More commonly known as "nap" earrings, flat back earrings are praised for their comfortability because they don't press further into the skin behind your ears like traditional earrings typically do. This makes them cozy to wear whether you're napping or not.
In fact, search for "flat back earrings" recently hit an all-time search high, according to Google Trends. Because of this, we wanted to see what all the commotion was about. Are they better for your ears, or is this just a trend to enhance your earscape? Whether you're looking for a new piercing or need a stud approved for sensitive ears, here's your jewelry guide to personalize your lovely lobes.
We spoke with professionals at piercing studios to gain their expertise on these unique earrings and we rounded up some editor- and shopper-approved flat back options to shop.
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What are flat back earrings?
As you may have guessed, a flat back earring has a flat, circular base attached to a slim, hollow post that slides into the ear from the back of the lobe.
It's designed like this so the decorative front of the earring (which is attached to a small, needle-like pin that's often bent at the tip for tension) can be pressed into the hollow insert.
However, some pins aren't bent; in that case, the earring design might require you to bend the pin yourself upon application or screw it into the base for stability (all versions can be found below).
This overall design is much different than a traditional stud which pierces the ear through the front of the lobe and is held in place with a fishhook or butterfly back, typically leaving the sharp post uncovered behind the ear.
Jacqueline Riley, a piercer at BioLab Piercing, says "the butterfly back can be a sharp point." She continues, "Even in a healed hole for a lot of people, it can stress out their [incision] that has healed."
The benefits of flat back earrings
Described as unnoticeable, durable and low-maintenance by the experts interviewed, flat back earrings boast several benefits that standard earrings simply don't.
"Flat back earrings are extra comfortable to wear all around your ear, especially in advanced piercing placements like the conch, tragus and helix," says Sam Isaacs, associate director of brand management at STUDS.
Not only do they provide a more comfortable wear, but piercing experts say they're cleaner than traditional backs as well, making them even easier to take care of.
"From a hygienic standpoint, there’s less surface area for buildup and debris to collect in and around the jewelry unlike traditionally backed earrings," says Sydney Roda, a piercer at Wildlike and Alysa Teichman, founder of Wildlike.
In addition, Roda and Teichman praise the variety of [length] sizes these earring posts are available in, meaning you can have preferred comfort depending on how new your piercing is.
Typically, a fresh piercing is given a longer backing, which can then be "downsized" for a "more exact fit." Why? Because you someday want to get to a point where neither piece is protruding the ear, according to Riley.
Flat back earrings to shop
It never hurts to have a couple of flat backs in tow to replace old ones if they get misplaced. These are available in two different millimeter lengths to allow for a short or longer-sized post, making them ideal for those hoping to downsize. These backs are also suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Disclaimer: I have previously gotten my ears pierced at STUDS, and the experts interviewed for this piece did not impact this product choice.
For an elevated and elegant look without breaking the bank, Shop TODAY editor-loved brand Pavoi has got you covered. These flat back earrings are less than $15, and reviewers love how they can dress up any earscape.
Pavoi strikes again in terms of providing affordable, adorable and reliable earrings. Each earring features a baguette-shaped, cubic zirconia gem, attached to a 9-millimeter flat back.
Reviewers have come to appreciate Pavoi's offerings because they're a "fraction of the price" for similar quality.
Available in either a titanium silver or 18-karat gold finish, this stud promises to be suitable for sensitive ears. In fact, the brand notes that their pieces shouldn't leave your ears green after days, weeks or months of wear.
Cords Club even offers the option to purchase a flat back applicator to assist while inserting flat back earrings. To use it, you can simple press the applicator into your piercing (through the front of the lobe), add the flat back base to the slim end of the pin, and pull it forward.
Although this earring is available in multiple metals and post lengths, the feature that’s most intriguing about it is the fact that the pin comes pre-bent, making the insertion process less of a guessing game.
STUDS recommends taking the earring out when showering, working out or swimming, in order to prevent tarnishing. Of the earrings I have from STUDS, they have yet to tarnish after owning them for almost three years and wearing them religiously.
Commerce writer Jannely Espinal has been wearing this flat back as a conch for the past year and she loves how comfortable it feels. "I haven't removed this earring since I got it almost a year and a half ago. It's comfortable and I even wear my earbuds without feeling pain," shares Espinal.
For an elegant and everyday style, this pair will make your ears shiny without pain. The earrings are designed to be worn 24/7 without feeling pain or sensitivity. They can be worn for a tragus, helix and other cartilage piercings.
Described by Wildlike as “small but mighty,” this stud has a hexagonal flat back, still allowing it to lie comfortably against the earlobes in piercings such as the forward helix or tragus, per the brand.
Former commerce editor Amanda Fama also has a flat back earring from Wildlike, and she can confirm the high-quality build and comfort of the design.
Disclaimer: I recently had my ear pieced at Wildlike, and the experts interviewed did not influence this product choice.
Available in either a single stud or to purchase in a pair, these flat backs can fit in any spot on your ear, whether it's your second holes or a cartilage.
Made out of 14-karat gold, the brand boasts their easy-to-wear and navigate options, with explicit instructions on how to insert them in various spots on your ear on their website.
Frequently asked questions
"Flat back earrings are perfect for sleeping," says Isaacs. Due to their flat backing, they're a great no-poke option so you won't feel any discomfort, especially if you're a side sleeper."
"Regular showers keep flat back earrings clean without the hassle of removal," says Teichman and Roda of Wildlike. "For healing piercings, a sterile fine mist saline spray is key in maintaining the cleanliness of the jewelry and piercing."
Additionally, Isaacs recommends using a "dry, soft, clean cloth." However, for a "deep clean, use water and a soap without harsh chemicals and dry immediately with a clean soft cloth."
Yes, most flat back earrings usually have a thicker post than standard earrings do. For example, the flat back earrings at STUDS are 18 gauge versus the standard 20-gauge size of other earrings with butterfly or fishhook backs.
The thickness of the flat back post allows for a hollow center that can secure an earring pin that's inserted from the front of the earlobe.
This depends on the type of flat back earrings you have.
To put in a flat back earring, you need to insert the hollow post (attached to the base) through the back of your ear piercing. Once it protrudes through the front of the earlobe, you can insert the decorative top of the earring by placing its attached pin inside the hollow opening.
Some earrings will require you to gently bend the earring pin into place for a secure fit, while other earrings will come with a pin that's pre-bent (making the entire process easier).
On the other hand, some flat back earrings need to be screwed into place after being secured inside the earlobe.
For clarity, it's best to consult your piercer or reference the instructions included with your flat back earrings upon purchase.
This will also depend on the type of flat back earring you're currently wearing. According to STUDS, if you're removing an earring with a bent pin that you pushed into place, you should gently hold onto the front and back of the earring while twisting and pulling the decorative portion out.
If your flat back has been screwed into place, you can simply unscrew it to remove the earring.
How we chose
Shop TODAY spoke with multiple experts from two different piercing studios to help ensure our audience receives credible advice on flat back earrings. We relied on their interviews to select products that coincided with their answers, providing our readers with a well-rounded, reputable shopping list to choose from. We even asked editors to share their favorite pairs, as well.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on flat back earrings. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Sam Isaacs is the associate director of brand management at STUDS and has studios nationwide, offering piercing services and in-store shopping experiences.
- Alysa Teichman is the founder of Wildlike, a piercing establishment and shop located in New York City and Dallas.
- Sydney Roda is a piercer at Wildlike at the New York City location.
- Jacqueline Riley is a piercer at BioLab Piercing, which is located in Houston, Texas.
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