When it comes to Y2K fashion trends, we're all ears. Interest in ‘how to wear an ear cuff’ is booming, with jewellers reporting a record number of sales – proof that this jewellery piece is not only cool again, but it's back for summer 2026. I'm proof of that, as I've lost track of the number of people who have stopped me on the bus recently, not to admire my stack of mini hoops, but to ask me where they can purchase the gold ear cuff that's fanning out from behind my hair.
Ear cuffs essentially wrap around the outer edge of the ear cartilage, giving the illusion of one or more piercings. Better still, they're a humble brag for commitment phobes as they don't involve a piercing. The trend started to bubble away last year when Cate Blanchett, Kristen Bell and Angelina Jolie all wore ear cuffs to the Golden Globes. Then Pamela Anderson's fresh bob went viral at the 2025 Met Gala, showcasing a custom Pandora ear cuff featuring lab-grown diamonds, and Fendi and Schiaparelli both sent models down the SS26 catwalk with artful creations wrapped around their lobes.
As jewellery shifts towards self-expression and individuality, the curated ear has become the new signature, and cuffs offer an effortless way to achieve it,” says Marisa Hordern, founder and creative director of Missoma.
We're also in an age where a polygamous approach to fashion aesthetics and the spirit of experimentation rule. Ear cuffs fit neatly into that vibe. "They deliver impact without commitment, giving the illusion of a fully styled ear – no piercing required," says Marisa. "At the same time, fashion is leaning into sculptural, textural pieces that feel considered rather than overworked. Ear cuffs capture that perfectly: modern, versatile, and instinctively chic. They’re the finishing touch that pulls everything together - the kind of piece that feels both intentional and entirely undone.”
Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, the designers behind jewellery brand Otiumberg and my own Wave cuff, note that ear cuffs are their fastest-growing category with sales this year up 134% compared to 2025.
"That kind of growth really reflects a shift in how people want to wear jewellery today,” they say. “Ear cuffs enhance any outfit in a way that’s playful yet subtle. You can wear one for a minimal look or layer several, and our cuff sets have become especially loved for that reason. They’re also incredibly multi-generational. We see women of all ages drawn to them, which speaks to their versatility. And from a gifting perspective, they’re ideal – that ‘one size fits all’ quality makes them an easy but thoughtful piece that instantly elevates a look.”
So while nostalgia for the late ‘90s and early noughties is dominating the current cultural zeitgeist, the ear cuffs of today are more refined. “They’re considered, they’re bold, but in a quieter, more sophisticated way than Y2K trends,” say Christie and Rosanna. “The playfulness is still there, but it’s expressed through proportion, subtle detailing, and how pieces can be layered or styled individually. It’s less about trend-driven designs and making a loud statement. It's more about building a look, something personal, modern, and timeless that you can return to every day.”
How do you put on ear cuffs?
The beauty of ear cuffs is that you can clip them onto different parts of your ear, from the helix (the outer ring at the top of the ear) to midway down the ear, the conch (the inner bowl) and over the lobe.
First, identify where you'd like to wear your ear cuff. “Applying an ear cuff should feel instinctive, not technical,” says Marisa. “Slide it onto the thinnest part of your ear - usually the upper cartilage - then gently move it into place. Whether worn high for a more directional look or lower for everyday ease, it should sit snugly but never tight. If you notice it, it’s too much; if you forget it’s there, it’s just right.”
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How do you remove ear cuffs?
Removing an ear cuff is just as straightforward as putting it on, notes Marisa. “Taking it off is simply the reverse, done with a lighter touch,” she says. Hold the ear cuff between your thumb and forefinger - then “guide it back to the thinnest part of the ear and ease it away - no pulling, no force.” This avoids any discomfort and ensures you don't bend the piece.
How to wear an ear cuff
The beauty of ear cuffs is that they can be worn alone, alongside other earrings or stacked in order of size or texture.
Original article appeared on GLAMOUR UK
