How To Wear Airpods
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
2016 was an interesting year. Hamilton became a global sensation, Pokemon Go seemed to outrank in app popularity, and Rio hosted the annual summer Olympics.
Given our never-ending descent into the depths of the digital age, we used our phones to document our experiences.
It so happens that 2016 was also the birth of the iPhone 7, Apple’s first-ever model that was free of a headphone jack. While others opted for charger-based earphones, others preferred to listen to their Spotify playlists via Airpods.
Wireless earbuds aren’t a novelty idea, but given Apple’s influence on mobile technology, they became a must-have for trendsetters.
Considered a stylish way to listen to tunes and podcasts, Airpods were seen as the in-thing during the late 2010s. They haven’t fallen out of favor over the years, and it’s hypothesized that they’ll become the next digital necessity.
We usually deck our phones out with fancy cases, holders, and accouterments. With that in mind, it’s only natural that Airpods would get a glow-up of its own.
So, how can you make a pair of wireless earphones into a fashion statement? We’re so glad you asked.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to wear Airpods by sharing some styling tips and outfit ideas. By the end of this article, you’ll hopefully understand:
- How to wear airpods pro
- How to properly wear airpods
- Airpod outfit ideas
- How to customize your Airpods
What Is An Airpod?
Patented by Apple, Airpods are wireless earphones. They’re designed to connect via Bluetooth to your existing iPhone.
It’s worth noting that they’re only compatible with a certain generation of models, as devices such as the iPhone 3 or iPhone 5 are considered too old to pair with newer systems.
Since 2016, Apple has issued four Airpod series: the 2nd generation, the 3rd generation, Airpods Pro, and Airpods Max.
History Of Airpods
Like the Fliz and automatic spaghetti fork, Airpods shared the controversial limelight when it came to technological advancements.
The shape didn’t help, given that techies and geeks attributed its music note shape to that of a toothbrush head. The world would soon come around in 2016 when Apple launched their first-ever set in conjunction with the iPhone 7.
The use of wireless earphones began in 2011 when a patent was made to create them. Steve Jobs had his doubts from the beginning, given that he wasn’t a fan of Bluetooth connectivity.
Nevertheless, 2016 saw the birth of Airpods and the early death of headphone jacks. Over the years, people began to adopt APs as an everyday necessity instead of a technological mockery.
When To Wear Airpods
Before we discuss how to wear Airpods, we thought it best to address the ‘whens’ first. If you prefer hands-free alternatives when it comes to technology, these wireless earphones are definitely for you.
They’re free of tangles, which makes them super convenient for interactive activities such as exercising, cooking, and painting. Yep, you can dance to Frank Ocean’s Blonde without the worry of snarled cords.
Airpods are also great for sharing music, although it takes away the ‘romance’ of sitting close to your crush while listening to Taylor Swift.
Ideal for road trips, commuting, and sleeping (given their earbud shape), these wireless earphones are definitely built for the digital age. If you really want to escape from the world, we suggest giving the Airpods Max a go.
How To Wear Airpods
Despite their convenience, some techies have qualms about wearing Airpods. If you own a pair, there’s a good chance that you’ve already popped one out accidentally.
Plus, they don’t offer the most comfortable design (even I get ‘ear fatigue’ after a couple of hours).
For those wondering how to wear Airpods correctly, we’ll share a few tips and tricks to help save some listener frustration.
- The ‘twist’ method: if the regular method fails to latch onto your ears, we suggest twisting the Airpods to help gain more leverage.
- The upside-down method: I get it; this is an uncanny way of donning your Airpods, but trust me. This method helps to prevent the ‘tip’ from snagging onto your clothes.
- Silicone grip: if the twist and up-side method fail to work, there’s no shame in giving your Airpods an ‘outfit change.’ The grip of silicone helps to adhere to your ears.
- Ear hooks: considered a godsend for athletes, these grips ensure added security for on-the-go activities.
For those still wondering how to wear airpods pro properly, you should know that there’s no correct way of doing so. Everyone has their own methods, and you just need a bit of patience and experimenting to find your groove.
With that out of the way, we’ll share a few ways to style and outfit your Airpods.
10 Outfit Ideas With Airpods
Katrina and the Waves are probably considered underground for any indie hipster, but ‘Walking on Sunshine’ is still branded as a catchy billboard classic.
For those nostalgic for this 1983 hit, we suggest donning your best pair of sunnies and some Airpods for continued listening.
