A Full Guide on the Types of Men's Wedding Bands: Styles, Materials and More

Men’s Wedding Band Materials

There are tons of options on the market now, even some really off-the-wall ones. We’re gonna go over all the ones you’re likely to see and consider. The classics haven’t gone anywhere, but there are certainly a lot more options to choose from.

Gold

The classics never go out of style, even if they dip in popularity. Vinyl came back, the Rolling Stones refuse to stop touring and somehow low-rise jeans are back in style. The last of that list confuses us to no end, but so be it. Point being, gold will always look good so you never need to worry. It’s a softer metal and can be damaged more easily, but those willing to keep it in top form will have a friend for life.

Silver

Second on this list but first in many men’s hearts. Just like gold, silver is a long-standing fan favorite, and it’s a sure bet it’ll stay that way for years to come. If you want something classic but don’t have a strong preference for color, silver is more durable than gold and has all the long-term appeal. Give a wash here and there and you’re good.

Titanium

Titanium is really having its day in the sun lately. Strong, sleek and lightweight, it’s got a ton of pros going for it. The only downside is that it’s next to impossible to resize. As long as you choose the right size, though, this isn’t an issue. Titanium doesn’t shine the same way other metals do, so it’s perfect for guys wanting a more subdued look.

Tungsten

Tungsten has a lot of similar appeal to titanium. It’s a sleek silver-like metal that’s crazy durable, so you don’t have to worry about it in your day-to-day. Like titanium, though, it’s difficult to resize. Tungsten does have a fun characteristic not shared by titanium though: its shine. Unlike titanium, tungsten can get a great luster on it. For grooms who like a little more heft in their ring, tungsten is heavier than titanium.

Silicone

Whether it’s your daily driver or you just wear it to work, a silicone ring deserves a spot on every guy’s hand. Really leaning heavy on the car metaphors here. Regardless, silicone is comfortable, hypoallergenic and incredibly affordable. 

Silicone rings for men have really surged in popularity over recent years. Unlike other rings, silicone bands can break when necessary, making them safe to wear while doing physical labor or working out. Anyone working a demanding job can wear them easily, and they’re especially popular in medical care and the trades.

Wood

This is a bit of a newcomer in some ways. Technically, wood rings have been around forever, but they’ve seen a real resurgence over the last several years. Probably thanks to all those insufferable boho Instagram influencers, but hey, we’re not complaining. Wood rings, in fairness, are super cool and can come with unique inlays to add even more character.

Cobalt Chrome

Cobalt combines some great characteristics of other materials into one. It’s affordable, durable, lightweight and gets a killer shine on it. Its durability makes resizing difficult, so measure twice and buy once. Still, cobalt makes a strong case for the best modern wedding band material a dude can have. Seriously, it feels like cobalt does everything well.

Carbon Fiber

Lots of us wanted to be race car drivers when we were little. Some of us wanted to be a race car when we grew up, but science just isn’t there yet, unfortunately. The next best thing, unless you’re already a race car driver, is wearing a carbon fiber ring. This super durable material has a complex and unique pattern on it, making everything you do just feel cooler. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic so win-win.

Men’s Wedding Band Styles

There’s more than one style of men’s wedding band? Yup! In fact, there are four popular choices that make up most men’s wedding band sales. Women’s wedding bands are known for lots of options, but guys actually have a few styles to pick from as well.

Comfort Fit

Also known as a traditional court or full court, this is the one a lot of dudes are going to be choosing because, well, it’s comfortable. It’s rounded on both the inside and the outside, meaning it fits your finger nicely and maintains a sleek exterior as well. It’s likely the one that your dad wears along with every dude born before the ‘80s, and most of them born afterward. Hey, if it ain’t broke.

Dome Band

If your dad doesn’t have the traditional court, he’s probably got a dome band. This one is nearly as popular as the comfort fit style of traditional court bands. The exterior is exactly like it sounds: dome-shaped. Because of that, this style is sometimes called a D-shaped band, after the shape of the ring. The exterior is domed, but the inside is flat. You’ll sometimes see this called a low court band instead.

Flat Band

It doesn’t get much more self-explanatory than this one. The ring is flat on the outside and flat on the inside. That’s really all there is to it. Some dudes find this style more comfortable and/or more aesthetically pleasing, and some dudes prefer a little rounder style. Try one of these out when you’re ring shopping and get a feel for it. It’s not nearly as popular, but some guys really enjoy the style.

Flat Court

Last but not least, this one is basically the opposite of the dome. The interior of this one is rounded, while the exterior is flattened — instead of the dome band, which is the other way around. If you like the look of the flat band but don’t really enjoy how it feels on your finger, give this one a shot.

How to Choose a Wedding Band

Budget

We started with a budget for a reason. Weddings can be wildly expensive, and it’s easy to get caught up in a rush of emotions and spend $2,000 on a ring. If you have $2,000 to spare, have at it. If you don’t, there’s no reason you have to spend that kind of money. The average cost of a men’s wedding ring is around $600, though the general range is anywhere from $100 to $2,000. At Manly Bands, we’ve got a range of price options, but we have tons of popular styles for half what the average guy pays elsewhere. Whatever you do, don’t go into wedding debt.

Comfort

The style of your ring, which we went over earlier, is going to be a deciding factor here, though not the only one. You’ll find some materials more comfortable than others as well, with weight being a major factor in that. Some dudes love the hefty feel of a tungsten ring, while others like something a little lighter, like sterling silver.

Color

This is almost entirely determined by the material, but there are a few variables in that. Gold, for example, has several options. While many dudes like the traditional yellow gold, there’s also rose gold and white gold. Consider what colors look good with your skin tone before you go too deep down the shopping rabbit hole.

Width

This is another big one for both comfort and aesthetics. Like watches and wrist size, you want to consider ring width and finger size. If you have skinny fingers, a wide ring is going to look like you have something to prove. Conversely, a slim ring and large fingers is going to look like your wedding band shrunk in the dryer.

There are some options out there, but most dudes are going to be fine in the range of 6 to 8mm. If you have average-sized hands, that range is where you want to be. Narrow bands go all the way down to 2mm — so piano players out there, you’re covered. Wide bands usually go up to about 10mm, so assuming you aren’t Hafthor, you won’t need to go custom. If you are, hit us up when you want a wedding band refresh.

Conclusion

Really, those are all the basics. If you find a material you like, a style that feels comfortable and it fits your budget, you’re good to go. Now, armed with all this knowledge, you’re ready to crush the wedding band buying experience. If you need anything else, you know where to find us.

Image Credits

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