Flat back earrings: the comfiest studs you'll own
Flat back earrings (or flat back studs) swap the usual butterfly back for a smooth 4mm disc that twists onto the post. It sits flush behind your lobe, so there's nothing to poke your neck, snag your hair or dig in when you sleep on your side. Ours are made for lobe piercings, for grown-ups and kids alike.
Why everyone's switching to flat backs
- Sleep in themSide sleeper? The flat disc lies smooth against your lobe, with no sharp post end at the back.
- No more lost backsThe twist-lock back screws on and stays put, so no more hunting for butterflies on the bathroom floor.
- Sensitive-ear friendly316L surgical stainless steel with a PVD finish: no itchy lobes, no green skin.
- Shower and swim proofWaterproof and tarnish resistant, so you can pop them in and forget about them.
Flat back vs butterfly back vs screw back
- 🦋Butterfly back: pushes onto the post and leaves the post end sticking out behind the ear. It can slide off and dig in when you lie down.
- 🔩Screw back: twists on for extra security, usually finished with a small ball.
- 💖Flat back: twists on too, but finishes with a flat disc, so it's the comfiest choice for sleeping.
Want the full lowdown? Read flat back vs screw back vs butterfly back earrings.
Gold or silver?
- Gold flat back earrings 316L steel with an 18k gold PVD finish, for a warm shine that lasts. Shop gold →
- Silver flat back earrings Polished 316L surgical steel all the way through, with no plating to wear off. Shop silver →
Who are they for?
- Grown-ups Tiny CZ sparkles, pearls, moons and hearts for everyday, second holes and stacks. Shop for grown-ups →
- Kids Animals, fruit, bows and birthstones, comfy enough for bedtime. Shop kids flat back earrings →
👂 Lobe or cartilage?
Our flat backs are made for lobe piercings, with an 8mm post and a 4mm flat disc. Lots of people wear them in a second or third lobe hole too. For a helix or other cartilage piercing, ask your piercer which post length and style suits you.
📏 Post thickness
- 0.8mm (20g)Fine, for smaller or snug piercings
- Our default1mm (18g)The usual size for most ear piercings
- 1.2mm (16g)For piercings made with a thicker stud
At a glance
- Back
- 4mm flat disc, twist-lock
- Post
- 8mm long; 0.8mm, 1mm or 1.2mm thick
- Metal
- 316L surgical stainless steel
- Finish
- 18k gold PVD or silver tone
- Stud sizes
- From tiny 3mm to about 11mm
- Waterproof
- Yes: shower, pool and sea
- Warranty
- 2 years, gift-boxed
- Price
- From £18, Buy 2 get 1 free
- Delivery
- Free UK over £50, 3 to 5 working days
Flat back earrings: your questions answered
What are flat back earrings?
Flat back earrings are studs that fasten with a small flat disc instead of a butterfly back. The disc twists onto the post and sits flush behind your lobe, so there's no sharp post end or bulky back to feel. People also call them flat back studs or flatbacks.
Can you sleep in flat back earrings?
Yes, that's the main reason people love them. The flat disc lies smooth against the back of your ear, so they're comfy on the pillow, even for side sleepers. If an ear ever feels sore, give it a night off.
Are flat back earrings good for sensitive ears?
Ours are made from 316L surgical stainless steel with a PVD finish, which is hard-wearing and won't tarnish or turn skin green. That suits most sensitive ears. If you have a known metal allergy, check with your GP or pharmacist first.
Can I wear flat back earrings in my cartilage?
Our flat backs are designed for lobe piercings, with an 8mm post. Lots of people wear them in second and third lobe holes too. For a helix, tragus or other cartilage piercing, ask your piercer which post length and style is right for you.
How do flat back earrings stay in?
The back twists onto the post (clockwise to tighten, anticlockwise to remove) and stays put, so it won't slide off the way a butterfly back can. Give it a gentle twist every week or so, especially after swimming, to keep it snug.
Are your flat back earrings for adults or kids?
Both. Grown-ups love our tiny CZ, pearl and moon studs for everyday wear and ear stacks, and our kids flat back earrings come in animals, fruit, bows and more.
Can I shower and swim in them?
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.
Can I buy spare flat backs?
Yes. Our replacement flat backs come in gold and silver and fit Delilah flat back earrings. Buy any 2 spare backs and get 1 free.
Keep exploring: What are flat back earrings? Kids flat back earrings Spare flat backs Birthstone flat backs
