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Guide
Hoop Earring Size Guide
How hoop earrings are measured, what huggie, small, medium, and large hoops look like on the ear, and which closures are most secure.
How hoops are measured
Hoop size usually means the diameter across the hoop in millimeters. Thickness, the width of the metal tube, is listed separately. A thicker hoop looks bolder and heavier than a thin hoop of the same diameter.
Size ranges
Roughly: huggies of about 8 to 12 mm hug the earlobe; small hoops of about 13 to 20 mm sit just below the lobe; medium hoops of about 20 to 35 mm are a visible everyday size; large hoops of 40 mm and up make a statement. To picture a size, hold a ruler at your earlobe in a mirror.
Closures
Hinged hoops snap shut and are easy to put on. Click-top and latch-back closures lock in place and are secure for daily wear. Endless hoops thread a thin wire into the tube and are light but more delicate. Each product page lists the closure type.
Diamond hoops
Inside-out diamond hoops have stones on the front and back so they sparkle from both sides. Total carat weight counts both earrings together. For diamond grading basics, see the diamond 4Cs guide.
Before you order
Pierced earrings are final sale for hygiene reasons, so check the diameter and thickness carefully. Browse diamond hoops and all earrings.
Common questions
- What size hoop earrings are best for everyday wear?
- Many people choose huggies or small hoops of about 10 to 20 mm for every day, since they rarely catch on clothing.
- Are hoops measured inside or outside?
- Most listings give the outside diameter in millimeters. Check the product page for the exact measurement.
- What is a huggie earring?
- A small hoop, usually about 8 to 12 mm, that sits close around the earlobe.