Quick answer
- Behind the ear earrings are styles where part of the jewelry sits behind the lobe or ear and peeks out.
- Ear jackets (front-back earrings) use a stud in front and a larger piece hanging behind the lobe.
- Some ear cuffs and wrap earrings curve around the back of the ear without extra piercings.
- Most use your regular lobe piercing, so no new piercing is needed.
Behind the ear earrings are pieces designed so part of the jewelry sits behind your ear and peeks out from below or around it. They create the illusion of a bigger, more sculptural earring while using the piercing you already have. Here is a guide to the main styles, how to wear them and what to watch for.
Types of behind the ear earrings
There are three main families, and they create very different looks.
| Style | How it works | Needs a piercing? |
|---|---|---|
| Ear jacket (front-back) | A stud in front; a second piece slides onto the post behind the lobe and hangs below it | Yes, a lobe piercing |
| Ear cuff (behind-ear style) | A curved piece that hooks over or around the back of the upper ear | No |
| Wrap or climber | A shaped earring that travels up or around the ear from the lobe | Usually a lobe piercing |
Ear jackets: the classic front-back earring
An ear jacket is the most popular behind the ear style. It has two parts: a stud that goes through your piercing from the front, and a "jacket" that slides onto the post behind your lobe, often in place of a regular back. The jacket hangs lower than the stud so it peeks out from beneath your lobe.
The effect is like two earrings floating at different depths. Common combinations include:
- Pearl front, larger pearl behind: a modern twist on a classic pearl stud.
- Crystal front, crystal drop behind: sparkle that frames the lobe from below.
- Gold ball front, fan or spike behind: a sculptural, architectural look.
- Front stud, chain fringe behind: movement without a full dangle.
Most ear jackets fit standard lobe piercings, which are usually 20g or 18g. If you are unsure of yours, our guide to what gauge regular earrings are can help.
Ear jackets can feel loose because the jacket replaces or sits in front of the regular back. Look for styles that include a rubber or locking back behind the jacket, or add a clear silicone back yourself.
Ear cuffs that sit behind the ear
Some ear cuffs are shaped to hook over the top of the ear and sit along the back, with only a small portion visible from the front. Others curve around the middle of the ear so a delicate line of metal or crystals traces the outer edge.
These are ideal if you do not have cartilage piercings but want an upper-ear look. Gently squeeze to adjust the fit, and slide the cuff on at the thinnest part of your ear, then move it into place. Cuffs that pinch hard can be uncomfortable after an hour or two, so adjust gradually.
Wrap-around earrings and climbers
Wrap earrings go through your lobe and then curve up the back or front of the ear, sometimes ending in a cuff near the helix. Climbers (or crawlers) are longer earrings that travel up the lobe edge from a single piercing.
These give a full-ear look from one hole, which is perfect if you love the curated aesthetic but are not ready for more piercings. For other ways to style a single piercing, browse our overview of earring types.
How to wear behind the ear earrings well
- Hair up or tucked: these styles shine when your ear is visible. A low bun or tucking one side behind your ear shows off the back piece.
- Keep the rest simple: an ear jacket is a statement; pair it with a tiny stud or nothing at all in higher holes.
- Mind the weight: heavy jackets can pull your lobe forward. Lightweight pieces stay level and comfortable.
- Mix it up: one jacket and one plain stud makes a charming mismatched pair.
- Check materials: look for hypoallergenic metals like titanium, niobium or solid gold if you have sensitive ears.
Behind-ear looks people confuse with tattoos
A quick note on search confusion: "behind the ear" also brings up tiny tattoos and microdermal piercings placed on the skin behind the ear. Those are different from earrings. If a sparkle on the skin itself is what caught your eye, read our guide to the dermal piercing, which covers anchors, tops and the risks of that placement.
Caring for behind the ear earrings
Back pieces sit against skin and hair, so they collect oil and product. Wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing and store pairs together so the jacket does not get separated from the stud. Our guide to types of earring backs can help you find secure replacements if a back goes missing.
Frequently asked questions
What are behind the ear earrings called?
The most common style is an ear jacket, also called a front-back earring. Cuffs and wrap or climber earrings can also sit behind or around the ear.
Do I need a special piercing for an ear jacket?
No. Most ear jackets fit a standard lobe piercing, which is usually 20g or 18g.
Why does my ear jacket feel loose?
The jacket often replaces the normal back. Adding a silicone or locking back behind the jacket helps keep it snug.
Can I wear an ear cuff without piercings?
Yes. Ear cuffs hook onto the cartilage without a hole, so they work whether or not you have upper-ear piercings.
