How to wear huggie earrings: open the hinged post gently, slide it through your piercing from front to back, and press the hoop closed until it clicks. Then wear them alone for a clean everyday look, or put them in your first hole and build a small ear stack above.
You love the look of small, sparkly hoops, but you are not sure how the little hinge works, which hole they go in, or how to style them without looking overdone. This guide on how to wear huggie earrings answers all of it, step by step, in plain words.
Shop the CZ huggie hoops · $99Free US shipping in 6–10 business days · 31-day returns
What are huggie earrings?
Huggie earrings are small hoops that sit close to your earlobe. Instead of hanging down like a classic hoop, they “hug” the ear, which is where the name comes from. Most huggies use a hinged post that is part of the hoop, so there is no separate earring back to lose.
Small hoop, full sparkle
Our CZ huggie hoop earrings measure about 0.59 in (15 mm) tall and 0.67 in (17 mm) wide. Round cubic zirconia stones are prong-set along the front, and a row of tiny stones lines the inner face, so they catch the light from every angle.
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone known for its bright sparkle. You can read more about cubic zirconia on Wikipedia.
| Material | Copper with cubic zirconia stones |
|---|---|
| Finish | Gold tone or silver tone |
| Size | About 0.59 in (15 mm) tall × 0.67 in (17 mm) wide |
| Weight | About 0.16 oz (4.6 g) for the pair |
| Closure | Hinged click closure, for pierced ears |
How to open huggie earrings without forcing the hinge
Learning how to wear huggie earrings starts with the hinge, the part that worries most first-time wearers. The good news: it only takes a few seconds once you know the motion. Do it in front of a mirror the first time, with clean, dry hands.
- Open gently. Hold the hoop and pull the hinged post away from it. Stop when it opens; never bend it further than its open position.
- Slide it through. Insert the post through your piercing from the front of the ear to the back, following the angle of the hole.
- Click it closed. Press the hoop closed until you feel and hear a small click. Give it a light tug to check it is secure.
If the post will not go in, do not push harder. Open the hinge fully, find the angle of your piercing, and try again slowly. A piercing that feels tight or new is best checked by a professional piercer.
Which hole? Huggies vs. hoops vs. studs
Choosing the right hole is a big part of how to wear huggie earrings. Huggies work in any standard lobe piercing. Because they sit so close to the ear, they are a favorite for the first hole, and they also look neat in a second lobe piercing next to a larger hoop. Here is how they compare with the two other everyday classics.
Why huggies feel easy
They do not swing, so they rarely catch on hair, scarves or sweaters. And with no loose back, there is one less tiny part to drop behind the sink.
| Style | Huggies | Classic hoops | Studs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | Close to the lobe | Hang below the lobe | Flat on the lobe |
| Closure | Hinged post | Varies | Post + back |
| Best hole | 1st or 2nd lobe | 1st lobe | Any hole |
| Look | Polished, everyday | Bold, statement | Minimal |
How to wear huggie earrings in an ear stack: 5 easy tips
A huggie earrings ear stack sounds complicated, but it is just two or three pieces that look good together. If you have more than one piercing, start with these five simple rules.
- Biggest at the bottom. Put the huggies in your first hole and go smaller as you move up the ear.
- Add one small stud. A single sparkling stud in the second hole makes the stack look finished.
- Pick one tone. Keep everything gold tone or everything silver tone for a calm, matching look.
- Leave some space. Two or three pieces are enough. Empty space keeps the stack clean.
- Only one piercing? No problem. One pair of sparkly huggies on its own already looks styled.
Ready to build yours? Here are three earrings that work well together in a stack. Browse the full earrings collection for more shapes.
From weekday to holiday party: styling and gift ideas
Match the tone to your outfit
The last step in how to wear huggie earrings is the outfit. Gold tone warms up black, camel and cream. Silver tone looks fresh with denim, grey and all-white outfits. For a holiday party, wear your hair up or tucked behind one ear so the sparkle shows.
Huggies are also one of the easiest jewelry gifts to get right: there is no ring size or chain length to guess. That makes them a smart pick for Christmas gift earrings for her, or a small stocking stuffer for a sister, a friend or your wife. Here are the dates to keep in mind this season.
Thanksgiving
A polished pair for family dinner, with a sweater or a little black dress.
Order by Nov 10Christmas
A small box that fits in any stocking, and goes with everything she owns.
Order by Dec 10New Year’s Eve
Hair up, huggies in, and a stud in the second hole for extra sparkle.
Order by Dec 15Delivery times are estimates.
Planning jewelry for a winter wedding as well? Our guide on how to choose wedding jewelry walks you through it in three steps.
Huggie earrings: your questions answered
What are huggie earrings?
Huggie earrings are small hoop earrings that sit snugly against the earlobe instead of hanging below it. Our CZ huggie hoops are about 0.59 in (15 mm) tall.
Are huggie earrings for pierced ears?
Yes. The hinged post goes through a standard ear piercing. These CZ huggie hoop earrings are not clip-on earrings.
How do you open huggie earrings?
Pull the hinged post gently away from the hoop, slide it through your piercing from front to back, then press the hoop closed until it clicks. Never force the hinge past its open position.
Why can’t I get my huggie earrings in?
Make sure the hinge is fully open and follow the natural angle of your piercing; pushing straight on often blocks the post. If the hole feels tight or new, ask a professional piercer to check it.
Can you wear huggie earrings with non-pierced ears?
Not this style. Our CZ huggie hoop earrings use a post that goes through a piercing, so they are made for pierced ears only.
How should I wear huggie earrings with hoops?
Put the larger hoop in your first hole and the huggies in your second lobe piercing, or wear huggies alone when you want a simpler look.
When should I order for Christmas?
Order by Dec 10 for Christmas. Shipping is free in the US and takes 6–10 business days; delivery times are estimates. You also have 31 days to return them. See our shipping and returns policy.
Related reading: How to wear a gold coin necklace (and layer it without tangles)
Your easiest sparkle this season
Now you know how to wear huggie earrings: open gently, click closed, then wear them alone or as the base of a small ear stack. Pick gold tone or silver tone and make them your everyday pair.
Choose your tone · $99