Flat Back Earrings: What Are They and How Do I Style Them?

What Are Flat Back Earrings?

Flat back earrings, also known as flat back studs or labret earrings, feature a completely flat backing instead of the traditional butterfly and post fastening. The flat back design sits flush against your ear, creating a smooth, comfortable fit that's perfect for everyday wear, sleeping, and sport.

Unlike traditional earrings with protruding poking posts backs, flat back earring posts are designed with either a threadless push-fit system or internal screw threading that keeps the jewellery secure while maintaining maximum comfort.

Scream Pretty uses an internal thread - so you push the back of the earring through the ear from the back or your ear to the front, and twist the earring design into place to secure it. Our flat back earrings have 6mm length posts - so are only suitable for fully healed piercings.

Model showing the back of her ear which showcases the fastening of a flat back earring

The Benefits of Flat Back Stud Earrings

Ultimate Comfort

The primary advantage of flat back earrings is their ergonomic design which equals comfort! The flat backing eliminates the pressure points and poking common with standard post and butterfly earring backs, making them ideal for:

Sleeping in earrings
Long wear throughout the day
Active lifestyles and sports
Sensitive ears

Image of a ear wearing multiple flat back earrings with text stating there benefits such as 'sleep in style, 24/7 wear, effortless stacking, comfy flat back'

Versatile Styling Options

Flat back earrings come in countless designs, from minimalist to multi stone sparkle, have fun with placements as you can wear in your cartilage piercings, lobes and even your nose!
Here are all the piercings you can place your flat back earrings

Helix Piercings
Cartilage
Upper lobe
Nose
Flat Helix
Forward helix
Tragus

Perfect for Multiple Piercings

The low-profile design of flat back earrings makes them perfect for ear stacking and creating curated ear looks with multiple piercings. They won't interfere with other jewellery pieces and allow for seamless layering.

How to Style Flat Back Earrings: Expert Tips

1. Create a Curated Ear Stack

Flat back stud earrings are perfect for building a personalised ear stack. Mix and match different sizes and styles, alongside your charm hoops, hoops and ear cuffs:

Start with larger earrings in your lobe piercings
Add smaller flat back studs in upper lobe and cartilage piercings - match or clash your styles, this is your style statement
Incorporate different metals for an eclectic, modern look
Balance sparkly or coloured gemstone flat back earrings with simple metal studs

2. Mix Metals for the Ultimate Ear Stack

Don't be afraid to combine gold flat back earrings with silver flat back earrings. This mixed-metal trend adds visual interest and allows you to coordinate with different jewellery pieces throughout your collection.

3. Play with Placements

Vary the sizes of your flat back earrings to create visual hierarchy:

Use larger pieces as focal points in prominent piercings
Fill in with smaller dainty flat back studs for balance
Mix smooth and textured finishes for added wow
Try an ear with ALL dainty flat backs, confident minimalist vibes

Image showing the different earring types you can style flat back earrings with such as huggie hoops, ear cuffs, statement studs and charm hoops

Choosing the Right Flat Back Earrings

Material Considerations

Flat back earrings come in many metals - ALWAYS check that they are hypoallergenic (like Scream Pretty Earrings which are Anchorcert tested) You will be wearing the flat back earring styles for longer periods of time - so you do not want irritation to your ears.
Do not buy cheap flat back earrings made from untested metals - this will cause infection, redness and irritation.

Choose from

Sterling Silver
Solid Gold
Stainless steel
Titanium

Size and Style Selection

2mm-3mm flat back earrings: Perfect for subtle, everyday wear
4mm-5mm flat back studs: Ideal for statement pieces in lobe piercings

When you get your ears pierced the post of the flat back will be 8-10mm to allow your ear to swell, due to the trauma of piercing - when your ear heals and reduces back to its normal size, you can swap your piercing jewellery for more dainty designed styles on a shorter post - Scream Pretty have 6mm length posts - which will feel more comfortable

Changing your flat back earrings

This can be a fiddly process, especially if you have long nails!
We recommend going to your piercer when you want to change from your piercing jewellery in a fresh piercing to a new style flat back. They can check if your piercing is healed and ready for your new jewellery AND then help you put in our first flat back.

For subsequent swap outs to new flat back piercings you can

Keep the back section of the earring in place - and just screw out the front and replace with a new style
Use Blue Tack to hold the front of the earrings so you have more to hold onto as your twist into place. (Clear the ear after insertion with saline solution)
Use a ‘grabber tool’ to help hold the front of the earring and twist into place
Ask friends and family to help you (this is my go to!)

Conclusion: Why Flat Back Earrings Are Worth the Investment

Flat back earrings represent the perfect fusion of style, comfort, and versatility. Whether you're building an ear stack, looking for sleep-friendly jewellery, or simply want comfortable everyday earrings, flat back studs offer an unmatched wearing experience.

From elegant gold flat back earrings to sparkling gemstone flat back studs, these innovative jewellery pieces allow you to express your personal style without compromising on comfort. Make the switch to flat back earrings and discover why they're becoming the preferred choice for jewellery lovers worldwide.

For more information on stacking and styling your jewellery - visit our Scream Pretty Jewellery Hub

Ready to upgrade your earring collection? Explore our extensive selection of flat back earrings and find the perfect pieces to complement your unique style and lifestyle needs.

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