Size Guide
The size of a piercing earring is described by three values: the thickness of the stamen, its length and the size of the decoration. Below we explain how to read and measure them, and provide sizes for each type of piercing.
The most important thing in a nutshell
- Record 1.2x8x3mm means: thickness 1.2mm × length 8mm × decoration 3mm.
- The most common thickness is 1.2mm (ear, nose, mouth). Tongue, navel, nipples and intimate piercings: 1.6mm.
- For a fresh piercing, choose an earring longer than the target one and shorten it after the swelling goes down.
- Length is distance between decorations, and the diameter of the circle is the dimension internal.
- It's the best for a fresh piercing ASTM F136 implant titanium.
How to read earring size?
In the name of the variant, we provide dimensions in millimeters, always in the same order: thickness, length or diameter, decoration.
Thickness (A) is the diameter of the rod itself - it must match the thickness of the piercing canal. Length (B) is the distance between the ornaments, not their height. Ornament (C) it is the diameter of the ball or the width of the decorative ending - it determines the appearance, not the fit to the piercing.
Gauge and millimeters - conversion table
Gauge (G) is an American thickness scale. It works the opposite way than millimeters: the higher the number, the thinner the stamen. In our store, we provide thickness in millimeters.
Cross-sections of the rods drawn on the same scale - you can see how the thicknesses differ.
How to measure different types of earrings
The letters in the drawings correspond to the dimensions of the product name: A - thickness, B - length or diameter, C - decoration.
Labret
Stamen with a flat shield at the back and a decoration on the front. The disc does not pinch, so the labret is a basic earring for the cartilage of the ear, nose and mouth - also for fresh piercings. See labret earrings.
B you measure from the inside of the shield to the base of the decoration.
Example: 1.2x8x3mm - tragus, helix
Straight barbell (barbell)
A simple rod with balls or decorations on both sides. Used on the tongue, nipples, industrial and bridge.
B is the distance between the decorations, excluding the balls.
Example: 1.6x16x6mm - tongue
Banana (curved barbell)
A bent rod that follows the shape of the body. Standard for the navel, eyebrow, rook and many intimate piercings.
B you measure in a straight line between the ends of the stamen, not along the arc - this is the most common mistake.
Example: 1.6x10x5/8mm - navel
Circle: segment ring, clicker, BCR
Intended for healed piercings - septum, daith, helix, nostril, lobe. The clicker opens on a hinge, the ring segment has a removable part.
B is inner diameter, measured from inside edge to inside edge.
Example: 1.2x8mm - septum, daith
Horseshoe (circular barbell)
An open circle with balls at the ends. It is easy to roll up, so it is often chosen to start with the septum and daith.
B is the inner diameter, C - the diameter of the balls.
Example: 1.2x10x3mm - septum
How to measure an earring at home
You will most likely choose the size by measuring an earring that you already wear and that fits well.
- Take out the earring (only from a healed piercing) and place it on a flat surface.
- Thickness measure with a caliper on the rod itself. The ruler cannot tell the difference between 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm.
- Length measure between the disc and the decoration (labret) or between the balls (barbell, banana). Measure the banana in a straight line.
- Circle diameter measure from the center - from the inside edge to the opposite inside edge.
- Compare the result with the table below. Round the values between sizes up - an earring that is 1 mm too long is more comfortable than one that is too short.
You can't take the earring out because the piercing is fresh? Ask the piercer what size he used, or check it in the order description if you bought the earring from us. Don't remove the earring from a healing piercing just to measure it.
What earring size is suitable for a given piercing?
The sizes in the tables are approximate - everyone has a different anatomy. The "At the start" column applies to a fresh piercing, "After healing" - to an earring after downsizing or replacement.
