Huggie earrings and hoop earrings might look similar at first, but there are a few key differences between the two. From how they sit on the ear to their size, fit and styling, choosing the right pair can completely change the look of your ear stack.
Whether you’re looking for a small pair of earrings for everyday wear or a classic hoop to wear on its own, this guide explains the difference between huggie and hoop earrings and how to decide which style is right for you.
What Are Huggie Earrings?
Huggie earrings are a type of small hoop designed to sit closely around the earlobe, which is where the name “huggie” comes from. Unlike larger hoops that hang further below the ear, huggies create a close-fitting, streamlined look.
They usually feature a hinged closure that clicks securely into place, so there’s no separate earring back to worry about.
Their smaller size makes huggie earrings an easy option for everyday wear. They can be worn on their own for a simple look or combined with studs and other small hoops if you have multiple piercings.
Huggies also come in plenty of different designs. Alongside simple polished styles, you’ll find gemstone huggies, textured designs and huggies with removable charms, making them much more versatile than their small size might suggest.
What Are Hoop Earrings?
Hoop earrings are circular or curved earrings that extend around or below the earlobe. While we often think of hoops as larger earrings, they actually come in a huge range of sizes, from small everyday hoops to much larger styles.
This means the distinction between a huggie and a hoop isn’t simply that one is small and the other is large. Huggies are actually a type of hoop earring, specifically designed to fit closely around the earlobe.
Traditional hoops generally leave more space between the earring and your ear, giving them a more noticeable silhouette. Depending on their size and design, they can be just as suitable for everyday wear as huggies.
Huggie Earrings vs Hoop Earrings: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference is how they fit on your ear.
A huggie sits snugly around the earlobe with very little space underneath it. A traditional hoop usually has a larger diameter, leaving more space between your earlobe and the bottom of the earring.
There can also be differences in their closures. Many huggie earrings use a hinged click closure, while hoop earrings can use hinged, latch-back, post or other fastening styles depending on their design.
The overall effect is slightly different too. Huggies tend to create a smaller, close-fitting look, while traditional hoops can add a little more presence to an outfit.
Neither is necessarily better. It really comes down to the fit and look you prefer.
Are Huggie Earrings Comfortable?
One of the reasons huggie earrings have become such a popular everyday style is their close fit.
Because they sit close to the earlobe and are usually relatively small, they’re less likely to move around than larger hoops. Lightweight designs can therefore be particularly comfortable for wearing throughout the day.
The exact fit will depend on both the diameter of the huggie and the position of your piercing, so it’s always worth checking the measurements before choosing a pair.
Although huggies are designed with everyday wear in mind, we recommend removing your jewellery before sleeping, showering, swimming or exercising to help protect both your earrings and their finish.
Are Huggie Earrings Good for Ear Stacking?
Yes. Their small size makes huggie earrings particularly easy to incorporate into an ear stack if you have multiple lobe piercings.
Try wearing a huggie in your first piercing with a small gemstone stud above it, or combine different sizes and textures for a more layered look.
You can also mix metals if that’s more your style. Sterling silver and gold vermeil can look just as good worn together as they do separately, so there’s no need for every earring in your stack to match. If you’re not sure which finish is right for you, our guide to choosing between gold and silver jewellery can help.
For a simpler look, a single pair of huggies works just as well on its own.
Should You Choose Huggies or Hoops?
Choose huggie earrings if you prefer earrings that sit closely around your earlobe, want something small for everyday wear or like creating layered ear stacks.
Choose hoop earrings if you prefer a little more space beneath the earlobe or want a slightly more noticeable silhouette. With so many different hoop sizes available, you can still choose a subtle everyday pair without going for oversized earrings.
And you don’t necessarily have to choose between them. Mixing small hoops, huggies and studs is one of the easiest ways to create an ear stack that feels personal to you.
Finding Your Perfect Pair
Ultimately, the difference between huggie earrings and hoop earrings comes down to their fit. Huggies are small hoops designed to sit closely around the earlobe, while traditional hoops generally have a larger diameter and sit further away from the ear.
At Rose & Wolf, our earrings are designed with everyday wear and easy styling in mind. Our collection includes sterling silver and 14ct gold vermeil huggie earrings, alongside gemstone designs, simple polished styles and huggies with removable charms.
Shop our full earring collection to find your perfect pair.