The best earrings for working out are small, flat studs or snug huggie hoops made from hypoallergenic materials like 14k gold, titanium, or surgical steel.
Avoid dangly earrings, heavy pieces, or anything that can catch on equipment.
Sweat-resistant, secure closures are essential for gym safety and comfort.
If you’re wondering what the best earrings are for your active lifestyle or gym workout, this blog brings you everything you need to know.
Why Your Earring Choice Matters at the Gym
Working out with the wrong earrings can lead to:
- Injury: Earrings catching on equipment, clothing, or headphone wires
- Discomfort: Heavy pieces pulling during jumping or running
- Irritation: Sweat and bacteria buildup causing infections
- Lost Jewelry: Earrings falling out during intense movement
- Damaged Piercings: Torn earlobes from snagged earrings
The right gym earrings should be:
- Secure - Won't fall out during burpees or box jumps.
- Flat/low-profile - Won't interfere with headphones or equipment
- Sweat-resistant - Materials that won't tarnish or irritate
- Lightweight - You shouldn't feel them during workouts
- Hypoallergenic - Won't cause irritation when combined with sweat
Best Earring Styles for Working Out
1. Small Flat Studs
These types of earrings are perfect for the gym and workouts because they:
- Sit flush against your ear
- Don't interfere with over-ear headphones
- Won't catch on sports bras, tank tops, or equipment
- Are lightweight and secure
- Completely forgettable during workouts
Best types:
- Simple ball studs (3-5mm diameter)
- Flat disc studs
- Bezel-set gemstone studs
- Low-profile CZ or diamond studs
Our 14k solid gold ball studs are ideal because they are hypoallergenic, sweat-resistant, and so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing them.
2. Huggie Hoops
Like the first pick, huggie hoops are small and snug, which means they:
- Hug close to the ear
- Secure click or hinge closure
- Don't swing or move during exercise
- Thin profile won't catch on anything
Ideal size: 8-12mm diameter (anything larger risks catching)
- Hinged click closure (most secure)
- Continuous hoop with secure clasp
Avoid: Large hoops, thin wire hoops that can open, or hoops over 15mm.
Earring Styles to AVOID at the Gym
Dangly/Drop Earrings
The problem: If you swing during movement, you can catch on equipment or clothing, pull on earlobes, get tangled in hair or headphone cords.
Large Statement Hoops
The problem: These hoops can catch on sports bras, tank tops, resistance bands, and cable machines. It can also be painfully yanked out.
Fish Hook or French Wire Earrings
The problem: These types of earrings are not secure. They easily fall out during jumping, running, or inverted movements (like downward dog).
Heavy Chandelier or Cluster Earrings
The problem: Their weight can cause discomfort during cardio, pull heavily on your piercings, and swing annoyingly during burpees.
Threader Earrings
The problem: These earrings can slide right out of your ears. They have no secure backing ahd are impractical for high-intensity workouts.
Fashion/Costume Jewelry
The problem: The materials used for these earring types are often of low quality, prone to tarnishing from sweat, contain nickel that can cause allergic reactions, and break easily.
Best Jewelry Materials for Gym Earrings
1. 14k Solid Gold
- Completely hypoallergenic and nickel-free
- Won't tarnish from sweat
- Durable enough for daily workouts
- Can shower with them post-workout
- Looks polished even after intense sweating
2. Titanium
- Lightest metal option
- 100% hypoallergenic (even more than gold)
- Extremely strong and durable
- Corrosion-resistant against sweat
- Often used in sports and medical implants
3. Surgical Stainless Steel (316L)
- Medical-grade and hypoallergenic for most people
- Extremely durable
- Affordable option
- Resists sweat and moisture
Caution: May still contain trace amounts of nickel—not ideal if you have nickel allergies.
Materials to AVOID For Gym
- Sterling Silver - Tarnishes quickly from sweat and can leave black marks on your skin.
- Gold-Plated -The plating on the jewelry can wear off with sweat exposure.
