Men's Wedding Bands: Why The Resistance?

While the wedding ring tradition for women goes back centuries, men wearing wedding bands did not come into vogue until the latter part of the 20th century. Today, most men wear wedding rings as a symbol of their love and devotion, but some, like Prince William, Donald Trump, and Jay-Z, choose not to. The reasons for forgoing a wedding band range from personal preference to wanting to avoid being publicly defined by their marital status. Some men also find rings uncomfortable or a hindrance when working with their hands. While some may suspect that men who don't wear wedding bands are trying to cheat on their partners, this is not always the case, and it ultimately comes down to individual choice.

Some men don't like wearing jewellery

Some men don't wear wedding bands because they simply don't like wearing jewellery. This preference has been described as an "unwillingness to be publicly defined by their marital status". They want to be seen as individuals first, rather than being immediately associated with the stereotype of a married man.

There are also men who dislike the look of a wedding ring, finding it inelegant or unstylish. For example, one man said that a wedding ring "reminds [him] of a gay priest or a Banana Republic ad. It’s very bourgeois."

It is worth noting that the tradition of men wearing wedding rings is a relatively modern one. Wedding bands for men only became popular in the latter part of the last century, during World War II, when soldiers began wearing them as reminders of their wives back home.

While some men choose not to wear a traditional wedding band, they may opt for alternative ways to symbolise their commitment, such as a tattoo, as seen with celebrities like Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

They don't want to be publicly defined by their marital status

Some men choose not to wear a wedding band because they do not want to be publicly defined by their marital status. They want to be seen as individuals first, rather than being immediately labelled as married. They feel that a wedding band can be a stereotype that invites certain assumptions about their personality and behaviour. For example, if they act withdrawn, they may be seen as being 'whipped', whereas if they are friendly, people may assume they are trying to cheat.

Some men feel that wearing a wedding band can be a hindrance to social interactions, as it may deter attention from people who would otherwise be interested in getting to know them. They may enjoy flirting with people who assume they are single and do not want to advertise their marital status.

However, the choice not to wear a wedding band can also be seen as a way to ward off potential infidelity, as it serves as a warning to other women that they are married.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a wedding band is a personal preference, and some men may simply prefer the way they look without jewellery.

Wearing a ring can be hazardous in certain occupations

Rings can also be dangerous if you work with electricity. If you work with or near any energized machinery, you are at risk of an electrical burn if your ring is made of metal and conducts electricity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards for Electrical Workers specifically prohibits the wearing of conductive jewelry in such situations unless it has been made non-conductive by wrapping or some other type of insulation.

Working with chemicals can also be hazardous if you wear a ring. A spilled or splashed caustic chemical can get under a ring, burning or irritating the skin. Some chemicals, such as chlorine and ammonia, can also damage silver or gold jewelry.

Food-handling companies often prohibit the wearing of jewelry, including rings, for sanitation purposes. Rings can provide hiding places for bacteria that may cause food-borne illness. In food-processing plants, gloves may not be an option, so all jewelry is usually removed before entering the work area.

If you work with high-intensity lights or other heat sources, metal jewelry can transfer heat to your skin, resulting in burns.

Some men are tactilely sensitive and find rings distracting

Some men choose not to wear a wedding band due to tactile sensitivity, finding that wearing a ring drives them to distraction. This is a matter of personal preference and is not considered discourteous to their spouse. It is only an issue if the spouse is upset, hurt, or insulted by the lack of jewellery.

Tactile sensitivity can cause a man to feel distracted by the sensation of a ring on his finger. This is different from a newlywed who might play with his ring because he is not yet accustomed to wearing it. For some men, the sensation of the ring on their finger can be a constant source of irritation or discomfort.

In addition, a man's occupation may also play a role in his decision not to wear a wedding band. Jobs that require a lot of manual work, such as mechanics, plumbers, or roofers, may find that a wedding ring gets in the way and could even be hazardous.

It is worth noting that the tradition of men wearing wedding bands is a relatively recent phenomenon. Wedding rings for men did not become popular until the 20th century, during World War II, when soldiers began wearing them as a reminder of their wives while they were away at war.

While some people may question a man's decision not to wear a wedding band, it is ultimately a personal choice that should be respected.

It's a personal preference

The choice to wear a wedding band or not ultimately boils down to personal preference and cultural norms. While some men choose to wear a wedding band as a symbol of their love and devotion, others, like Prince William, prefer not to. This decision often invites inquiries, as people may suspect infidelity or adulterous intentions. However, as etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore points out, it simply comes down to personal preference and has nothing to do with etiquette. It is only insulting to the bride if she allows it to be; in a secure marriage, this is a non-issue.

There are several reasons why a man might choose not to wear a wedding band. One reason could be his occupation. If a man works with his hands a lot, such as a mechanic, plumber, or personal trainer, a wedding ring could get in the way and even prove to be hazardous. Another reason could be comfort. Some men are tactilely sensitive, and the feeling of wearing a ring drives them to distraction.

Some men may also choose not to wear a wedding band because they do not like the look of traditional wedding rings. They may find them too simplistic or too ornate, or they may not want to be publicly defined by their marital status. They want to be seen as individuals first and not have others make assumptions about them based on their marital status.

In some cultures, the tradition of wearing a wedding band may vary. In Western countries like North and South America and certain European countries, men typically wear the wedding band on their left hand. In other European countries like Russia, Spain, and Greece, the right hand is the traditional hand for wearing a wedding ring. Some cultures even wear the wedding ring on the thumb.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a wedding band or not is a personal choice that should be respected. It is important to communicate with your partner and ensure that they are comfortable with your decision, as wearing a wedding band is a symbol of your commitment to your spouse.

Frequently asked questions