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Size Guide

Piercing earring size guide
The complete guide

Piercing earring size guide

Thickness, length and diameter for each type of piercing. Tables, measurement rules and the most common errors when ordering.

Basics of measurement

What do the dimensions of the earring mean?

Before you choose your size, learn four key concepts. Most problems with selecting an earring result from confusing the length with the thickness, or from measuring the hoop from the outside instead of the inside.

01
Rod thickness (gauge)

The diameter of the rod itself in millimeters. The thicker the earring, the higher the value. Example: 0.8 mm to the earlobe, 1.2 mm to the cartilage, 1.6 mm to the navel.

02
Stamen length

Distance between decorations, excluding balls. For fresh piercings, choose earrings that are 2-4 mm longer, with enough space for swelling.

03
Circle diameter

Measured from inner edge to inner edge, without material thickness. The smaller the diameter, the tighter the ring fits.

04
Gauge system

American scale in which higher number means thinner rod: 20 G is 0.8 mm, 16 G is 1.2 mm, 14 G is 1.6 mm. In Poland we use millimeters.

Gauge or millimeters - what to use?

These are two records of the same size. When ordering an earring, check whether the given value is a gauge (e.g. 16 G) or millimeters (e.g. 1.2 mm) - confusion between them is the most common reason for ordering the wrong size.

Conversion table

Gauge in millimeters

Sizes most commonly used in piercing:

20G
0.8mm
Thin nose and earlobe piercings
18G
1.0mm
Ear cartilage
16G
1.2mm
Nose, tragus, lips
14G
1.6mm
Tongue, navel, nipples
12G
2.0mm
Thicker earrings, the beginning of stretching
How to measure

Types of earrings and measurement rules

Each type of earring is measured differently. Learn the instructions for the three most popular forms and avoid the most common mistakes when ordering.

How to measure a labret - measurement chart
Labret / Barbell

Labret

Stamen with flat shield on one side and a detachable decoration on the other. Most popular for ear cartilage, lip and nose. The barbell has balls on both sides - it is used on the tongue and nipples.

A - stamen thickness  | B - length between decorations

Example: 1.2 × 8 mm  ·  tragus, helix
How to measure a circle - dimension diagram
Circle

Segment ring, BCR, clicker

Comes in variants ring segment, BCR, seamless i clicker. Popular with the septum, daith and nose.

Note: Hoops are not used for fresh piercings - start with a labret or horseshoe and change the jewelry after healing.

A - stamen thickness  | B - inner diameter

Example: 1.2 × Ø 8 mm  ·  septum, daith
How to measure a banana - measurement chart
Banana

Banana (curved barbell)

Standard shape for navel, eyebrow, rook and intimate piercings. The curve adapts to the anatomy and does not strain the tissue.

The most common mistake: the length of the banana is measured in a straight line, not along an arc.

A - stamen thickness  | B - straight line length

Example: 1.6 × 10 mm  ·  navel, eyebrow
Ear

Sizes of earrings for ear piercing

The ear offers the most possibilities - from the classic flap to complex compositions on the cartilage. Each place requires a different thickness and length of the earring.

Healing time and downsizing
  • Earlobe: 6–8 weeks
  • Cartilage (helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook): 6–12 months

Use earrings for fresh cartilage piercings 2 mm longer than those given in the table. After 4-8 weeks, when the swelling subsides, downsize to the target size.

Piercing Thickness Length/diameter Earring type
Earlobe (lobe) 0.8mm 20G 6–8 mm Labret, barbell
Tragus 1.2mm 16G 6–8 mm Labret
Helix 1.0mm 18G 6–8 mm Labret, circle after healing
Forward helix 1.0mm 18G 8–10 mm Labret
Conch 1.0mm 18G 8–10 mm Labret or large hoop
Daith 1.0mm 18G Ø 8–10 mm Circle, clicker
Rook 1.0mm 18G 8–10 mm Banana
Industrial 1.2mm 16G 35–38 mm Long straight barbell
Nose and eyebrow

Sizes of nose and eyebrow piercings

Facial piercings require precise fitting. Too short an earring presses into the tissue, too long it catches and looks unsightly.

