Rock the sparkle and feel the comfort with flat back earrings. Flatback earrings are both stylish and comfortable. They feature a flat piece on the back instead of a pointy post, so they don’t poke or irritate your ear. Perfect for all-day wear!
What are flat back earrings?
Flat back earrings are similar to labret studs. They have a removable end and a flat disc on the back, instead of a pointy butterfly back or a ball end like regular earrings. This style works well for many piercings, including the nose, lip, and ear cartilage. For earrings, a thinner size (18 gauge) is typically used, while cartilage piercings usually require 16 gauge. Their comfort and variety make them a favourite among piercers and jewellery lovers!
How are they different?
Flat back earrings have a flat disc that sits smoothly against your skin, making them much more comfortable than butterfly back earrings, which can poke and are harder to keep clean if worn for a long time. Wearing flat backs in your earlobes is a new and popular trend!
Flat back earrings come in three types:
Internally threaded: The removable part has a threaded post that screws into the base.
Externally threaded: The base has a threaded post, and the removable part screws onto it.
Threadless: No threads; the removable part has a small wire that fits into a hollow post to stay in place.
Flatback earrings benefits
Flat back earrings are an excellent choice for anyone looking for comfort, style, and versatility in their jewellery. One of their biggest advantages is how comfortable they are, especially for people who like to keep their earrings in all the time, even while sleeping. The flat disc back of these earrings sits smoothly against your skin, so you won’t feel any poking or irritation. Unlike traditional butterfly back earrings, which have pointy posts that can dig into your skin and cause discomfort, flat backs offer a hassle-free experience, day or night.
Another great benefit is their secure design. Butterfly backs are notorious for slipping off easily, which can lead to lost earrings, especially if you’re active or constantly on the move. Flat backs, on the other hand, stay firmly in place, making them perfect for people with active lifestyles, such as those who exercise, play sports, or are always on the go. They’re also less likely to get caught on hair, combs, or clothing, an all-too-common issue with standard earrings that have more exposed parts.
Flat back earrings come in a wide variety of styles and finishes, so you can find something that matches your personality and taste. Whether you prefer simple designs like a small ball or charm, or something more eye-catching with sparkling gemstones or intricate patterns, there’s a flat back earring for everyone. This variety makes them a fun way to express your style, whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or keeping it casual for everyday wear.
Choosing flat backs made from ASTM F-136 titanium is a smart move. This high-quality metal is considered the gold standard for piercing jewellery. It’s hypoallergenic, meaning it’s less likely to cause skin reactions or irritation, especially important if you have sensitive skin or metal allergies. Titanium can also be anodised to produce a range of vibrant colours (except black), giving you even more options to customise your look.
Finally, flat backs are incredibly versatile. If the size (or gauge) matches, you can wear them in other piercings besides your earlobes, such as your nose, lip, or ear cartilage (like conch or tragus piercings). For example, earlobe flat backs are typically 18 gauge, but if you have a 16-gauge cartilage piercing, you can check if the posts are compatible or opt for threadless flat backs, which work across a range of sizes. This flexibility makes flat backs a practical and stylish addition to any jewellery collection.
Things to remember when buying flatback earrings
When shopping for flatback earrings to wear in your earlobes, there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure you get the best pair for you. First, choose earrings made of ASTM F-136 titanium, which is the top choice for piercing jewellery because it’s safe for most skin types and reduces the chance of allergic reactions. This metal can be colored in many shades through a process called anodizing, but it can’t be made black. The removable ends of flatback earrings come in tons of styles, from simple balls or small charms to fancy designs with real gemstones. Pick a style you’ll love for a long time, so you don’t get bored with it quickly.
Another thing to think about is the threading style of the earrings, which affects how the ends attach to the post. There are three types: internally threaded, externally threaded, and threadless. If you want to swap out the ends later, make sure the new ends match the threading style of your posts, or they won’t fit, and you’ll need to buy a whole new set. Threadless flatbacks are the easiest option because their ends can fit posts of different sizes, unlike internally threaded ends, which only work with the exact same size (like 18 gauge for earlobe earrings).
If you plan to use your flatback earrings in other piercings, like your nose or ear cartilage, check that the size (or gauge) is right for those piercings too. Earlobe earrings are usually 18 gauge, but cartilage piercings often use 16 gauge, so double-check to make sure they’ll work. By choosing threadless jewellery and the right size, you’ll have more flexibility to use your earrings in different ways, making them super versatile and fun to wear!
That’s all you need to know about flatback earrings! If you’re tired of uncomfortable, pokey backs and want better earrings, check out our flatback earring collection. Try them and feel the difference.