Huggies vs. Hoops vs. Studs: How to Choose and Wear Huggie Hoop Earrings

Huggies are the pair you put in and forget about. These small hoops hug your earlobe, so they stay close, barely move and work with any outfit, from a casual t-shirt to something dressy. If you're trying to decide between huggies, regular hoops and studs, this guide covers how each one wears, what size to choose, and how to style huggie hoop earrings for everyday wear.

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What are huggie earrings?

A huggie is a small, dainty hoop earring sized to sit snug against the lobe instead of hanging below it. The name comes from the way it "hugs" the ear. Huggies sit somewhere between a stud and a hoop: they have the curve and shape of a hoop with the close, minimalist feel of a stud. That's why so many people treat a pair of huggies as their everyday earrings.

Why our founder loves huggies

"I love a good huggie because I can sleep in them and never take them off, due to their low profile. They are the perfect everyday look that is still polished and intentional."

— Rebekah Allen, founder and designer, Le Serey

Huggies vs. hoops

It comes down to size and how the earring sits:

• Huggies (11–13mm): hug the lobe and barely move. Quiet, lightweight and easy to forget you're wearing.
• Small hoops (15–19mm): sit just below the lobe, still subtle.
• Medium and large hoops (22mm and up): swing freely and become the bold statement of your look.

Large hoops are made to be noticed. Huggies are made to be worn every day. Because they sit close, huggies are also less likely to catch on hair, scarves or sweaters. Our hoop size guide walks through every hoop size from 13mm to 50mm.

Huggies vs. studs

Studs are the most minimal earring there is: a single point of gold or sparkle on the lobe. Huggies give you a little more shape and presence while staying just as easy to wear. A few ways to choose:

• For the most understated look, go with small studs, like our 2mm ball studs or tiny CZ studs in a prong or bezel setting.
• For something you'll notice a little more, go with plain huggies.
• For sparkle with movement, go with huggies with a tiny CZ diamond drop.

Many people wear both: a huggie in the first hole and a small stud in a second hole above it.

What size huggies should I get? (sizes in mm)

How to choose your huggie hoop earrings

1. Pick your metal. 14k gold filled is our everyday favorite, with a thick layer of real gold made to last (new to it? Start with Gold Filled Jewelry 101). Most of our huggie styles also come in recycled sterling silver. Our 12mm Huggie Hoops come in 18k gold vermeil, and for a pair you'll never take off, our 14k solid gold huggies close with a secure click lock.

2. Plain or with a charm? A plain huggie is the classic minimalist choice. A huggie with a charm adds a little movement: a freshwater pearl drop, a sparkling CZ heart, an opalite bezel or a tiny cross. Our charm huggies arrive ready to wear, with the charm already attached.

3. Seamless or classic? Endless Hoops have a thin, seamless look, while our Everyday Hoops are a little bolder. Both are lightweight enough to wear all day. Endless hoops' thin, seamless design is delicate, so they can take a little practice to put in, and they're best handled gently.

How to wear huggies

Huggies are the most versatile earrings in a jewelry box. Wear a single pair with a casual outfit, or add a charm huggie when you want something a little more dressy. Their low profile is what makes them so easy to leave in, and our customers say the same:

"These feel well made and the clasp is high quality. My new favorite leave in earrings!"

— Aarika M., 14k Gold Huggie Hoops

Huggies also make building an ear stack easy, because they sit close and don't tangle.

"They are the perfect everyday huggie hoop and sit close to the earlobe, just like I wanted. Perfect basic hoop that looks great with my ear stack!"

— Britney, 14k Gold Huggie Hoops

A few combinations to try with multiple piercings:

• Classic gold: 15mm Everyday Hoops in your first hole and 13mm huggies in your second.
• A little sparkle: huggies with a tiny CZ drop in your first hole, plain huggies in your second and a tiny stud above.
• Pearl: tiny pearl drop huggies with a 2mm ball stud above.
• Mixed metals: gold huggies with sterling studs, or the other way around. Mixing works best when the shapes are simple.

There's no wrong answer. The best stack is the one that fits your personal style.

Are huggies good for sensitive ears?

Yes. Every pair we make is 14k gold filled, recycled sterling silver, gold vermeil or 14k solid gold. Our founder is highly sensitive to metals herself, which is why she began designing with gold filled when she couldn't find affordable, hypoallergenic jewelry. Our customers with sensitive ears tell us the same thing:

"I like the simplistic design and minimal design. They're incredibly comfortable to wear, even with my sensitive ears."

— Sammi, Huggie Hoops

"Finally feel like I found earrings that don't irritate my extremely sensitive skin."

— Jessica G., Huggie Hoops + Tiny Pearl Drop

Read more in Are Gold Filled Earrings Hypoallergenic?

Huggie earrings FAQ

Can you sleep in huggies?
Our founder does. Their low profile means there's very little to catch on your pillow, which is why huggies are a favorite leave-in earring. Choose a metal you know your skin is comfortable with, like gold filled or solid gold.

Are huggies or studs more comfortable?
Both sit close to the ear and are comfortable for all-day wear. Most huggies don't need a separate back, so many people find them easier to forget about, while studs are the most minimal option.

Will huggies snag on hair or sweaters?
Much less than larger hoops. Because huggies sit snug against the lobe, there's very little gap for hair or knits to catch on.

Do huggies work in a second piercing?
Yes. Huggies are one of the most popular choices for a second or third hole, either on their own or paired with a small stud.

What our customers say

"They're so lightweight I forget I'm even wearing them."

— Maddie R., Endless Hoops

"These sweet little hoops were the perfect addition to my pearls!"

— Kimberly J., 13mm Everyday Hoops

"Bought these as bridesmaids gifts and my girls all loved them. The pearls are so classy and very lightweight and comfortable to wear."

— Cassandra, Huggie Hoops + Tiny Pearl Drop

How to care for your huggies

Gold filled and solid gold huggies are made for everyday wear. To keep them shining, wipe them with a soft cloth now and then and store each pair where it won't rub against other jewelry. For more, see Does Gold Filled Jewelry Tarnish? and How to Store Jewelry Without the Tangles.

Find your pair

Shop all huggie earrings, browse hoop earrings with charms, or size up with our everyday hoops.

Le Serey is a small business, founded on the principles that women should have the freedom to create their own style. We use quality, hypoallergenic materials such as 925 sterling silver and 14k gold filled, and we offer a solid gold collection at direct to consumer prices.