Men and earrings: why one ear?

The meaning of men wearing earrings in one ear

Tribe and tradition. Fashion and function. Ask a man why he wears an earring in his left ear, and you'll probably get as many different answers as there are men with ear piercings . In some cultures, it marked a rite of passage into adulthood. In other times, it was believed to ward off evil spirits or promote healing. These days, some men simply think it looks cool.

The origin of the single earring trend

The history of the single earring stretches back through various cultures. In ancient Greece, for example, soldiers often pierced their left ear to demonstrate their courage in battle. In Rome, on the other hand, it was customary for pirates and slaves to wear an earring as a sign of their status.

In certain Native American cultures, only married men were allowed to wear pierced earrings . In some cases, the number of piercings represented the number of children the man had fathered. In others, it was seen as a way to ward off evil spirits.

The meaning of men wearing earrings today

Of course, not all men who wear earrings think of ancient history or cultural tradition. In fact, for many men, the single earring is simply a fashion statement.

There was a time when an earring in the left ear was considered somewhat rebellious or even dangerous, but that's no longer the case. These days, more and more celebrities and ordinary men are sporting this look. As a result, it's become more mainstream and less taboo.


What does it mean when a man wears only one earring? It could mean anything from declaring his marital status to demonstrating his courage in battle. Or, more likely, because he thinks it looks cool. Whatever the reason, there's no denying that men's earrings are a keeper.