Clip-on earrings are a great accessory if you do not want to commit to piercing your ears, or have sensitivity issues. There are different types of clip-on earrings you can wear.
Everybody likes a little bling to spice up their outfit. This can be in the form of necklaces, bracelets, rings, or even earrings. Earrings are a great fashion statement for men and women alike.
While pierced earrings are a great accessory, most people cannot handle the pain, tears, or even stretched lobes it causes. These are among the plenty of reasons why most people are ditching pierced earrings for alternatives.
Are you scared of needles, have sensitive skin, or have a low threshold for pain?
Clip-on earrings are a great alternative.
Clip-on earrings are non-pierced earrings designed to attach to your ears. They do so by applying pressure to both sides of your earlobes.
The best part about them?
You don’t have to put yourself through uncomfortable pain to don statement earrings.
Are you looking for the ideal clip-on earrings for your earlobes? Then this article is for you.
Different types of clip-on earrings
Clip-on earrings have been around for centuries, but have only gained popularity in recent years. While they were not as comfortable back then, they have undergone adaptations for comfort. Below are types of clip-on earrings.
1. The simple screw-back clip-on earrings
The screw-back earring was the first type of clip-on earring to be developed in the 19th century. They were developed by Victorian-era women who believed that piercing ears were uncouth and barbaric.
Even though they wanted to look fashionable, they felt that piercing their ears was disgraceful. So, the screw-back clip-on earrings were developed.
The screw-back clip-on earrings are still around years later, and still popular. They have a basic screw design with a flat heading screw-fastened on the backside of the earlobe. This simple closure allows you to adjust to your desired level of comfort.
How do you adjust to your desired comfort level?
All you need to do is open the hinge of the earring and fasten it to your ear, use the screw to tighten or loosen the earring. Once you put them on correctly, you are good to go! You can rock your clip-on earrings confidently.
2. Simple Hinge clip on earrings
Hinge clip-on earrings were first introduced in the 1930s as an alternative to screw clip-on earrings. The hinge clip-on is less fiddly, unlike the screw-back clip-on earrings. This clip-on earring works like a hinge to open and close the earrings.
The hinge attaches the earring to the backside. Hinge earrings open and close, with multiple connections, points to connect to the ears. They are quite easy to operate and eliminate the risk of losing the clip-on earrings. There is no pain when screwing them on.
3. Paddle back clip-on earrings
By the 1950s, the popularity of clip-on earrings was at its peak. Pierced ears became so rare and unheard of as most women wore clip-on earrings.
Fun fact: The paddle-back clip-on was among the earrings submitted to the patent office.
Surprisingly, they are still common nowadays. This can be attributed to their simple design, and ease of use. They are also economic to produce.
The clip-on has an adjustable paddle clip with a spring bar on its hinge. This design is simple, easy to use, a cost-effective. The earring design can be adjusted by bending the tension bar inwards or outwards to tighten or loosen the clip.
4. Mini clip-on earrings
Mini clip-on earrings are a great alternative to normal-sized earrings. They are a great choice for people who want subtle earrings, or people with smaller earlobes. They are extremely lightweight, with a tension bar that holds a wedge-shaped hinge. These earrings are preferred by young girls.
Mini clip-on is very common with teardrops and studs, perfect for smaller earlobes. This clip-on is not made for heavy earring styles.
Pros
- Extremely light-weight
- Best clip-on for people with smaller earlobes
Cons
- The clip-on is not easy to adjust.
5. Ear cuffs
Do you like to wear multiple earrings but don’t have them? Then ear cuffs are the right statement pieces for you. Ear cuffs are a new fashion statement that has recently gained popularity.
Ear cuffs are painless for the wearer and give off the illusion of wearing multiple earrings. They have gained popularity as many influencers and fashionistas are seen rocking them. Ear cuffs are mostly made from metals. Usually, they are produced in larger sizes to accommodate all ears but they can be easily adjusted to fit you.
Once you have adjusted them to your desired fit, slide the cuff from the thinnest part of your earlobe until it feels snug. You will know that the clip-on is secured onto your ear when it does not move or fall off.
6. Clip-on hoop Sliding spring earrings
Sliding clip-on earrings are perfect for lightweight hoop earrings. They are easily adjustable compared to traditional earrings. Sliding clip-on earrings have allowed people with unpierced ears to rock different jewelry styles earrings such as hoops.
