Sizing Guide
We have taken careful steps to include sizes of each piece of jewelry listed in our online store. Each item will have different measurements in the description, such as gauge, length, diameter, and in some cases overall size. Please take note of these details and how they might affect your choices while shopping.
When customers shop with us in our brick and mortar stores, we take measurements of their anatomy and discuss the following factors, taking them into account when it comes to selecting the correct size for their piercings:
We suggest considering these questions while taking measurements at home for your online purchase. Even slight differences in sizing can affect the comfort and aesthetic of your piercing, so taking accurate measurements before buying is important. This handy guide will help you navigate the terminology behind body jewelry sizing, as well as how to find the perfect size for your piercings. You will need a ruler that has both inch increments and millimeters.
Here’s a ruler available to print. Be sure to disable any “shrink to fit” options before printing. Make a note of the listed item’s measurements on this paper ruler and hold it up to your piercing as a visual aid. For size conversions, please refer to this conversion chart.
Compare our measurements listed with the item with the measurements on your body, and buy accordingly.
Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry. This measurement will refer to the part that lives in your piercing, such as a barbell post. Gauge will typically be seen as an even number followed by "g", "ga", or "gauge". The larger the number, the thinner the gauge.
You will need to apply this knowledge when shopping for body jewelry. If your piercing is used to wearing 18g, and you buy a 14g piece of jewelry for it, it's not likely to fit without the help of a piercer. When you enlarge a piercing to wear a larger gauge piece of jewelry, this is called stretching.
On the other hand, if you insert a smaller gauge of jewelry than what you typically wear, then your piercing will likely shrink, making it tricky to insert your larger jewelry later. There is no harm in downsizing your gauge, but be aware of this if you plan to put larger jewelry in again at a later time.
16 gauge threaded ends are compatible with either 18g or 16g barbell posts. The thread pattern is universal for these two sizes.
We have gauge recommendations for certain piercings and jewelry styles depending on the location of the piercing and your anatomy. For instance, threaded ends larger than 5mm are more stable when worn with a thicker barbell post. For this reason, we recommend ordering our larger threaded ends with a 16g barbell as opposed to an 18g for more comfort.
If you are not sure what gauge barbell post you need, please contact us at somaticbodypiercing@icloud.com and we will be happy to assist you.
Length
Length refers to the wearable length of the jewelry, and typically refers to straight and curved barbells. This is the part that is worn on the inside of the piercing, and does not include any length added by the ends. We measure the length of our jewelry using increments of an inch, such as 5/16".
You can find what length you'll need by measuring the piercing channel from entrance to exit. For a snug fit, use that same measurement. If you want room on your barbell, size up. For example, for the length of an earlobe piercing, you would measure the thickness of your earlobe where your piercing is without jewelry.
Some people like their jewelry to fit as snug as possible, while others like a little "wiggle room". Consider how you typically like your jewelry to fit when you are making your purchase. If your post is too tight, then the jewelry will put pressure on your piercing, which can cause discomfort. Your jewelry should be long enough to easily install your ends, and to accommodate the length of your piercing at rest and during any other body movement. If your piercing is in a high-movement area such as a lip, navel, nose, etc, then make sure to check your measurements again in different facial or body positions that might distort the length of your piercing, and size up or down accordingly.
If you are not sure what length you need, please contact us at somaticbodypiercing@icloud.com and we will be happy to assist you.
Diameter
Diameter refers to the overall size of a ring or a hoop. We measure the inside of rings straight across at the largest point to find diameter, using increments of an inch such as 5/16". The diameter you need will be determined by how snug or loose you would like your ring to fit. Do you want a tight or relaxed fit?
Diameter is sometimes tricky to find if you have never worn a ring. This is a measurement that we highly recommend getting with the help of a piercer, especially if you are looking for that perfectly snug fit. Rings that are too tight can put pressure on your piercing, which will cause discomfort. If you already have a ring that you like the fit of, measure the inside of that ring straight across at the largest point, and use that size as your preferred diameter.
We do not recommend a snug fit for your ring if you plan to add a charm or dangle--please choose a size that will accommodate any decorations you plan to add to your ring.
If you are not sure what diameter ring you need, please contact us at somaticbodypiercing@icloud.com and we will be happy to assist you.
Overall size
We provide overall size as a measurement for our threaded ends. This number will be listed in millimeters (mm). These dimensions will tell you how large the end is across. We carry a variety of threaded ends, some of which are more elaborate in overall size. If you are shopping for something large and spectacular (especially over 7mm!) make sure your piercing and the area around it have enough room to safely and comfortably accommodate it. If the piercing you are shopping for has a small area, such as a tragus, then you will need to reconsider that large end.
Compare our measurements listed with the item with the measurements on your body, and buy accordingly.
If you have never taken your measurements for body jewelry sizes, it is best to ask a piercer for help. For any questions about jewelry sizing, please visit our studio, or you can email us at somaticbodypiercing@icloud.com before making your purchase.