If you love wearing earrings every day but find traditional butterfly backs uncomfortable, flat back earrings could be exactly what you're looking for.
Designed with comfort, security and effortless styling in mind, flat back earrings have become a favourite for everything from classic lobe piercings to carefully curated ear stacks.
But what exactly makes them different? Can you sleep in them? And how do you remove them?
In this guide, we're covering everything you need to know about flat back earrings, including their benefits, how to choose the right size, where to wear them and why solid gold flat backs are worth investing in.
What Are Flat Back Earrings?
Flat back earrings (also referred to as labrets) are a type of stud earring that features a flat, smooth backing that rests against the ear. Unlike stud earrings, which use a post with a butterfly back, flat back earrings have an internal screw into a flat back post that ensures a secure, comfortable fit. This design eliminates the sharp post that can often irritate the ear, making them ideal for everyday wear and comfort.
Benefits of Flat Back Earrings
The biggest advantage of flat back earrings is the comfort they offer. With the back of the earring flush against your ear, there’s no chance of the post digging into your skin or causing irritation.
Additionally, the flat back design provides a more secure fit than traditional earrings. The backing stays in place more reliably, reducing the risk of losing an earring throughout the day. Whether you’re at work, at the gym, or out on the town, you can trust that your flat back earrings will stay in place.
Can You Wear Flat Back Earrings in Your Lobes?
Yes, flat back earrings can be worn in lobe piercings, and they're a lovely alternative to traditional butterfly-back studs.
They're especially popular for second and third lobe piercings, where smaller, more delicate designs can be layered alongside your everyday hoops or statement earrings.
Flat back earrings for lobes are also a great option if you find traditional earring backs uncomfortable, particularly when sleeping.
The important thing is choosing the correct post length and thickness for your piercing.
Explore our lobe earrings for inspiration.
Where Else Can You Wear Flat Back Earrings?
One of the best things about flat backs is how many different piercings they can be worn in.
Helix piercings
Flat back studs are a popular choice for helix piercings, which sit along the upper cartilage of your ear. Delicate diamonds, celestial shapes and curved designs work beautifully here. Explore our helix jewellery.
Conch piercings
For a conch piercing, flat backs offer a smooth fastening behind the ear while allowing the decorative front to become a focal point. We particularly love curved designs that follow the natural shape of the ear. Shop our conch piercing jewellery.
Tragus piercings
Small, delicate flat back studs are also a popular choice for tragus piercings, creating a subtle finishing touch to a curated ear.
Not every piercing is suitable for a straight flat back post. Daith and rook piercings, for example, typically require differently shaped jewellery. Always check with a professional piercer before changing your jewellery.
How to Choose the Right Flat Back Earring Size
Choosing the correct post length is essential for both comfort and security.
A post that's too short can put pressure on your piercing, while one that's too long may move around or catch on clothing and hair.
At Zohreh, our flat back earrings are available in two post lengths:
- 5mm: A shorter option that may suit some fully healed piercings with thinner tissue.
- 8mm: A longer option that may suit thicker tissue or piercings requiring additional space.
The best length depends on your anatomy, piercing placement and whether the piercing is fully healed.
You'll also need to consider the post thickness, often referred to as the gauge. Check the individual product measurements to ensure the jewellery is compatible with your piercing.
If you're unsure which size to choose, we'd always recommend speaking to your professional piercer before purchasing.
How to Put In Flat Back Earrings
Flat back earrings can feel a little fiddly at first, especially if you're used to traditional butterfly backs. Once you get the hang of them, however, they're straightforward to wear.
For our internally threaded flat back earrings:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Gently unscrew the decorative front from the post.
- Insert the flat back post through your piercing from the back of your ear.
- Carefully align the decorative front with the opening in the post.
- Turn the front clockwise until it's secure, without overtightening.
A mirror and good lighting can make the process much easier.
If you're struggling to insert the jewellery, don't force it. A professional piercer can help you fit it safely.
How to Remove Flat Back Earrings
Wondering how to remove flat back earrings? The method depends on the fastening.
For Zohreh's internally threaded flat backs, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands before touching your earrings.
- Hold the flat disc at the back of your ear firmly.
- Gently twist the decorative front anticlockwise to unscrew it.
- Once the front is removed, carefully slide the post out of your piercing.
If your earring feels stuck, avoid pulling or forcing it. A professional piercer can help remove stubborn jewellery without damaging your piercing.
Threadless flat backs work differently, so always check which type you're wearing before attempting removal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Back Earrings
What is the point of flat back earrings?
Flat back earrings are designed to provide a smooth, comfortable alternative to traditional earring backs. Their flat disc sits against the ear, reducing the pressure caused by protruding posts and making them popular for everyday wear.
What are the downsides of wearing flat back earrings?
Flat back earrings can be a little more difficult to put in and remove, particularly if you're new to threaded jewellery. Choosing the correct post length and gauge is also important, and the decorative front may loosen if it isn't checked regularly.
Why are flat back earrings so hard to put in?
Flat back earrings can be tricky because the post is often inserted from behind the ear and the decorative front is relatively small. Using a mirror, working in good lighting and taking your time can help. A professional piercer can also fit them for you.
Do flat back earrings fall out easily?
Properly fitted flat back earrings are designed to stay securely in place. Internally threaded designs use a screw-front fastening, although they can still loosen over time. It's worth checking the fastening regularly.
Can you sleep in flat back earrings?
Yes, many people find flat back earrings comfortable to sleep in once their piercings have fully healed. The smooth backing helps reduce pressure behind the ear compared with traditional studs. However, avoid sleeping directly on healing piercings.
What's the difference between internally threaded and threadless flat back earrings?
Internally threaded flat backs have a decorative front that screws into the post. Threadless flat backs use a tension-fit pin that pushes into the post. Both can offer a secure fit when correctly fitted, but they're inserted and removed differently.