May 28, 2024

The Manly Wedding Band Style Guide

Wedding Tips

As you start your search for the perfect mens wedding band, you’re going to come across thousands of options for your band. From classic gold to modern black to mixed metal bands, there is something for every style these days. 

But if you’re like most guys, you’re not exactly sure what all the different buzzwords mean for your unique style and vibe. Like, what the heck does a beveled edge mean?

Don’t worry, my dude. We’ve got you covered with our Manly Wedding Band Style Guide. Inside, we’re breaking down the style essentials for mens wedding bands and offering up curated styling suggestions so you can find the perfect ring to complement your badass style.

The Style Essentials: Materials, Width, Shape, and Finish

If you do a quick Google search for “men's ring styles,” you’ll find roughly 29 million articles about the different types of rings for men. With so many different styles and designs, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of options. So, to keep things simple, here are the four style categories that you should be thinking about: 

  • Material: what do you want your ring made out of? 

  • Width: how large do you want your ring to appear and feel on your finger?

  • Shape: what ring profile do you prefer, classic or edgy?

  • Finish: do you want a shiny ring or a more subtle look?

Material

When finding the perfect wedding band style, browsing different ring materials is a great place to start. Not only does the ring material affect your style points, but it also plays a big role in how durable and comfortable it feels on your finger. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ring materials on the market today. Want more info about specific ring materials? Get our comprehensive materials guide here

Precious Metals

Precious metals have dominated the mens wedding band game for centuries, and for good reason. Their sleek shine and timeless appeal make them the obvious choice for any man who wants a classic ring style that pairs well with both casual and formal attire.

Pros

Durable

✅ Resizing options

✅ Versatile

Cons

❌ Cost

❌ Not scratch-resistant

❌ Not hypoallergenic 

Alternative Metals

Gone are the days when traditional gold rings were the only option for mens wedding bands. Alternative metals like titanium and black zirconium have become the go-to choice for the modern man who wants a bold yet budget-friendly style for their wedding.

Pros

✅ Affordable

✅ Durable

✅ Hypoallergenic

Cons

❌ Difficult to resize

❌ Less ‘shiny’ than gold or platinum

❌ Not all are shatter or scratch proof*

*Black zirconium rings are not scratch-proof. Similarly, tungsten rings can crack or shatter when dropped on hard surfaces like tile floors. 

Specialty Materials

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind ring that fits your style, values, and budget, consider a wedding band made with specialty materials like wood or silicone. Whether you’re looking for sustainability-sourced materials, unique design options, or an itch-free ring experience, this category has you covered.

Pros

Affordable

✅ Hypoallergenic

✅ Eco-friendly

Cons

❌ Cannot be resized

❌ Require regular maintenance*

❌ Vulnerable to wear and tear

*Wood and antler rings require maintenance and care to prevent drying or cracking.  

Unique and Rare Materials

Your ring isn’t just a symbol of your love and commitment. It’s also a reflection of your badass tastes and interests. If you’re bored of the classic single-tone band options, look no further. We have hundreds of rings made with unique and rare materials like Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrels, Fender guitar strings, WWII tanks, and even authentic dinosaur bones. We promise you’ll find a style in this category that’s as unique as you.

Pros

Pairs well with metals and materials

✅ Unique

✅ Tells a story

Cons

❌ Cost

❌ Not suitable for all styles

❌ Only available as an inlay option

As you start your search for the perfect mens wedding band, you’re going to come across thousands of options for your band. From classic gold to modern black to mixed metal bands, there is something for every style these days. 

But if you’re like most guys, you’re not exactly sure what all the different buzzwords mean for your unique style and vibe. Like, what the heck does a beveled edge mean?

Don’t worry, my dude. We’ve got you covered with our Manly Wedding Band Style Guide. Inside, we’re breaking down the style essentials for mens wedding bands and offering up curated styling suggestions so you can find the perfect ring to complement your badass style.

The Style Essentials: Materials, Width, Shape, and Finish

If you do a quick Google search for “men's ring styles,” you’ll find roughly 29 million articles about the different types of rings for men. With so many different styles and designs, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of options. So, to keep things simple, here are the four style categories that you should be thinking about: 

  • Material: what do you want your ring made out of? 

  • Width: how large do you want your ring to appear and feel on your finger?

  • Shape: what ring profile do you prefer, classic or edgy?

  • Finish: do you want a shiny ring or a more subtle look?

Material

When finding the perfect wedding band style, browsing different ring materials is a great place to start. Not only does the ring material affect your style points, but it also plays a big role in how durable and comfortable it feels on your finger. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ring materials on the market today. Want more info about specific ring materials? Get our comprehensive materials guide here

Precious Metals

Precious metals have dominated the mens wedding band game for centuries, and for good reason. Their sleek shine and timeless appeal make them the obvious choice for any man who wants a classic ring style that pairs well with both casual and formal attire.

