The Earring Guide – Find Your Type Among Hoops, Huggies and Studs

Hoops, huggies, studs, ear cuffs... what is the actual difference? Here we go through every earring type, how they are worn and what suits which occasion – so you can find your new favourites.

Where each type sits

The five types below sit in different places on the ear. Once you can see them side by side, choosing gets a lot easier – and stacking two or three becomes obvious.

An ear seen from the side with five numbered earring types placed where they actually sit – 1 stud in the lobe, 2 huggie hugging the lobe, 3 hoop through the lobe, 4 ear cuff on the cartilage rim and 5 drop hanging from the lobe.
A pair of classic wide gold hoop earrings.

Hoops – the classic that never fails

Round hoops in every size: mini for everyday, statement for the party. See all hoops.

Studs – simplicity itself

The first choice after piercing and the base of every jewellery collection – they work with everything. See all studs.

Small red heart stud earrings in gold-plated stainless steel.
Red enamel huggie hoop earrings that sit close against the earlobe.

Huggies – the little ones that hug your lobe

Perfect to sleep and train in (choose waterproof steel!) and beautiful stacked. See all huggies.

Ear cuffs – no piercing needed

They clip onto the edge of the ear – the fastest way to a bolder ear. See all ear cuffs.

A crystal star ear cuff that clips onto the cartilage rim without a piercing.
Large drop earrings hanging from the lobe.

Drops and danglers – when you want a little more

For parties, dinners and photos – movement and shine that shows. See all drop earrings.

Mix and stack

Combine 2–3 types in the same ear – our favourite look. See all earrings.