What are Huggie Earrings?

So, what are Huggie Earrings? Huggies are the endlessly comfortable, wildly versatile styling powerhouses of the jewelry world. Essentially, they are hoop-like earrings that, yes, exactly like it sounds, *hug* the ear. Or, whatever piercing you're adorning - like we said, versatile. Perfect for lobes, stunning in almost any other ear cartilage placement, adorable in noses and lips, need we say more? 

While you can call anything a huggie that rests closely against your ear, at Grayling, we only offer styles that feature a secure, click-locking continuous hoop. Why? For your utmost comfort of course! Pop on a pair to level up your lunch date attire or add a stack for some low-effort, high-vibe elegance at the gala. However you wear them, they're so comfortable you'll forget they're on until you find yourself waking up the next morning, already adorned.

Waterproof Titanium Huggie Sleeper Earrings on model

From left to right: 8mm Ascend CZ, 8mm Elevate, and 10mm Ascend CZ Titanium Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings

So what makes Grayling's Huggie Earrings so wonderful?

  • Safe from snags! No more accidental ear tugs or caught-up-in-your-own-sweater struggle. With a continuous, closed hoop that sits more flush to your body, there aren't any posts or open loops to catch on.
  • Waterproof - made to stay on you through your daily activities! Sleep, sweat, shower, the durable finish will keep you looking confidently cute.
  • No need to worry about lost backs—we've all been there—like socks in the dryer, they just disappear! Leave that stress behind with our hinged and click-locking Huggies.
  • Comfortable and lightweight, they are made to hug your body. Their smaller size means they won't pull your piercing down, allowing you to wear them for longer periods of time with zero pain or discomfort. 
Huggie Earring ear stack on model

Huggies from left to right: Rowan Removable Sphere and Ojai Twisted Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings, and Puff Beaded Sphere Segment Huggie Ring. Also pictured above: Smooth Sphere Titanium Flat Back Sleeper Earring

Huggies are incredibly versatile, coming in a vast array of styles to mix and match your every mood. And because these earrings are so great for extended wear, it's important to pay attention to the material they are made from to keep your piercings/body happy and irritation-free! Think about these things first - - - 

  1. Where do I want to wear this piece of jewelry?
  2. How long would I like to keep this in my body?
  3. How long has my piercing been fully healed?

At Grayling, we offer our huggie earrings in the following materials, as they are the safest for sensitive skin types (so, better for everyone)!

Silver ATSM-F136 Titanium Click-Locking Huggie Earrings on model

Counter-clockwise around ear from top: Wisp Crystal Pavé, Mya Smooth, Illusion Triple Row, Celine Twisted Rope, and Puff Beaded Sphere Titanium Hinged Segment Ring Huggies

ASTM F136 Titanium is the gold standard for body jewelry. It’s hypoallergenic and safe to sleep and shower in, so you can wear it without worry throughout your busy life. This is the same material that piercers use, so you know it’s reliable!

14k Solid Gold Huggie Earrings on model

From left to right: 10mm, 8mm, and 6mm Miki Smooth Hinged Segment Ring Huggies in 14k Solid Yellow Gold

14k Solid Gold is also suitable for piercing jewelry. It’s the perfect choice for the person who’s looking for a little bit more of an investment. Gold is quite a bit softer than titanium, so you may find it difficult to find huggies that can hold up to everyday wear under 18g if you’re looking for it.

Gold Stainless Steel Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings on model

From left to right: Narrow Dome, Dainty Donut, and (2x) 10mm Essential Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings in 316L implant-grade Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is wonderful for piercing jewelry, as long as you make sure that it’s nickel-free (which ours always is!) to avoid discomfort and irritation! We carry a ton of stainless steel locking huggies, and while we absolutely LOVE these, they might not be the best choice for cartilage piercings on extra-sensitive ears.

