Huggies are small hoops that fit snugly around your earlobe. A hoop is the general term for round earrings in any size. So every huggie is a hoop, but not every hoop is a huggie.
The main differences are size, fit and how they feel to wear. Which of the two suits you depends on your ear, your style and how often you wear them. We explain everything below.
What exactly is a huggie?
The name comes from the English word hug. A huggie embraces your earlobe and leaves almost no space between the hoop and your skin. As a result, it barely moves and you hardly feel it.
Huggies usually have an inner diameter of around 5 to 15 millimetres. Larger hoops start at around 20 millimetres and go well beyond 40 millimetres. Juwelier Gabriel & Co sums it up briefly: huggies sit close to the earlobe, while with a hoop you can clearly see space inside the ring.
Pave Double Twirl Hoops Zirconia
How do hoops and huggies differ when worn?
A huggie sits close against your ear. It is less likely to catch on your hair, scarf or collar. It also gets less in the way when you are on the phone or wearing headphones.
A larger hoop hangs more freely and moves with your head. This creates a playful look, but also adds more weight and movement to your earlobe. Read whether heavy hoops pull your earlobe down to learn how to take this into account.
What type of fastening do huggies have?
Almost all huggies have a hinged fastening with a small hinge. The thin bar opens, passes through your ear and clicks into place in the earring. Read how a hoop opens and closes step by step.
Large hoops more often have a different fastening, such as a thin wire that slides into a tube. This fastening is lighter, but requires more precision when putting the earring on.
What about our own hoops?
Many models in our hoop collection have the size and hinged fastening of a huggie. That is why the same models in the autumn and winter 2026 earring sets are also called huggies. You will find the Pave Double Twirl, the Bold Flush and the Tube in sets as huggies, together with a loose gemstone.
The Mulberry version of the Tube Hoops Multicoloured Zirconia shows what this looks like. Five coloured stones each sit in their own setting on a slim hoop that fits closely around your earlobe. At the bottom, there is room for a loose stone, as you can see in the photo.
Tube Hoops Multicoloured Zirconia - Mulberry
When should you choose a huggie or a larger hoop?
Choose a huggie if you are looking for something to wear every day. It suits work, running errands and dinner out. A huggie is also practical for a second or third piercing because it takes up little space.
Choose a larger hoop if you want your earring to make a statement. A hoop around 30 millimetres draws attention to your jawline and works well with an updo. Read which hoop size suits you.
What if you like both?
Simply combine them. If you have multiple piercings, place the largest hoop at the bottom and the huggies above it. This creates a neat progression of hoops up along your ear.
Stick to one metal colour, or consciously choose a mix of gold and silver. A huggie with stones next to a smooth hoop adds variety in texture, while the colour ties the look together.
Huggie or hoop: the choice at a glance
If you are looking for comfort, a subtle look and something for every day, choose a huggie. If you want movement and a clear statement, choose a larger hoop. If you are unsure, start with a huggie, as you will wear it most often.
Prefer a ready-made combination? Our earring sets consist of hoops and stones that have already been coordinated. You can of course choose for yourself too; simply browse all hoop earrings.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is a huggie a hoop?
Yes. A huggie is a small hoop that fits snugly around your earlobe and leaves little space between the ring and your skin.
What size is a huggie?
The inner diameter is usually between 5 and 15 millimetres. Anything from around 20 millimetres is considered a regular hoop.
Can you wear a huggie in a cartilage piercing?
Often, yes, but cartilage piercings sometimes require a different inner diameter than your earlobe. Ask your piercer which diameter is suitable for your piercing.
Are huggies more comfortable than large hoops?
For most people, yes. They move less, are less likely to catch on something and put less strain on your earlobe.
Would you like to know more, or do you have any questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels will be happy to help.