Ear
| Piercing | Thickness | For starters | After healing | Decoration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| petal (lobe) | 1.0-1.2mm | labret 8 mm | 6 mm labret or Ø 8-10 mm ring | 3-4 mm |
| Tragus | 1.2mm | labret 8 mm | labret 6 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Helix | 1.2mm | labret 8 mm | 6 mm labret or Ø 8 mm ring | 2-3 mm |
| Forward helix | 1.2mm | labret 6-8 mm | labret 5-6 mm | 2mm |
| Conch | 1.2mm | labret 8-10 mm | labret 6-8 mm or ring Ø 10-12 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Daith | 1.2mm | horseshoe Ø 8-10 mm | wheel or clicker Ø 8-10 mm | 3 mm (balls) |
| Rook | 1.2mm | banana 8-10 mm | banana 6-8 mm | 3mm |
| Industrial | 1.2-1.6mm | barbell 35-38 mm | barbell 35-38 mm | 4mm |
Jeweler's studs are most often 0.8 mm - they fit a healed flap, but are not suitable for a fresh piercing.
Nose and eyebrows
| Piercing | Thickness | For starters | After healing | Decoration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nostril (nostril) | 0.8-1.2mm | labret 8 mm | 6 mm labret or Ø 8 mm ring | 2-3 mm |
| Septum | 1.2mm | horseshoe Ø 8-10 mm | clicker or wheel Ø 8-10 mm | 3 mm (balls) |
| Bridge | 1.2-1.6mm | barbell 12-14 mm | barbell 10-12 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Eyebrow | 1.2mm | banana 8-10 mm | banana 8mm | 3mm |
| Anti-eyebrow | 1.2mm | banana 8mm | banana 6-8 mm | 3mm |
Lips and tongue
| Piercing | Thickness | For starters | After healing | Decoration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labret (under the lower lip) | 1.2mm | labret 10 mm | labret 8 mm | 3mm |
| Vertical labret | 1.2-1.6mm | banana 10-12 mm | banana 8-10 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Horizontal July | 1.2mm | banana 12-16 mm | banana 12-14 mm | 3mm |
| Monroe/Madonna | 1.2mm | labret 10 mm | labret 8 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Medusa (philtrum) | 1.2mm | labret 10 mm | labret 8 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Snakebite, spiderbite, angelbite (pair) | 1.2mm | 2 × 10 mm labret | 2 × 8 mm labret or Ø 8-10 mm wheels | 3mm |
| Language | 1.6mm | barbell 16-19 mm | barbell 14-16 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Smiley | 1.0-1.2mm | ring or horseshoe Ø 6-8 mm | Ø 6-8 mm | 3mm |
The tongue requires the earring to be shortened. After piercing, it swells a lot, so a longer barbell is used to start. After 2-3 weeks, it should be replaced with a shorter one - too long one damages tooth enamel and gums.
Navel, nipples and surface piercings
| Piercing | Thickness | For starters | After healing | Decoration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navel (navel) | 1.6mm | banana 10-12 mm | banana 8-10 mm | 5mm (top) / 8mm (bottom) |
| Nipple | 1.6mm | barbell 14-16 mm | barbell 12-14 mm or ring | 4-5mm |
| Surface (sternum, neckline, hips) | 1.6mm | surface bar - the length is selected by the piercer | no change | 3-4 mm |
Surface piercings (flat, on the surface of the skin) have a high risk of rejection. The piercer always chooses the earring for them.
Intimate piercings
This is where the anatomy differs the most, so the dimensions are provided for guidance only. The correct size is determined by the piercer during the consultation.
Women's
| Piercing | Thickness | Starter earring | Decoration |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCH | 1.6mm | banana 10-12 mm | 3/4 mm or 4/5 mm |
| Christina | 1.6mm | banana or surface bar, length according to anatomy | 4mm |
| Labia | 1.6mm | wheel Ø 10-12 mm | 4mm |
| Fourchette | 1.6mm | banana 8-10 mm | 3-4 mm |
Men's
| Piercing | Thickness | Starter earring | Decoration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Albert | 2.0-2.5mm | ring or horseshoe from Ø 16 mm, banana | 5-6mm |
| Ampallang | 1.6-2.0mm | barbell 18-22 mm | 5mm |
| Apadravya | 1.6-2.0mm | barbell 18-22 mm | 5mm |
| Frenum | 1.6mm | barbell or banana 12-16 mm | 4mm |
| Didoe | 1.6mm | banana 10-12 mm | 4mm |
| Hafada | 1.6mm | wheel Ø 12-14 mm | 4mm |
| Lorum | 1.6mm | barbell or banana 12-16 mm | 4mm |
Prince Albert is usually pierced with a thicker needle (2.0-2.5 mm), because the thin earring may cut through the tissue.