Healing time and material
  • Nostril (nostril): 2–4 months
  • Septum: 2–3 months initially, 6–8 months until complete healing
  • Eyebrow: 6–8 weeks
  • Bridge: 8–12 weeks

Material: the nasal mucosa is constantly moist, which accelerates the release of metals from the melt. Use only implant titanium for fresh piercings.

Piercing Thickness Length/diameter Earring type
nostril (nostril) 0.8mm 20G 6–8 mm / Ø 8–10 mm Labret, L-shape, circle
Septum 1.2mm 16G Ø 8–10 mm Horseshoe or barbell, clicker after healing
Bridge 1.2mm 16G 10–12 mm Straight barbell
Bindi 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm Labret
Eyebrow 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm Banana
Anti-eyebrow 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm Banana or barbell
Lip and mouth

Sizes of lip and mouth piercings

Piercings around the mouth require special attention when selecting the size so that they do not interfere with eating, speaking and oral hygiene.

Language downsizing is mandatory

The tongue swells significantly after piercing, so the initial length of the earring is 16-18 mm. After 2-3 weeks you have to shorten it to 14 mm - too long a barbell damages tooth enamel and gums. This step cannot be skipped.

Piercing Thickness Length/diameter Earring type
Labret (lower lip) 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm Labret
Vertical labret 1.2mm 16G 10–12 mm Banana
Horizontal labret 1.2mm 16G 12–16 mm Straight barbell
Madonna/Monroe 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm Labret
Medusa (philtrum) 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm Labret
Angelbite (2 pcs) 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm each Labret
Spiderbite (2 pcs) 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm each Labret or small circles
Snakebite (2 pcs) 1.2mm 16G 8–10 mm each Labret or rings
Language 1.6mm 14G 14–16 mm after downsizing Straight barbell
Smiley 1.2mm 16G Ø 8–10 mm Small circle
Torso

Earring sizes for torso piercing

Torso piercings require thicker earrings - 1.6 mm - for stability and a lower risk of migration.

Navel - what to remember
  • Healing time: 6–12 months, one of the longest healing piercings
  • Initially a banana length 10–12 mm
  • Do not change jewelry for a minimum 6 months
  • Avoid tight clothing that puts pressure on the piercing while it is healing
Piercing Thickness Length Earring type
Navel (navel) 1.6mm 14G 10–12 mm Banana
Nipple 1.6mm 14G 12–16 mm Barbell or ring
Butterfly (cleavage) 1.6mm 14G 12–16 mm Surface barbell
Sternum 1.6mm 14G 12–16 mm Surface barbell
Neckline 1.6mm 14G 12–16 mm Surface barbell
Hips 1.6mm 14G 12–16 mm Surface barbell
Intimate piercings

Sizes of earrings for intimate piercing

The anatomy here is extremely individual, and the sizes in the tables are indicative only. The piercer selects the appropriate size after assessing the anatomy.

Material and healing time

Absolutely: only implantation titanium or gold of 585 or higher quality. The healing time of most intimate piercings is 4-8 weeks - they usually heal faster than external piercings.

Women's

Piercing Thickness Length/diameter Earring type
Christina 1.6mm 14G 12–16 mm Banana or surface barbell
Isabella 1.6mm 14G 16–20 mm Straight barbell
Fourchette 1.6mm 14G 8–10 mm Banana
Labia 1.6mm 14G 10–14 mm Circle or banana
VCH 1.6mm 14G Ø 8–10 mm / 8–10 mm Banana or circle
Albertina 1.6mm 14G 12–16 mm Straight barbell

Men's

Prince Albert is one of the fastest healing piercings - usually 4-6 weeks. You can start with 1.6 mm and gradually increase it.