I know, it’s a basic way of styling your new wireless pros, but it’s an outfit that will never go wrong. Composed of leggings, a sports bra, and a fashionable Prada bag, it harbors the right amount of sunny, rock-borne edge that the band was known for.
Nothing screams “don’t talk to me” than a beanie and a set of noise-canceling Airpods Max. Considered a casual way of styling technology, this outfit features a loose white long sleeve, a pair of baggy printed jeans, and a set of matching boots.
If anything, this ensemble screams ‘city chic art boy’ due to its relaxed silhouette. We highly recommend donning this ‘how to wear Airpods’ fit for those who love intimidating OOTDs.
L.A arrogance is best shown in fashion. Despite the cruel summer heat, some opt for full-coverage clothing in order to ‘peacock’ the full drip.
Take, for instance, this outfit, which is composed of a white jacket, a neon green hoodie, a matching beanie, and a pair of gold embellished sunnies.
Accentuated with a pair of 2nd Generation earbuds, it’s the kind of look I’d imagine Machine Gun Kelly or Jaden Smith to wear. If you want to look like a city-based artist, this is how to wear Airpods fashionably.
Tired of basic white? If so, you probably don’t know that Airpod skins exist. Just to be extra clear, we’re not referring to the case itself. For those looking to customize their individual earphones, there’s an entire market for silicone wraps.
We highly recommend getting them in alternate colors, such as yellow and blue.
In the photo, the model is shown wearing their Airpods with an ear cuff for extra bling. It’s totally optional, of course, but we suggest donning this look if you’re in the mood for some Kpop spice.
Let’s face it; Airpods are slowly becoming the next fashion accessory. With that in mind, it’s only natural for haute couture designers like Balenciaga to feature them on a catwalk. This controversial outfit was spotted at Paris fashion week in 2020.
Composed of a navy blue tracksuit, this satiny number is considered a more luxurious take on athleisure. The Airpods help in imbuing that ‘lax lux’ vibe to their entire fit.
If you really want to spice up this ‘how to wear Airpods’ contender, we suggest finishing it off with a pair of sunnies.
Late August calls for additional layering, warm-toned hues, and listening to your favorite thematic playlist. If you want to cop that Childish Gambino ‘Feels Like Summer’ mood, we suggest this retro ensemble.
Outfitted with a fuzzy bucket hat, a mid-wash denim jacket, an orange hoodie, and a pair of Airpods, it’s considered a mix of cool yet casual.
The brightly colored sunglasses are a must-have in order to imbue that ‘sizzling spice of July’ aesthetic.
It’s probably a stretch to deem Airpods essential to your monochrome outfit, but hey—it’s white; we say it counts.
This outfit is composed of a pearl-dyed beanie, a gray coat, a striped scarf, and a pair of wireless earbuds.
I don’t know about you, but this outfit screams ‘winter in New York’ vibes to me. Complemented with a sparkling carry-on, it’s a romantic look fit for ice-skating dates and getting hot chocolate after a fancy dinner.
I think it’s fair to say that celebrities aren’t fond of the paparazzi. While some resort to hoodies, face masks, or the middle finger to prevent their photos from being published, others prefer less ‘invasive’ methods, such as a pair of sunnies and Airpods.
Here, Kristen Stewart is modeling this iconic look. Composed of a black bomber jacket, a crop top, and a pair of distressed denim shorts, it’s considered a super casual look compared to runway-ready ensembles.
For those keen on copping that ‘off-hours celebrity look,’ we suggest trying on this ‘how to wear Airpods’ contender out for size.
Haute couture has a knack for taking inspiration from unusual things.
Given that Airpods are considered functional before fashionable, it posited the perfect opportunity for trendsetters to hop on the bandwagon before it even became a bandwagon.
If you’re keen on adopting this controversial trend, we suggest this bold ensemble composed of a white ruffled dress with pink tassels. Accentuated with Airpods and sneakers, this outfit imbues a care-free attitude that’s considered stylish in the fashion world.
Given that Yankee baseball caps are all over Instagram and Pinterest, it’s only natural for us to include these in our ‘how to wear Airpods’ guide.
This stylish ensemble features a red cap, a pair of sunglasses, and a set of wireless earphones. Outfitted with a beige jacket and stripe button-up, this OOTD harbors the right amount of ‘casual New York’ and ‘2022 fashion week’ combined.
What Types Of Airpods Can You Get?
So, have you figured out how to wear Airpods yet? If not, perhaps it’s best to decide on a model first. As aforementioned, there are four models up for grabs: the 2nd generation, the 3rd generation, Airpods Pro, and AirPods Max.
