Everything You Need to Know About Flat Back Earrings

Fashion over function. Come on, not everyone subscribes to this thinking. Let’s all be honest here; we wear earrings to stylishly express our personalities, not to feel pain or any form of discomfort. We want pieces that do not poke against our skin and irritate it. Now, this is where flat back earrings – better known in the piercing world as labrets – gain the most advantage.

What are flat back earrings?

Flat back earrings are earrings with flat and smooth backings. They are often referred to as labret studs in professional piercing contexts, are a modern jewelry design characterized by a smooth, disc-shaped backing that sits flush against the skin. This style has gained popularity for its blend of comfort, security, and minimalist aesthetics.

Flat backs are becoming more and more popular because of their numerous benefits, notably for those wearers who prioritize comfort over everything else...

How do flat back earrings work?

A flat back earring can be either of two types–push-pin or threaded. Each type works just a bit differently from the other:

• Push-pin flat backs. This design has two major parts: (1) the stud/top with a pre-bent pin and (2) the hollow post with the flat back attached. To wear, insert the post from the back of your piercing and then push the pre-bent pin of the stud into the hollow post. The bend of the pin helps keep the stud securely in place.
• Threaded flat backs. This design also has two major parts: (1) the stud/top with a short screw thread attached to it and (2) the hollow post with internal threading and a flat-back attachment on one end. Wearing is basically the same but instead of inserting a pre-bent pin, we insert the thread into the post and rotate it until it tightens.

What are the benefits of flat back earrings?

Compared to the more traditional butterfly design, flat back earrings bring a lot of advantages such as increased comfort, reduced irritation, and versatility. These advantages are direct consequences of the major differences in piercing earring-back designs of flats and butterflies.

• Increased comfort. Given the flat and smooth backing, it’s rare (if at all) for the wearer to experience poking behind their ears. They can even sleep with their flat back earrings on, and there will not be any issues.
• Reduced irritation. Since there’s no poking against the skin, irritation is unlikely. Many flat back earrings are also made of hypoallergenic materials such as implant-grade titanium. Because of this, flare-up worries are significantly reduced.
• Minimal snagging. The protruding posts of traditional butterfly backings easily get caught with clothing, headphones, and even hair! The snagging may lead to swelling and even torn ear lobes. Fortunately, flat back earrings are unlikely to snag.
• Versatility across piercing types. Which part of the ear do flat back earrings work best? Everywhere. Enough said.

What are the different types of flat back earrings?

Flat back earrings are made of a wide variety of materials such as titanium, gold, and surgical steel.

Many fall in love with flat back earrings because of their versatility. This design is suitable anywhere in the ear area. The flat back design is even considered ideal for more advanced placements such as the conch, tragus, and helix. Follow the links to read our blog posts that have these piercing jewelry types explained thoroughly.

How to choose safe piercing jewelry?

To pick the most suitable jewelry item, consider the material that it is made of and its size. While gold is the pick for those who want the finer side of life, pieces made of titanium are the best earrings for sensitive ears. Other materials to choose from include surgical steel and PTFE/bioplast.

The next thing to consider is, of course, the size. Generally speaking, flat back earrings have thicker posts of 1 mm while the traditional butterfly backs have posts that are 0.8 mm thick. Just to be clear, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the post. Know how thick your piercing is to get this part of sizing right.

Another size-dimension to consider is the length of the post. Normally, flat back earrings come in 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm posts. The 6s and 8s are OK for thinner areas such as the conch and helix while the 10s are for thicker parts such as the lobe. However, each ear is unique and it will be wise to consult with a professional to determine the right post length.

How to care for flat back earrings?

To clean flat back earrings, all you need to do is soak it in warm water with mild soap or detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals. To remove stubborn dirt, you may use a brush with soft bristles. When done, gently pat dry using a clean and soft cloth.

Many fall in love with flat backs because they are so comfortable that they can be worn for a long time without being removed or replaced. There are even users who claim that they’ve worn their flat backs for several months without any issue. However, it is still wise to occasionally remove the earrings (every two weeks, perhaps?) for cleaning.

Storing these items is not difficult either. Just put them in their designated jewelry box and store them in a dry area that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Get your flat back earrings today

Finding the most suitable flat back earrings is easy. Explore our curated catalog of labrets or flat back earrings; use filters for materials, measurements, and other important dimensions. You can even find the perfect pair at the best prices using our sort-by-price feature.