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Your earlobe piercing is fully healed
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You want to switch from starter jewellery to a hoop
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You are choosing between 8mm and 15mm in 18G or 20G
This guide is for healed earlobes only
A healed earlobe usually accepts a hoop more easily than cartilage piercings, but it still needs to be fully settled before you switch. If the lobe is still sore, swollen, or irritated, wait before changing jewellery. If you are unsure, ask your piercer to confirm it is ready for a hoop.
Quick answer
For many healed earlobe piercings, 10mm is the most balanced starting point.
Choose 8mm for a snug fit. Choose 9mm for a softer close fit. Choose 11mm if 10mm feels a touch too tight. Choose 12mm for a more relaxed fit. Choose 14mm or 15mm if you want the loosest, most visible look.
20G is the most common earlobe gauge, while 18G is a slightly thicker, still standard option for healed lobes.
Which earlobe hoop size fits best?
Earlobe hoop size chart
| Diameter | Look | Best for | Choose this if… |
|---|
| 8mm | Snug, close fit | Thin lobe placements or second/third lobes | You want the hoop to sit close to the ear |
| 9mm | Snug with a little more ease | Between snug and balanced | You want a softer fit than 8mm |
| 10mm Best starting point | Balanced, everyday fit | Many healed earlobe piercings | You want the most common starting point |
| 11mm | Close but roomier | A softer step between 10mm and 12mm | You want a close fit that does not feel tight |
| 12mm | Slightly roomier | Average lobes or more movement | You want a little extra space |
| 14mm | Relaxed, more visible | Larger lobes or looser styling | You want a softer, more open fit |
| 15mm | Most relaxed | Maximum movement and visibility | You want the loosest fit in the range |
Not sure between two sizes?
Choose the larger one. A hoop that is slightly bigger is usually more comfortable than one that sits too tightly against the lobe.
Should you choose 20G or 18G?
Gauge is the thickness of the wire, not the size of the hoop. For earlobe hoops, 20G is the most common gauge, while 18G is a slightly thicker, still very standard option for healed piercings.
| Gauge | Thickness | Best for | Notes |
|---|
| 20G Most common earlobe gauge | 0.8mm | Most common earlobe fit | Very lightweight and familiar for standard ear piercings |
| 18G | 1.0mm | Slightly thicker healed-lobe look | A little more substantial while still being easy to wear |
If your earlobe was originally pierced at 18G, a 20G hoop may still fit once healed, but it can sit a little differently than what you are used to.
When can you wear an earlobe hoop?
A healed earlobe is usually ready for a hoop sooner than cartilage piercings, but it still needs to be comfortable and stable before you change jewellery. If the lobe is still tender or reactive, wait a little longer before switching.
Before changing jewellery, make sure your lobe is no longer sore, swollen, or irritated. If you are unsure, ask your piercer to confirm it is healed enough for a hoop.
Why does my earlobe hoop feel tight?
It feels tight or sits too close to the lobe
The diameter is too small. Move up one size, for example from 8mm to 9mm, from 9mm to 10mm, or from 10mm to 11mm.
It sits further away than expected
The diameter may be larger than your lobe needs. That is not always wrong, but if you want a closer fit, try one size smaller.
How do I measure my earlobe for a hoop?
If you already own a hoop that fits well, place it flat on a surface and measure straight across the inside opening in millimetres. That measurement is the inner diameter you should order.
If you do not have a hoop to measure, ask your piercer or use your desired drop as a guide. If you prefer a snug fit, round up only slightly; if you prefer more movement, add a little extra room.
Why choose 14K solid gold?
A healed earlobe often does best with high-quality materials, especially if you want a hoop you can wear every day. 14K solid gold is a strong choice because it will not peel or flake like plated jewellery.
For many customers, solid gold offers the best balance of beauty, durability, and everyday comfort.