Piercing Thickness Length/diameter Earring type
Ampallang 1.6mm 14G 16–20 mm Straight barbell
Apadravya 1.6mm 14G 16–22 mm Straight barbell
Prince Albert 1.6mm 14G Ø 12–16 mm / 10–14 mm Circle or banana
Didoe 1.6mm 14G 10–12 mm Banana
Frenum 1.6mm 14G 10–14 mm Circle or banana
Hafada 1.6mm 14G 10–14 mm Circle
Lorum 1.6mm 14G 10–14 mm Banana
Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions about earring sizes

Answers to the most important questions about sizing, changing jewelry and safety.

When can I change my earring after piercing?
  • Earlobe: 6–8 weeks
  • Ear cartilage: minimum 3 months, safer 6-12
  • Lips and nose: 2–4 months
  • Language: 4–6 weeks, but downsizing after 2–3 weeks
  • Navel: minimum 6 months, preferably a year

Principle: the first change of jewelry should be performed by a piercer who will assess the healing status.

What is downsizing and when to do it?

Downsizing is the shortening of the earring after the swelling subsides, usually 4-8 weeks after the piercing. Too long an earring catches on clothes and hair, moves in the canal, which prolongs healing and increases the risk of irritation and granulation tissue.

Example: the fresh tragus gets an 8 mm earring. After 6 weeks, when the swelling subsides, you shorten it to 6 mm.

How can you tell if an earring is too short or too long?

Too short: it presses into the skin, the decoration sinks into the canal, it is difficult to unscrew it, pain and redness occur.

Too long: it sticks out noticeably, gets caught in clothes and hair, and moves freely in the canal.

Appropriate: protrudes about 1 mm on each side - it does not press the tissue, but it does not move freely either.

Can I enlarge the piercing myself?

Yes, but carefully and only a fully healed canal:

  • increase the size by a maximum of 0.5–1 mm at a time
  • wait a minimum of 4-6 weeks between steps
  • use only implant titanium
  • never force - pain means the size is too big
  • moisturize the tissue with jojoba oil or vitamin E

Note: above 10 mm, the process may be irreversible - the canal will not shrink on its own.

What material should I choose for a fresh piercing?
  • Implantation titanium compliant with EN ISO 5832-3 or ASTM F136 - does not contain nickel in the alloy composition
  • 585 or 750 gold - safe, but much more expensive
  • Niobium - less frequently available, with properties similar to titanium

The following are not suitable for fresh piercings: 316L steel (contains nickel - good only after healing), silver (oxidizes), acrylic and plastic, as well as everything coated, because the coating wears off.

Internal or external thread - what's the difference?

In earrings with internal thread the thread is hidden in the rod and the decoration screws in from the inside. The surface passing through the channel remains smooth.

In earrings with external thread the thread is located on the surface of the rod and scratches the tissue every time it is applied. They are not suitable for fresh piercings.

Summary

How to choose the size of an earring step by step

Five steps to get you to the right size for every piercing.

01

Specify the piercing type

Petal, helix, nose, navel, lip - each place has different requirements for thickness and length.

02

Check the standard

Use the tables above - you will find the thickness and recommended length range.

03

Include healing

  • Fresh - 2–4 mm longer
  • After 4–8 weeks - downsizing
  • Healed - freedom
04

Select the type of earring

  • Labret - ear and face
  • Circle - after healing
  • Banana - navel, eyebrow, rook
05

Choose material

Implantation titanium or gold of 585 or higher quality. This is the only element that is not worth saving on.

If in doubt, ask your piercer

The sizes in the tables are indicative - each person has a different anatomy. The correct selection is essential for quick healing and comfort of wearing.

Approximate sizes  ·  Please consult before changing your jewelry for the first time piercer ·  For fresh piercings, choose implantation titanium