Barbells & Labrets: Sizing, Fit, and Tips

We don’t believe in “one size fits all” — every person and piercing is different. That’s why we offer a range of gauges and post lengths to help you find your ideal fit.

⚠️ Please Note: This is a standard guideline for reference only. Finding the right size at home may involve some trial and error. If you’re unsure, we recommend visiting a professional piercer who can assess your piercing in person. Alternatively, you can try different sizes at home by ordering our spare bars.

Gauge (G)

The term 'gauge' refers to the thickness of the earring post. Common gauges include:

• 20G (0.8mm): Same thickness to standard butterfly back earrings, commonly used for lobes.
• 18G (1.0mm): Slightly thicker post, suitable for both lobe and cartilage piercings.
• 16G (1.2mm): Thicker post, ideal for most cartilage piercings.

⚠️ Please Note: The gauge you need can vary depending on factors like the piercing method, if the hole has shrunk, or your individual anatomy. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional piercer who can assess your piercing in person.

Length (mm)

Length refers to the length of the earring post. This measurement excludes any charms, balls, or screwable areas.

To find your ideal bar length:

• Measure Your Piercing: Use a ruler or caliper to measure the distance between the front and back of your piercing.
• Add Allowance: Add 1–2mm to your measurement to allow for natural movement, swelling, or slight variations in ear anatomy.

For fresh piercings, it’s best to leave a little extra room for swelling — remember to downsize once the initial swelling has gone down to support the healing process and ensure a better long-term fit.

⚠️ Please Note: The bar length you need can vary based on your individual anatomy and piercing placement. If your ear is thicker or thinner than average, you might need to size up or down from the standard recommendation. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional piercer who can assess your piercing in person.

Barbell VS Labret

Choosing between a barbell and a labret often comes down to personal preference — but for certain placements like the tragus or forward helix, labrets are typically recommended thanks to their flat-back design and added comfort.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between barbells and labrets isn’t just about looks — it’s about what feels right for your piercing and lifestyle. Everyone’s anatomy and comfort levels are different, so explore what works best for you and don’t hesitate to ask a professional if you're unsure.

Use the filters on our website to find barbells and labrets in your ideal gauge, length and style — the perfect fit is waiting.

ORDERED THE WRONG SIZE?

Ordered the wrong size or need to downsize? No stress — there’s no need to repurchase the whole earring. Most of our piercing jewellery is interchangeable, so you can easily swap out the bar for a different length, gauge, or type.

Check the product page to make sure your product is interchangeable — it’ll list which bars it's compatible with. Depending on the bar you're swapping, you may need flat nose pliers. Always use smooth (non-ridged) pliers, as ridged ones can cause damage.

Need help with the swap? We’re happy to do it for you. Just get in touch to arrange it — you’ll need to cover return shipping, a reshipping fee, and the cost of the replacement bar.

⚠️ Please note: We are not responsible for any damage caused by the customer changing the bars themselves. Always handle with care and use the correct tools to prevent damage.