All you have to do is slip them on and slide the back of the clip-on onto your ear.
They are more adjustable and suited to all types of ears shapes and sizes. However, they are mostly made from metal, therefore, be sure to confirm this before the purchase in case of skin sensitivities.
7. Invisible clip-on earrings
Invisible clip-on earrings are a new design that is becoming increasingly popular nowadays. Because they are made of resin, acrylic, or inert materials, invisible clip-on earrings, they eliminate the risk of developing allergies.
They are lightweight, versatile, and comfortable which makes them the best choice for girls.
The best part?
Their versatile nature allows them to work well with different styles of earrings, from long dangly earrings to studs. They do this while still maintaining their shape and holding on to your ears. Just slip them onto your ears and they will stay.
Pros and Cons of Clip-on earrings
Clip-on earrings may be ideal for people who do not like to pierce their ears or have a fear of needles. Both men and women can wear them.
Pros
- Clip-on is convenient and easy to wear, especially when in a hurry
- Do not require you to pierce your ears. They are ideal for people who fear needles, have sensitive skin, and are prone to allergic reactions. They reduce the chances of getting ear infections
- Can be used by all age groups. Clip-on earrings can be worn by old people, teenagers, and kids
- Clip-on earrings are versatile, readily available, and lightweight. You can buy them at a store. No need to pierce your ears
Cons
- Can be snatched from your ears; valuable clip-on earrings can expose you to attacks. Expensive clip-on earrings made from gold can be snatched
- Weight limit; wearing heavy rings can make them fall off. Pierced ears can wear heavy types of earrings, whereas you cannot with clip-on
- It’s risky to own expensive clip-on earrings, they can get snatched, fall off, and get lost easily
Tips to consider before buying clip-on earrings
Before buying a Clip-on earring that you like, it is important to put into consideration the following factors;
1. Skin sensitivity
People have different skin sensitivities. Older people’s skin is more sensitive to different materials. As you grow older, your skin barrier weakens, and skin sensitivity increases.
Your skin sensitivity does not have to limit your fashion choices. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful right?
You can switch out normal earrings that make you susceptible to tears, keloids, and allergies for clip-on earrings made of resin, acrylic, or inert materials.
2. Weight of the Earrings
Clip-on earrings that are too heavy are likely to be uncomfortable or fall off. Consider buying a Clip-on earring that is lightweight and versatile.
Clip-on earrings are not designed to be heavy as they can fall off. If you prefer heavy earrings, then clip-on earrings are not ideal for you.
3. Value of Clip-on earrings
Some clip-on earrings are expensive. Clip-on earrings made of gold, silver, and expensive gemstones like diamonds can be quite expensive.
Before you purchase, consider how much you are willing to spend on the clip-on earring of your choice.
Also, consider the risk level. Are you a person who often loses things?
If your answer is yes, then we suggest purchasing a Clip-on that will not put much of a dent in your finances. Clip-on earrings can fall off easily. It would be disappointing to lose such an expensive piece of jewelry.
4. Lifestyle
The lifestyle you lead should determine the clip-on earrings you wear.
Do you move around a lot due to your job? Then we suggest that you do not wear your clip-on at all times.
Why do you ask? Because you are likely to lose your earrings as they easily dislodge and fall off your ears.
A person who enjoys strenuous exercise activities, should not put on clip-on earrings as they are likely to fall off and get lost.
While kids are adorable, they like to tug and pull at dangly things. Wearing a clip-on around your kids can be a recipe for disaster. Your little ones may pull on it and you risk losing it.
5. Face shape
The shape of your face should determine the type of earrings you purchase. Rounder faces go well with longer earrings, square faces look best with oval earrings.
Oval faces are luckier as they can go well with any type of earring.
Earrings are a great accessory for women of all ages. You can choose a variety of styles to go well with your different outfit choices.
Conclusion
Earrings are a great fashion statement that can complete your look. But sometimes, you may not be able to wear it. This can be due to several reasons, such as medical, traditional, or cultural.
Despite these reasons, you can still be fashionable and accessories your outfits with clip-on earrings. They are great for people with skin sensitivities, fear of needles, or people who just don’t want to commit to getting their ears pierced.
Clip-on earrings provide the comfort level you desire while also being hypoallergenic. Therefore, you do not risk infections or keloids.
For this range of reasons, clip-on earrings are here to stay. We cannot wait to see the different adaptations that will be developed in the future.
Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.