If you’re the kind of guy who feels most like himself when his hands are covered in grease, paint, or work gloves, then you need to understand the importance of a durable wedding ring that can take the (literal and metaphorical) heat. Maybe you’re a plumber, a construction worker, or a mechanic. Maybe you’re an IT guy who kicks it in the network room around a bunch of electrical stuff every day. Whatever you are, if you don’t pick the right type of ring, you will find that it might get damaged––or worse, get in your way while you’re trying to get stuff done. Long story short, you need to take your occupation into account when you are picking out a wedding band. So, here are some things to think about.
Material Matters
One of the first things you’ll have to think about is the material. Believe it or not, not all metals are particularly durable. Depending on what you’re doing every day, there are certain materials that are going to be better than others. Here’s one surprising metal you want to avoid if you are consistently bangin’ your hands around: gold. It is a notoriously soft metal. For instance, if you work with pure gold (as in 24K gold) it can be easily scratched and could even bend if you’re not careful.
In the case of gold, pure isn’t always best. Manly Bands’ gold rings, like The Affluence, are made out of 14K gold. This means that the gold is mixed with other metal alloys to toughen it up, and that guys who like the classic gold look can enjoy it without worrying about it getting destroyed. Still, you want to be careful with any gold. Take it off before you decide to spend the day tree-punching, welding, or painting, okay?
More Durable Materials
For more durable materials, check out two of the most tough-as-nails metals out there: titanium and tungsten.
- Titanium – Titanium is a durable metal that offers a sleek and stylish look. It is very strong, so you don’t have to worry about it cracking. Despite its strength, titanium shines as bright as silver, so it brings the best of both worlds. It’s also hypoallergenic, so don’t stress if you have sensitive skin.
- Tungsten – Tungsten carbide bands can also be a solid choice. These are inexpensive bands with some weight, giving them a really nice feel. They are very scratch-resistant and less likely to fade than other metals.
- Carbon Fiber – If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, take a look at our carbon fiber offerings. This is the stuff that they use in high-end sports cars. You know—the things that need to be very light but also very stable? Definitely a good pick.
- Silicone – If you’re looking for a ring that you can do pretty much anything with, go for The Everyman. This ring is made of silicone. You can swim with it and lift weights with it, and it’s even non-conductive. If you’re an electrician, you wouldn’t even have to worry about taking it off before work.
Make Sure You Get the Right Ring Size
When you’re looking for a ring that you can work with throughout the day, it’s good to get a ring that … you know … actually fits. Start with our Manly Ring Sizer and check out our ring size guide to make sure it fits just right. Here are a few tips for sizing your ring based on your occupation:
- Go for a slimmer width. If you work with your hands or heavy equipment, rings that are too wide may not be the best for you. They’re much bulkier and can get in the way of things.
- Skip the extra thickness. Sometimes we have to wiggle our hands into tight spots when fixing stuff. It’s just the nature of a lot of jobs. If this is a common occurrence during your workday, pick a low-profile ring that rests closer to the skin.
That’s It
There are lots of important factors to consider when selecting your wedding ring. After budget, personal style, and fiancée approval, think about what kinds of stuff you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis. This way, you’ll come away with a ring that’s as much of a badass as you are.