Fresh piercing: which earring to start with and when to downsize
After piercing, the tissue swells, so the first piercing is usually done 2-4 mm longer than the target one. When the swelling goes down - usually after 4-8 weeks - it is replaced with a shorter one. This is the so-called downsizing. An earring that remains too long moves in the canal and prolongs healing.
Complete replacement of jewelry, e.g. a ring, should be done only after healing:
The healing time depends on the body and care. It is best to have your piercer replace your earring for the first time.
Material and type of clasp
Material
- ASTM F136 (G23) implant titanium - the safest choice for fresh piercings. Light, nickel-free alloy.
- Gold 585 (14k) or higher, nickel-free - safe, but more expensive.
- Niobium - properties similar to titanium, less available.
- Surgical steel 316L - contains nickel. If you have an allergy or a fresh piercing, choose titanium.
Silver, acrylic and coated earrings are not suitable for fresh piercings - the coating may wear off in the canal.
Internal, external and push-pin thread
Internal thread it is hidden in the rod, so a smooth surface passes through the canal. External thread it is located on the rod and may scratch the tissue when inserted. Push-pin (threadless) holds the decoration tightly thanks to a slightly bent pin.
Interchangeable decorations only fit the rod with the same mounting system. Before ordering the decoration itself, check the product description.
The most common mistakes when ordering
- Confusing gauge with millimeters - 16 G is 1.2 mm, not 16 mm.
- Adding the decoration to the length - the length is only a stamen between the decorations.
- Measuring the circle from the outside - the diameter is always internal.
- Measuring a banana in an arc - measured in a straight line.
- Ordering the target length for a fresh piercing - you need a longer earring to start with.
- A circle in a fresh piercing - put them on only after healing.
Questions and answers
What does size 1.2x8x3mm mean?
These are three dimensions of the earring given in millimeters: 1.2 mm is the thickness of the rod, 8 mm is its length between the decorations, and 3 mm is the diameter of the decoration (e.g. ball). Two dimensions are given for the wheels - thickness and internal diameter, e.g. 1.2x8mm.
What is the standard earring thickness?
Most often 1.2 mm (16 G) - this is the thickness of most ear, nose and mouth cartilage piercings. 1.6 mm (14 G) is used for the tongue, navel, nipples and intimate piercings, and 0.8-1.0 mm for the nostril.
Can I wear an earring of a different thickness than I have now?
A thinner one will fit in, but the canal may narrow and later it will be difficult to return to the previous thickness. Don't force yourself to wear a thicker one - it's a stretch that you do gradually, one size at a time. If you don't know your thickness, measure your current earring with a caliper.
When can I change my earring after piercing?
Only after healing: the flap after 6-8 weeks, the ear cartilage after 6-12 months, the nose after 4-6 months, the navel after 6-12 months. The exception is downsizing, i.e. shortening the earring after the swelling has gone down - it is done earlier, preferably by a piercer.
What is downsizing?
This means replacing the earring with a shorter one when the swelling after the piercing goes down - usually after 4-8 weeks, and in the case of the tongue - after 2-3 weeks. An earring that is too long moves in the canal, gets caught in clothes and prolongs the healing process.
How can you tell if an earring is too short or too long?
If it is too short, it presses into the skin, the decoration sinks into the canal, and pressure and redness appear. If it's too long, it sticks out noticeably, gets caught in the hair and slides around in the canal. A well-chosen one leaves about 1-2 mm of clearance.
Is the ring suitable for a fresh piercing?
Usually not. The wheel rotates and moves in the canal, which irritates the healing tissue. To start, you choose a labret, a barbell, a banana or - in the case of septum and daith - a horseshoe. You put the ring on after healing.
Do decorations from different earrings match each other?
Only if they have the same thread type and size or the same system (e.g. threadless push-pin). Before ordering the decoration itself, check the product description for which stamen it is intended for.
What material should I choose for a fresh piercing?
The safest is ASTM F136 (G23) implant titanium - light and nickel-free in the alloy composition. Gold of at least 585 (14k) without nickel is also a good choice. Avoid 316L surgical steel if you are allergic to nickel.