Shape

Characteristics

Example

Domed

  • Smooth, curved outer surface
  • Rounded profile 
  • Known as the ‘comfort fit’ 
  • Classic appearance
  • Most popular ring shape

Flat

  • Flat outer surface
  • Sleek and sharp profile
  • Standard fit 
  • Contemporary look 
  • Ideal for inlays and engravings

Beveled Edge

  • Flat top with 45-degree edges angling down from the surface
  • Transitional profile
  • Modern, stylish appearance
  • Enhanced comfort (compared to ‘flat’ shapes)

Stepped Edge

  • Flat top with tiered single ‘steps’ along the perimeter
  • Angular profile 
  • Multidimensional design 
  • A statement piece 

Rounded Edge

  • Flat top with rounded edges along the perimeter
  • Balanced profile 
  • Bold, eye-catching aesthetic 
  • Enhanced comfort (compared to ‘flat’ shapes)

Finish

Characteristics

Example

Satin

  • Soft, matte appearance
  • Smooth texture 
  • Reduced reflectivity 
  • Hides minor wear and tear
  • Popular, versatile option 

Polished

  • Classic, shiny appearance 
  • Smooth texture 
  • Reflective surface
  • Luxurious look and feel
  • Most common finish option

Distressed

  • Weathered appearance
  • Raw surface finish
  • Unique 
  • Subtle shine
  • Popular choice for more casual, laid-back styles

Hammered

  • Contoured, ‘hammered’ appearance 
  • Textured surface finish
  • Hand-crafted aesthetic 
  • Enhanced reflective highlights
  • Eye-catching choice 

Finish

The finish of a ring refers to the surface treatment applied to the metal, which dictates its texture, shine, and overall appearance. This ‘finishing touch,’ if you will, helps shape the ring's design and style, influencing its aesthetic appeal, durability, and maintenance requirements. Whether you’re looking for a more polished, 9-5 vibe or a rugged, distressed look, we’ve got a variety of ring finish options to fit your unique style. 

Keep in mind you can only select one of the ring finishes below on certain ring metals and styles. Many Manly Band rings have pre-determined ring finishes.

The Style Profile Match

At Manly Bands, we know that every man is different and no ring is one-size-fits-all_. Hence, our nearly_ endless inventory of unique mens wedding bands. We also know that not every man has their style game on lock. So, to help demystify your ring search even more, we’ve curated a series of Manly style profiles to help you find a ring that complements your unique and mostly awesome style (just kidding, those Crocs look great on you!) 

In this next section, we’ll explore five distinct style profiles to help you visualize the characteristics, preferences, and ring options that pair perfectly with different Manly lifestyles.

#1 - The Classic Gent

Timeless, refined, elegant

The Classic Gent epitomizes timeless style and sophistication. He embraces tradition over trends, with a set of staple pieces in his wardrobe that will last a lifetime. When it comes time to shop, he values quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. His style is refined and tailored but easily adapted for a few drinks at the bar after work. 

Ring Inspiration: 

If the ‘Classic Gent’ style profile fits your vibe, opt for a ring that complements your sophisticated style without overwhelming it. Choose something powerful enough to hold court in a boardroom but not too flashy to draw attention away from your professional prowess. Classic designs like The Gentleman and The CEO are perfect for discerning gentlemen like yourself. 

Manly Bands Customer wearing The CEO

Manly Bands Customer Gregory wearing The Thompson

#2 - The Modern Man

Confident, stylish, edgy

The Modern Man is a trailblazer who embraces innovation and contemporary style. He’s adaptable and always looking for opportunities to try something new, whether that's fashion, new tech, or the latest Michelin Star restaurant. His wardrobe is a healthy mix of tailored essentials and eye-catching statement pieces, giving him a distinct and dynamic edge in every setting. 

Ring Inspiration: 

From sleek, cutting-edge styles like The Spy to diamond-adorned styles like The Zeus, virtually no ring is off the table for the Modern Man. If you’re a Modern Man looking for clean lines and unique finishes, materials like tungsten, titanium, and cobalt chrome are ideal for your wedding band. Alternatively, you might opt for unconventional materials like carbon fiber or black zirconium to make a bolder statement. 

Manly Bands Customer Zev wearing The Genius

Manly Bands Customer Zev wearing The Icon (similar in-stock style, The Luminary)

#3 - The Everyman

Functional, down-to-earth, approachable

The Everyman is practical, down-to-earth, and values comfort above all else. His style is effortless and versatile, designed to adapt to any situation easily. He appreciates quality and functionality in his fashion choices, opting for items that are built to last and serve a purpose in his everyday life. When it comes time to shop, he’s a get-in, get-out kind of guy who isn’t trying to spend a fortune to look cool. 

