re not comfortable with your accessories.
If You’re a Complete Newbie to Jewelry
Try one ring on each hand. Easy!
Or, before you start wearing rings when you’re out and about, try wearing them in the comfort of your home until you get used to the weight and feel of them.
As you get comfortable styling just two rings, you can add a third, then a fourth, and so on.
If You’re Used to Wearing One Ring
If you’ve been wearing one ring for quite some time, say a wedding ring, then you can take it to the next level by adding two more.
You can add one on the left, and another on the right, or put both of the extra rings on the right hand, again, on any finger but the ring finger.
Another piece of advice for experimenters is to start by sporting your curations in places you’re most comfortable.
For some, you may want to start with people you know and trust (like at a close friend’s house party) before moving on to public places. For others, it may very well be the opposite!
Remember, wearing multiple rings can be a great conversation starter. Make sure you’re ready for all that.
For the Experienced Jewelry Wearer
If you feel fully comfortable balancing size, finger usage, and metals, try a wedding ring, pinky ring, and index finger ring on your left hand, and two rings on the opposite hand.
If you’re not married, switch the left-right orientation, and replace the wedding with a class ring or another statement piece.
Another advanced ring-wearing move? Wearing rings on both hands while stacking rings, e.g. wearing multiple rings on one finger, and / or wearing rings above the second finger joint.
So, how does an experienced ring-wearer achieve the ring-on-every-finger look a la Johnny Depp? First of all, you must absolutely consider the context: where are you going, and why you want to wear rings a la Depp.
Are you a musician, and it’s for a gig? Great! Are you an accountant, and you’re trying to spruce up your office look? Don’t even think about it.
Again, context. It wouldn’t make sense in an office setting. It would make sense at a gig.
There’s an element of experimentation here, which can be really fun, but it’s still all about balance. Don’t crowd all the chunky rings on one hand, or keep the simple bands on the other.
If you’re considering trying the maximalist look, you’re likely not a newbie, but it goes without saying: Mix it up in a harmonious, not overly formulaic way. The point is to look free and effortless!
Balance is the Key When Wearing Rings On Both Hands
If we haven’t stressed it enough, you want both hands to be balanced in weight and material. That’s the key to ensuring you look sophisticated, not costumey.
Wearing rings on both hands is a stylish way men can use a basic piece of men’s jewelry like a ring to make a statement. Most importantly, rock your rings with confidence!
Are you considering wearing rings on both hands now? Let us know if you have any questions about rings or jewelry in general. You can always DM us on Instagram anytime!