- Brass/Copper - These metals easily turn green when moist and can cause skin discoloration.
Earrings for Different Types of Workouts
Running & Cardio
Best Choice: Ultra-small studs (3-4mm) or tiny huggies
Why: Minimal movement, won't bounce or pull, compatible with earbuds/headphones
Egovin pick: Our tiny gold ball studs.
You'll literally forget they're there during your workout.
Weightlifting & Strength Training
Best Choice: Flat studs or small huggies under 10mm
Why: Won't catch on barbells, dumbbells, or bench press equipment; close to the ear when lying down
Safety tip: If you're doing overhead lifts, ensure your earrings are flush against your ear to avoid snagging
Yoga & Pilates
Best Choice: Small, flat studs or tiny huggies
Why: Comfortable when lying on your side or back; won't press into your head during floor work
Bonus: Flat-back labret studs are especially comfortable for extended floor exercises
CrossFit & HIIT
Best Choice: Secure studs with screw backs or huggie hoops with click closures
Why: High-intensity movements require maximum security; you don't want to lose an earring mid-burpee
Pro Tip: Screw-back studs are the most secure option for extreme workouts
Swimming & Water Sports
Best Choice: 14k solid gold studs or titanium (avoid plated or silver)
Why: Chlorine and saltwater tarnish most metals; gold and titanium resist corrosion
Important: Remove earrings for competitive swimming or diving (can tear piercings on impact)
Boxing, Martial Arts & Contact Sports
Best choice: None. Remove all earrings
Why: Direct hits to the ear can cause piercings to tear or other serious injuries.
Alternative: If you must wear them, use only the smallest flat studs and cover with athletic tape.
When to Remove Earrings Completely During Workouts
High-Risk Activities
If you're doing any of the activities listed below, the risk of tearing piercings far outweighs the benefit of wearing jewelry:
- Contact sports (boxing, MMA, football, rugby)
- Competitive swimming/diving
- Gymnastics with apparatus
- Rock climbing (can catch on ropes)
- Trampolining
Equipment That Requires Removal
You can keep a small jewelry pouch in your gym bag for safe storage if you desire to use or do:
- Certain gym machines with close head positioning
- Obstacle course races (Tough Mudder, Spartan Race)
- Activities with helmets (cycling, hockey)
FAQ: Gym Earrings
Can I wear earrings while working out?
Yes, but choose small, secure styles like flat studs or snug huggies.
Avoid dangly or heavy earrings that can catch on equipment or cause injury.
What's the safest earring for running?
Small ball studs (3-5mm) or tiny huggie hoops (8-10mm) made from 14k gold or titanium.
They won't bounce, won't fall out, and won't interfere with headphones.
Will sweat ruin my gold earrings?
No. 14k and 18k solid gold are sweat-resistant and won't tarnish.
Just clean them regularly to remove salt and bacteria buildup.
Should I remove earrings before lifting weights?
Not necessarily. As long as you're wearing flat studs or small hoops, they won't interfere with most weightlifting.
Remove them for overhead movements if you're concerned about snagging.
Can I shower with my earrings after the gym?
Yes, if they're made from 14k gold, titanium, or surgical steel.
In fact, showering with them helps rinse away sweat and bacteria.
Avoid showering with silver or plated jewelry.
How often should I clean my gym earrings?
Clean them after every workout with alcohol wipes or saline spray.
Do a deeper cleaning (soap and water) once a week.
What if my ears get irritated from working out?
Switch to hypoallergenic materials (14k gold or titanium), clean your earrings immediately after workouts, and ensure they're not too tight.
If irritation persists, remove earrings during workouts and consult a professional.
Are screw-back earrings better for the gym?
Yes, screw-backs provide maximum security for high-intensity workouts.
They're ideal for CrossFit, HIIT, or any activity with jumping and rapid movements.
Workout Jewelry Done Right
Your active lifestyle needs earrings that can keep up.
And our collection of 14k solid gold studs and huggies is up to the task.
Shop now.