Ring Inspiration: 

An Everyman needs a ring that is durable, comfortable, and versatile. Classic styles like The Mentor and The Hero are great fits for their strength and simplicity. If you’re an Everyman who wants to color a little outside the lines, look through our titanium, tungsten, and cobalt chrome collections. Here, you’ll find a variety of solid metal rings with different inlay options to fit your subtle style and practical know-how. 

Manly Bands Customer Steve wearing The Peacekeeper

Manly Bands Customer Arlo wearing The Instigator

#4 - The Outdoorsman

Rugged, masculine, natural

The Outdoorsman is at home in nature, with his rugged spirit and drive for adventure. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and solve a problem on his own. Like the Everyman, he values practicality and functionality in his wardrobe choices, favoring clothing and accessories that can withstand the elements. While his everyday style may include a little grease here and there, he knows how to effortlessly clean up and transition to date night without missing a beat. 

Ring Inspiration: 

The Outdoorsman's ring should be durable enough to withstand his hardworking and adventurous lifestyle without sacrificing style. If you’re an Outdoorsman who loves to spend their weekends under the stars, consider one of our designs inspired by nature and outdoor adventures, like The Outdoorsman, The Hunter, or The Cowboy. If you’re an Outdoorsman who spends most of your day working with your hands, opt for durable materials like titanium, tungsten, and silicone

 

Manly Bands Customer Austin wearing

Manly Bands customer Grant wearing The Hunter

#5 - The Enthusiast

Unconventional, eclectic, creative

The Enthusiast is a connoisseur of unique and unconventional treasures. He is passionate about collecting one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to his eclectic tastes and interests. From vintage vinyl records to rare whiskey labels, his enthusiasm for cool sh*t knows no bounds. When it comes to his style, he’s an expert at balancing everyday pieces with clothing and accessories that tell a story and effortlessly reflect his unique personality and passions. 

Ring Inspiration: 

Oh boy, do we have the ring inspiration for The Enthusiast! From our official Lord of the Rings collection to our one-of-a-kind Gibeon meteorite rings like the Apollo, Manly Bands has something for every type of enthusiast. Don’t settle for boring. Instead, get a durable yet stylish wedding band that will no doubt be a conversation starter at your next backyard BBQ.  

Love history? Check out our Military Heritage Collection. Still obsessed with T-Rex (us, too!)? Browse our prehistoric wedding band collection. Want to showcase your Celtic heritage? We have rings for that, too. Whatever your passion is, we want to help you celebrate it in style. 

Manly Bands customer Dani wearing The Forged

Manly Bands customer wearing The Lawley

Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding Band Style

As you search for the perfect wedding band style, there are a few additional considerations to remember. Here’s a quick checklist of our top tips for finding a ring that suits your lifestyle, budget, and personality. 

☑️ Take your lifestyle into account

Consider how your daily activities, work life, and hobbies will affect the comfort and longevity of your wedding ring. If you’re frequently juggling chainsaws or wielding Manly power tools, opt for a ring made with a more durable material like tungsten. If you spend more time behind the computer, consider lightweight ring options like titanium and carbon fiber

☑️ Find the right size and fit

Getting the right size and fit for your wedding band is everything. It ensures your ring is comfortable to wear every day without slipping off unexpectedly or causing irritation. Before ordering your ring, measure your size and test different widths to ensure optimal comfort and fit. 

Don’t know your ring size? No problem! Click here to get one of our complimentary Manly Ring Sizers delivered straight to your door. 

☑️ Look into customization options

Not finding exactly what you want? Or maybe you have a special hand size that needs some extra love and attention? Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered with our Build Your Own Band (BYOB) collection. Choose from a variety of metals, materials, widths, finishes, and more to curate the perfect bespoke wedding band for your big day. 

☑️ Set a budget

We get it. The options for mens wedding bands can seem endless. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, start by setting a budget. Once you know your budget, you can filter out rings that aren’t quite in your price range and find the sweet spot for your browsing journey. 

☑️ Don't forget to have fun

Oh yeah, did we mention this is supposed to be fun?! You’re getting married to the love of your life, AND you’re getting to pick out one of the coolest, most significant pieces in your wardrobe. So have fun with it! Make a list of your favorites. Share them with your buddies or your partner over drinks. The more you have fun with it, the less stressful this process will feel. 

Want more IRL ring style inspiration? Check out our Instagram page and read reviews from over 500,000 happy Manly Bands customers here.