Choosing the Right Earring Closures: What to Know for Style and Comfort
When buying a pair of earrings, it’s important to find the right style, comfort, and security—and that starts with the earring closures. There are quite a few options to choose from, and in this article, we will break down the different types of earring closures for pierced ears, non-pierced ears, and stretched ears.
Choosing the right closure helps earrings stay secure and comfortable, giving you the look you desire. This guide will help you understand the common earring closures available and how to select the best one for you.
What are the Different Types of Earring Closures available for Dangle Earrings
French Hooks
The classic French hook or as it's sometimes referred to as the “fish hook” because of its resemblance to a fishing hook, is one of the most popular ear wire styles for pierced ears. They are easy to wear and are contoured for easy insertion into the ear. They often have small details such as a metal ball and coil that gives them design interest. A loop at the bottom allows for a dangle earring to be attached.
A simplified version of the French hook is a ‘Shepherd’s Hook’. Take a look at this video which shows you how I make simple ear wires using copper: How to Make Simple Ear Wires
If you are concerned about the French hook coming out of your ear you can use a silicone earring back onto the wire earring to secure them in place.
Lever Backs
The lever-back earring closure is popular for its safety. This hinged closure opens to allow you to insert the earring into the ear, then snaps shut to secure it in place, reducing the risk of losing a precious earring or needing additional methods to keep it from falling out. It’s an excellent choice for active wearers or larger earring designs, offering the peace of mind to wear your earrings all day without any worries.
Kidney Wires
Kidney wire earring closures are simple wire designs shaped just as you’d expect—like a kidney bean. Typically used for dangle earrings, they feature a bar with a hook at the bottom, allowing you to connect the two ends for added security, ensuring the earring won’t come out of the ear. Kidney wires offer a minimalist look with their simple wire structure, letting the dangle earring itself take center stage. By using kidney wires, you can switch out most earrings to this style of closure for a versatile and secure option.
What are the Different Types of Earring Closures available for Stud Earrings
Butterfly Closures
Also known as push-backs, these earring closures are very popular for stud earrings because of their ease of use. Shaped like butterfly wings, the back closure is simply pushed onto the post of the earring. This type of closure is ideal for small and lightweight post earrings.
Screw Backs
This type of post earring closure offers a bit more security than push-backs because the post and backing are threaded like a screw. By twisting the backing onto the post, you add extra security, ensuring that the earring will not fall out.
French Clip
This type of closure is a hybrid between a clip-on earring and a post earring. The post goes through the earlobe, and then you snap the hinged paddle-back closure onto the back of the ear. This style provides a secure fit and prevents heavier or larger statement dangle earrings or studs from drooping on the ear.
Lock Backs
With lock-backs, a specially designed earring back with a locking mechanism secures onto a matching earring post, providing the most secure closure of all. These are commonly found on high-end post earrings such as diamond earrings. To remove, simply pinch the two sides of the locking feature and slide it off the post.
Clip-Ons – A selection for Non-Pierced Ears
For those who do not have their ears pierced there are a selection of earring closures available to you too. You can add silicone cushion pads to most of these types of earring closures for extra comfort.
Hinged Clips
These are popular clip-on earring components because they are simple to use. They have a 'U' shape with a hinge. To wear them, open the hinge, slide them onto the ear, and snap them closed.
Paddle Backs
These types of clips have a wider “paddle” shaped closure in the back. These are mostly used for heavier earrings, larger studs, or dangle statement earrings.
Screw Backs
For a more customized fit, the screw-back clip-on earring features a small screw that you can turn to adjust the amount of pressure on the earlobe. This allows you to support the weight of the dangle earring while providing your desired level of comfort.
Magnetic Clips
These earring closures consist of two parts: the front of the earring, which features a design with a magnet, and a separate back magnet. To secure the earring, place the front on the earlobe and attach the back magnet to the back of the earlobe.
The magnetic force will hold the earring in place. These closures are great for achieving a simple stud earring style without pierced ears, but they are generally suitable only for lightweight earrings.
If you found the the perfect clip on earrings and would like to know how to adjust them to be more comfortable please read my guide: How to adjust Clip-on Earrings.
Ear Gauges - For stretched ears
Plugs
Plugs are commonly a solid insert for those who have stretched ear lobes. They fill the space in the ear being made out of wood, acrylic, silicone or semi-precious gemstones. They come as either single flare (a lip on one side of the plug and a band that fits onto the back to secure the plug in place) or double flare (a lip on each side to stop the plug from moving either way).
Tunnels
Tunnels are like plugs but they are hollow rings that fill the stretched earlobe. These can also have a loop to attach a dangle. Single or double flares are available in this design and screw backs. Popular materials are stainless steel, titanium and acrylic
Spirals & Hangers
Spirals are decorative open swirls that fit nestled within the stretched earlobe, creating a unique earring design.
Hangers are variously shaped earrings that hook through an ear tunnel component or directly through the stretched earlobe, providing a distinctive way to wear dangle earrings for those with stretched ears.
Want to know how to find the right ear gauge size for you? Read my guide all about find the right ear gauge size for your ear stretching journey: Ear Gauge Chart: Sizes and Measurements Explained
Conclusion
Finding the right earring closure largely depends on the style you’re looking for. If you prefer a minimalist look, French ear wires offer simplicity and ease of use, while lock-backs provide added security for your favorite diamond earrings.
For those with non-pierced ears, comfort is a significant deciding factor, along with the weight of the earrings. Paddle backs are a great choice for larger statement earrings, while screw backs allow you to create a comfortable tension on the earlobes.
When it comes to gauges, it’s a balance between style and creativity versus comfort and practicality.
It’s a good idea to try a few different types of earring closures to see which ones you like best and to make comparisons for future purchases. This will also allow you to test for any metal sensitivities, helping you determine your preferences for style, comfort, and security.
I hope this guide helps you select the perfect pair of earrings with the best closures for your needs. If I missed any that you feel should be mentioned, please leave a comment below. Additionally, I’d love to hear about your favorite earring closures and why you love them!
To shop post and dangle earrings on my website please visit:
Fairy wing earrings (including ear gauges)