Silver Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings with Flat Back Sleeper Earrings styled on model

Huggies from left to right: Puff Beaded Sphere Titanium Hinged Segment Ring Huggie, 8mm Essential, Dainty Donut and Chunky Donut Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings, and Mya Smooth Hinged Segment Ring Huggie. Also pictured above: Deco Snake Titanium Flat Back Sleeper Earring

Beyond being the MVP of any jewelry collection, huggies make the ultimate travel companion. All of our styles feature a hinge and an in-line click-lock - never worry about a lost earring back, from your carry-on to the beach and back again. You know it's secure when you hear the satisfying little 'pop' as it's locked in place. The sleeper earrings we offer at Grayling all layer so well with each other, there's a seemingly infinite number of ways to stack and style - and that's where the real fun starts! You'll find yourself joyfully curating new looks, mixing metals, and testing new combos to suit each new daily vibe.

Not sure where to start? Let us point you towards the pieces that we can barely keep in stock! 

Essential Locking Sleeper Huggies in 8mm + 10mm 

8mm and 10mm Essential Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings in gold on model

Minimal on their own and the perfect addition to any stack, these are our favorite no-hassle go-tos. An absolute must in every collection, you'll find yourself living in these. When you don't want to think about styling, a basic huggie that goes with anything and everything is your best friend.

*BONUS!* We offer these everyday essentials (or with a row of glittering crystals) in feather-light Titanium for a truly weightless wearing experience. They're also perfect for severely sensitive skin.

Tiny Twist Double Huggie Earrings

14k Solid Yellow Gold Tiny Twist Double Huggie Earrings on model
Also pictured above: Gossamer Mini Sphere and Flutter Crystal Butterfly Flat Back Sleeper Earrings in 14k Solid Yellow Gold, and Woven Thick Band Ring

Our little secret hack for adding an extra hoop without an additional piercing! These huggies perform a little magic act and appear as two tiny hoops but are actually one single earring in one single piercing—check out the video in the slideshow to see it live in action before your very eyes.

Wisp Crystal Pavé Hinged Segment Huggie Ring

Wisp Crystal Pave Hinged Segment Ring Clicker Hoop Huggie

When you need a little dazzle but don't want to miss out on comfort, there's no better solution than our Wisp Crystal Pavé Huggies. A glittering halo of crystals, lightweight enough to almost float up and away to the heavens. Yes please!

Iysa Freshwater Pearl Locking Huggie Earrings

Iysa Freshwater Pearl Locking Sleeper Huggie Earring on model

Forever a classic charmer, a dazzlingly luminous pearl dances just underneath a smooth, glowing huggie hoop. It just doesn't get any more effortlessly perfect.

Milo Faceted Hinged Segment Huggie Ring

Silver Milo Hinged Clicker Huggie Hoop Earrings on model

Your everyday basic, perked up with some modern edge. We love the geometrically angled facets that flash beams of light with every twist and turn. Perfectly comfortable and practically weightless, these huggies were made to put in and forget.

Romy Tapered Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings

Romy Tapered Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings on model

Throw these on when you really want to pack a styling punch. Luxuriously domed and gorgeously glowing, they'll be your go-to for a night out (likely filled with compliments!) while still allowing you to dance in comfort until dawn.

Gold Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings with Flat Back Sleeper Earrings and Hoops styled on model

Counter-clockwise from top: (2x) Smooth Sphere and Tiny Trio Titanium Flat Back Sleeper Earrings, 20mm Essential and Ojai Twisted Locking Sleeper Huggie Earrings, Illusion Triple Row Hinged Segment Ring Huggie, and Milan Paperclip Chain Stud Earring

Huggies are happiest when mixed with other pieces! A row of gleaming hoops instantly creates a modern, fresh feel. Dotting in some glittering flat backs starts the party-vibe stack of a stylist's dreams. Play with gold and silver metals worn together for the ultimate take on cool. However you layer up your look, you're sure to create a stunning combo that is totally, uniquely, you.

Need a little ear-stack inspo? Check out some of our favorite curations here!


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