Reviewed by Baby Gold's Jewelry Team
Hoop and huggie sizing comes down to two things: diameter (how big around) and thickness (how thick the hoop is). Here's everything you need to know to shop with confidence.
✨Not sure where to start? An 11mm huggie or a 25-30mm hoop are our most versatile, everyday sizes.
Huggie Sizes
Huggies sit close to the ear, so a few millimeters makes a bigger visual difference than on a larger hoop. They're perfect for everyday wear because they are subtle and least likely to get caught on clothing or hair, but sizing too small may make it hard to close the huggie around your ear lobe depending on the shape of your ear.
9mm: Smallest Huggie
Sits right at the ear for a subtle, minimal look. Great for a second, third, and helix piercings, or for layering close to the lobe.
11mm: Classic Huggie
*Most Common Huggie Size*
A comfortable everyday size that hugs close to the ear without being too tight.
13mm: Largest Huggie
A slightly fuller huggie with a bit more presence, while still sitting snug against the ear.
Hoop Sizes
Hoops range from a subtle 15mm all the way up to a bold 65mm statement piece. Here's how each size actually looks worn.
15-16mm: Smallest Hoop
A subtle, close-to-the-ear size for anyone who wants the hoop look without much movement or presence.
Large Twist Hoop Earrings - 25mm
25mm: Small-Medium Hoop
*Most Common Hoop Size*
A versatile, everyday size that's comfortable for all-day wear and suits most face shapes.
35mm: Medium Hoop
A step up from our smaller hoops with a bit more presence, while still being easy to wear all day.
45mm: Large Hoop
A noticeable, eye-catching size. Great for both daytime and going out.
2mm Gold Tube Hoop Earrings - 55mm
55mm: Extra Large Hoop
A bold, statement size best suited for those who love a fuller look or want their earrings to stand out.
Pearl Accent Endless Hoop Earrings
60-65mm: Largest Hoop
Our biggest hoops, made for maximum drama. A true statement piece best suited for special occasions.
Thickness (Width)
Thickness changes how bold a hoop feels, independent of its diameter. A thin 30mm hoop and a thick 30mm hoop are the same size around, but look completely different on.
1.2mm: Extra Thin
Our most delicate hoop - barely-there and featherlight. Great for a minimal, everyday look that stays subtle no matter the diameter.
2mm: Thin/Classic
A lightweight, delicate tube that keeps the hoop feeling subtle no matter the diameter. Comfortable for daily wear, even at larger sizes.
3mm: Medium
A slightly bolder tube that adds presence without much extra weight. Our most balanced everyday thickness.
6mm: Chunky
A bold, substantial tube for a statement look. Adds noticeably more weight, so this thickness tends to feel best at smaller-to-medium diameters.
Other Things to Consider:
- Diameter and thickness work together. A large diameter with a chunky tube will feel much heavier than the same diameter in a thinner tube.
- Huggies sit closer to the ear than traditional hoops, making them a good option for anyone who finds larger hoops heavy or prone to catching on things.
- Face shape and ear size play a role too - if you're unsure, start with a mid-size hoop (25-30mm) in our medium 3mm thickness.
- Layering multiple hoops? Mixing sizes and thicknesses (like a thin huggie with a chunkier small hoop) adds dimension without overwhelming the ear.
Measuring at Home
The easiest way is to measure a hoop or huggie you already own and decide whether you want the same size, bigger, or smaller. Diameter is measured from one inner edge straight across to the other, not including the thickness of the metal.
If you don't have a pair to measure, a ruler or measuring tape held up to your ear works as a quick reference for how a given size will actually look.
Don't have a ruler? Print one out here.
- Lay your hoop or huggie flat on a ruler.
- Measure the inner diameter, from one inner edge straight across to the other, to find the size.
- Measure the width of the metal tube itself to find the thickness.
- Compare both measurements to the size guide above.
Note: all hoop and huggie measurements are listed in millimeters (mm).
Hoop & Huggie Sizing FAQs
What is the difference between a huggie and a hoop?
A huggie is a small, close-fitting style that hugs the earlobe, usually under 15mm. A hoop is any circular earring, typically 15mm and up, that can range from subtle to a full statement size.
What size hoop earrings are most popular?
25-30mm is the most common everyday hoop size. It's large enough to have presence without feeling heavy or getting in the way during daily wear.
Do bigger hoops hurt your ears?
Size alone isn't usually the issue, weight is. A large hoop in a thin, lightweight tube can be more comfortable than a smaller hoop in a thick, heavy one. If comfort is a priority, look at thickness as much as diameter.
How do I know what size hoops will suit my face shape?
There's no strict rule, but a mid-size hoop (25-30mm) tends to be the most universally flattering starting point. From there it's mostly personal preference and how much movement or presence you want.
Can huggies be worn in a second or cartilage piercing?
Yes, smaller huggies (around 9mm) are a popular choice for second, third, or helix piercings since they sit close to the ear without much movement.
Are thicker hoops heavier to wear?
Generally yes. A thicker tube adds more metal and weight, especially at larger diameters, so a chunky thickness tends to feel most comfortable at smaller-to-medium sizes.
Why trust this guide
This guide was reviewed by Baby Gold's jewelry team. Baby Gold is owned by third-generation jewelers with hands-on experience in jewelry production, manufacturing, product sizing, and customer fit questions. Our recommendations are informed by how solid gold earrings, hoops, and huggies are made, measured, and worn.