The first three versions are slightly different in silhouette, but they’re still considered a less bulky alternative compared to the Airpods Max headphones.
Of course, each model comes with its own set of upgraded features and assets. Considering that we’re only focusing on the style portion of wireless earbuds, we won’t get into the techie specifics of this ‘how to wear Airpods’ guide.
If you’re interested in copping yourself a pair, we highly recommend visiting Apple’s website for more details.
How To Choose The Best Airpods:
Compared to the $20 set you’d get at Walmart, Airpods are much more expensive. You’re looking at a price range of about $129 to $549 for a brand new pair.
With that in mind, it’s important to assess your needs before settling on a model. This includes considering features such as battery life, durability, audio quality, and noise cancellation.
Naturally, Apple’s oldest model— the 2nd Generation Airpods—offers the least amount of specs. It’s still a reliable model, given its charging speed and battery life. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more ‘oomph,’ we suggest taking a peek at some of their newer versions.
For instance, the 3rd Generation offers sweat-resistant protection while the Airpods Pro provides active noise cancellation with transparency mode. For avid listeners, the Airpods Max is probably the best option, considering its 20-hour battery life.
Of course, it all boils down to your allotted budget. Shoppers should also consider the additional expenses attributed to Airpods, as you’ll need a working iPhone in order to play music. Other accessories include a protective case to prevent damage.
How To Style Your Airpod Outfit
It may seem unnecessary to style Airpods. After all, they’re designed to be functional rather than fashionable.
With that being said, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Garage magazine have all deemed wireless earbuds as the next runway look. Yep, we live in confusing times, but that’s fashion for you.
For those who are still unsure of how to wear Airpods, we’ll share some styling tips worth considering.
Airpods are expensive. Naturally, that $129 investment comes with some added fear of losing it. If you consider yourself a forgetful techie, we suggest this blinged-out accessory.
It features a pearl earring attached to a small, dainty chain. Designed to hold the tip of your Airpods, it’s known as a stylish yet practical way of preventing lost earbuds.
So, how are you supposed to wear AirPods correctly? I don’t know about you, but I constantly drop them.
Considered another great take on the Airpod earring trend, this neat accessory keeps things minimalistic for simple-minded trendsetters. It’s composed of a ‘sideways’ cuff, which helps secure your earbuds in place. Dainty, sweet, and practical, you can find various designs of this on Etsy.com.
We mentioned this in a previous OOTD, but we thought to feature it again as a tiny reminder. If you’re not a fan of white, you can always opt for a colorful skin. Offered in red, blue, pink, and more, it’s considered a great way to customize your Airpods.
There’s nothing like a cute Airpods case to put you in a playful mood. If you’re not keen on skins and ear cuffs, we suggest outfitting your new wireless earphones with an adorable silicone protector.
For instance, this version comes with a pink hue with a dainty illustration on the front. Embellished with a keychain, we highly recommend getting a matching phone case to keep things aesthetically pleasing.
Considered a convenient way of storing your Airpods, this chain attachment is perfect for those who can’t be bothered to reach for their rechargeable case.
Athletes and workout geeks may find this accessory helpful for momentary ‘disconnecting.’ They’re designed to attach to the tips of your earbuds.
You can never go wrong with a simple beanie and a pair of glasses. This ‘how to wear Airpods’ contender keeps things cool and classy. Of course, given the current situation, you may be required to wear a mask. It’s definitely an exercise for your ears, but hey, it’s a fashionable look regardless.
Where to Buy Airpods
Congrats! You finally know how to wear Airpods. For those who can’t afford to visit their nearest Apple store, we’ll recommend a few reputable alternatives for curious customers:
- Costco
- Best Buy
- Amazon
- Walmart
For accessories:
- Etsy
- RedBubble
- Urban Outfitters
- Casetify
Final Thoughts
Airpods have come a long way since 2016. Previously branded as a controversial moment in technology, people have slowly adopted wireless earbuds as an everyday necessity.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t leave the house without them. They’re convenient, practical, and super helpful in blocking out city noise.
Nowadays, they’ve become a fashion statement. Style influencers such as Kristen Stewart have been caught utilizing Airpods as an outfit accessory.
If anything, I think it’s fair to say that wireless earphones imbue that ‘care-free, disconnect from reality’ attitude—and given the negative impact of COVID-19, we need Airpods more than ever to tune out that negative energy.
Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered:
