If you've ever woken up with a butterfly back digging into your neck, or found one on the bathroom floor and no idea where the earring went, flat backs are about to change your life. Well, your ears, at least. Here's everything you need to know: what they are, why people swear by them, and how to wear them.
- Flat back earrings are studs with a flat disc on the back instead of a butterfly clip.
- The disc twists on, so it stays put and sits flush behind your lobe.
- Nothing pokes, so they're comfy to sleep in, even for side sleepers.
- They're ideal for second and third holes, ear stacks and sensitive ears.
Flat back vs butterfly back vs screw back
A flat disc twists on and sits against the back of the ear.
Great for: sleeping in, everyday wear, stacks.
Watch out: takes a bit of practice the first few goes.
A little ball twists onto the post.
Great for: busy days, sport, serious fiddlers.
Watch out: sits a touch further out than a disc.
A clip slides onto a plain post.
Great for: quick changes.
Watch out: loosens over time, and the post end can poke.
Want the full side-by-side? Our flat back vs screw back vs butterfly back guide goes deeper.
Why people switch to flat backs
- You can sleep in them. No sharp post end, no clip pressing into your neck.
- They don't catch. Hair, scarves, hairbrushes and jumpers glide straight past.
- They stay in. A twist-on back can't just slide off.
- Less rubbing. The disc sits flat, so there's less to irritate a sensitive lobe.
- They stack beautifully. Small, neat and low profile, so they're made for second and third holes.
Can you really sleep in them?
Yes, and that's the whole point. With a butterfly back, the end of the post and the clip both stick out, so lying on your side pushes them into your skin. A flat back has nothing sticking out behind the ear, so it's much comfier on the pillow.
One honest note: if an ear ever feels sore or warm, take the earrings out and give it a rest. Comfort is the goal, not toughing it out.
How to put in flat back earrings
- Push the post through from the front of your lobe.
- Hold the front still with one hand.
- Twist the disc on clockwise with the other, until it feels snug. Snug, not tight.
- To take it off, hold the front and twist the back anticlockwise.
It feels fiddly the first couple of times. By the end of the week you'll do it without a mirror.
Building an ear stack with flat backs
Flat backs are the secret to a stack that's comfy enough to leave in. Start with your favourite in the first hole, then go smaller as you go up. A sparkly CZ, a little pearl and a tiny moon is an easy trio that works with everything.
Our Diamond CZ flat backs come in XS, small and medium, so you can step the sizes up the ear in one go. Prefer silver? Mix it up from our silver flat back earrings, or keep it warm with gold flat back earrings.
What they're made of (and why it matters)
The back and post sit against your skin all day and all night, so the metal matters as much as the pretty bit on the front. Every Delilah flat back is 316L surgical stainless steel. Our gold pieces have an 18k gold PVD finish, which is hard-wearing and won't tarnish or turn your skin green. They're waterproof too, so they can stay in for the shower, the gym and the sea.
"So comfy!! My second hole used to always irritate and finally found one that doesn't. The flat back is also a comfy bonus!!"
Looking after your flat backs
- Check the twist every week or so, and after swimming.
- Pat them dry after the shower or the pool to keep the shine.
- Store them as a pair, backs on, in their gift box so nothing goes walkabout.
- Lost a back? Grab replacement flat backs in gold or silver.
Our favourite flat backs for grown-ups
Your questions, answered
What are flat back earrings?
Studs that fasten with a small flat disc instead of a butterfly clip. The disc twists onto the post and sits flush behind your lobe, so there's no sharp post end and no bulky back. You'll also see them called flat back studs or flatbacks.
Can you sleep in flat back earrings?
Yes. It's the number one reason people switch. The flat disc lies smooth against the back of your ear, so they're comfy on the pillow, even if you sleep on your side. If an ear ever feels sore, give it a night off.
Are flat back earrings good for sensitive ears?
They're a good choice. There's less to rub, and ours are made from 316L surgical stainless steel, back and post included, so there's no cheap metal touching your skin. If you have a known metal allergy, check with your GP or pharmacist first.
How do you put in flat back earrings?
Push the post through from the front, hold the front still, then twist the disc on clockwise until it's snug. To take it off, hold the front and twist the back anticlockwise. It's fiddly the first couple of times, then it's easy.
Can flat back earrings fall out?
Not easily. Because the back twists on, it can't slide off the way a butterfly clip can. Give it a gentle twist every week or so, especially after swimming, to keep it snug.
Can I wear flat back earrings in a second or third hole?
Yes. Our flat backs are made for lobe piercings, and they're brilliant for second and third lobe holes and ear stacks. For cartilage piercings like a helix or tragus, ask your piercer which style and post length suits you.
Can I shower and swim in flat back earrings?
Ours, yes. They're waterproof and tarnish resistant, so they can stay in for the shower, the pool and the sea. Pat them dry afterwards to keep the shine.
What if I lose a back?
It happens. Our replacement flat backs come in gold and silver and fit Delilah flat back earrings.
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