Hoop labels such as huggie, small and medium are brand-specific, so use the exact dimensions listed for the pair you want. Check whether the measurement is the inner or outer diameter, then consider the hoop's thickness, shape, closure and how it sits around your piercing. When in doubt, compare with a pair you already wear comfortably.
Hoop labels are not a shared sizing standard across jewelry brands. Missoma, for example, publishes mini and huggie hoops at 10 to 12 mm internal diameter, small hoops at 13 to 22 mm, medium at 23 to 30 mm and large at 31 to 40 mm. Astrid & Miyu lists different ranges under its huggie, small and medium labels, and the visible size chart does not identify the measurement basis for those ranges. Treat each brand’s chart as its own guide.
Read the measurement, not just the label
| Measurement | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Inner diameter | The open space inside the hoop |
| Outer diameter | The full width from the outside edge to the opposite outside edge |
| Thickness or width | How much space the metal itself takes up and how substantial it looks |
| Post or hinge details | How the hoop closes and where the closure sits against the ear |
If the product page gives only one diameter, check whether it means inner or outer diameter. Compare the actual shape too: a thick or oval hoop can fit differently from a thin round hoop with the same stated diameter.
Check how the hoop meets your ear
For a close-fitting huggie, look for a product photo from the side and check the hoop’s opening against your lobe. For a larger hoop, consider its weight, how far it hangs and whether the clasp will rest comfortably. A hinged clicker, post-through closure or other fastening style can change how easy the pair is to put on.
If you already own a pair that fits well, measure its inside opening and compare it with the new listing’s stated dimensions. Our earring-backs guide explains common closure types, and our sensitive-ears guide covers metal labels. Browse the earrings category for more buying advice.
Sources
- Missoma: Hoop Earrings Size Guide (accessed November 5, 2026)
- Astrid & Miyu: Jewellery Size Guide (accessed November 5, 2026)
Common questions
How do I know what hoop size to buy?
Compare the product's exact diameter and whether it is measured inside or outside. A hoop's thickness and shape also change the available opening and how it sits.
Are huggie earrings a standard size?
No. Brands use size labels in their own product ranges. Compare the measurement on the exact listing rather than assuming all huggies or small hoops fit alike.
What is the difference between inner and outer hoop diameter?
Inner diameter measures the open space inside the hoop. Outer diameter includes the hoop's thickness, so it is a larger measurement for the same piece.
How can I compare hoop size with earrings I own?
Measure a comfortable hoop across its inside opening and compare that with the new listing's measurement basis. Also check the wire thickness and closure.