Shop by size
Know your size? Go straight to the right hoop. Available in 8mm to 15mm, in 18G and 20G, in solid 14K yellow gold.
8mm
Snug fit
Best for a close, fitted look on thin lobes or second/third piercings.
Shop 8mm →9mm
Softer close fit
A little more room than 8mm. A step up when snug feels too tight.
Shop 9mm →10mm
Best starting point
The most balanced, comfortable choice for many healed earlobe piercings.
Shop 10mm →11mm
Slightly roomier close fit
Between 10mm and 12mm. Good if 10mm feels a touch too tight.
Shop 11mm →12mm
Slightly roomier
A little more movement than 10mm or 11mm.
Shop 12mm →14mm
Relaxed fit
A softer, more open look for larger lobes or looser styling.
Shop 14mm →15mm
Most relaxed fit
Maximum movement and visibility. The loosest fit in the range.
Shop 15mm →
8mm to 15mm
sizing
18G & 20G
options
14K solid gold
for long-term wear
Designed for
healed earlobe piercings
Made for healed earlobe piercings
14K Solid Gold Earlobe Hoop
Handmade earlobe hoop. 14K solid gold, nickel-free alloy. Available in 18G and 20G. Sizes 8mm to 15mm. Ships from the UK.
Shop earlobe hoops →Frequently asked questions
What size earlobe hoop should I buy?
For many healed earlobe piercings, 10mm is the most balanced starting point. Choose 8mm for a snug fit. Choose 9mm for a softer close fit. Choose 11mm if 10mm feels a touch too tight. Choose 12mm for a more relaxed fit. Choose 14mm or 15mm if you want the loosest look.
Is 8mm too small for an earlobe hoop?
Not always. 8mm can work well for thin lobe placements or second and third lobes if you want a close fit.
Is 9mm a good earlobe hoop size?
Yes. 9mm sits between snug and balanced. It is a great option if you want a close fit with a little more ease than 8mm.
Is 10mm the best earlobe hoop size?
For many people, yes. It is often the most balanced and wearable starting point.
Is 11mm a good earlobe hoop size?
Yes. 11mm is a softer step between 10mm and 12mm. It is a good choice if you want a close fit that feels a little less tight than 10mm.
Is 12mm a good earlobe hoop size?
Yes. It is a good choice if you want a little more room and movement than 10mm or 11mm.
Is 14mm too big for an earlobe hoop?
Not necessarily. 14mm can be a good choice if you want a looser, more visible fit.
Is 15mm too big for an earlobe hoop?
It can be for some people, but it is a valid choice if you want the loosest fit in the range.
What gauge is an earlobe hoop?
The most common earlobe gauge is 20G. Some healed earlobes also wear 18G comfortably.
Is 20G standard for earlobes?
Yes. 20G is the most common and familiar gauge for standard earlobe piercings.
Should I choose 18G or 20G for an earlobe hoop?
Choose 20G for the lightest standard fit. Choose 18G if you want a slightly thicker look and your healed piercing already accommodates it comfortably.
Can I wear a hoop in a healed earlobe piercing?
Yes, as long as the piercing is fully healed and no longer sore or irritated.
How do I measure my earlobe for a hoop?
Measure the inside diameter of a hoop that already fits you well, or ask your piercer to help you choose the right size.
Why does my earlobe hoop feel tight?
The diameter is probably too small for your lobe. Moving up one size usually solves the problem.
Is 14K solid gold good for an earlobe hoop?
Yes. It is a strong long-term material choice for a healed earlobe piercing.
The gold hoop you’ll wear every day
14K solid gold. Fine fit. Made for healed earlobes. Available in 18G and 20G, from 8mm to 15mm.
Shop earlobe hoops →S
Stepoy
Piercing Jewellery Specialists
We craft handmade 14K solid gold earlobe hoops in 18G and 20G, from 8mm to 15mm. Every recommendation in this guide is designed to help customers choose the right size for a healed earlobe piercing.
