What are sleeper earrings?

What are sleeper earrings?

What a great question! A long time ago one of my close friends (ok, hands up, it was me) asked my Mum if sleeper earrings were going to make me sleepy. Honestly, I thought it was a perfectly reasonable question, but the laughter I got in response made me realise I was pretty far off the reason these earrings are called sleeper earrings. So, to save everyone the same embarrassment, the experts at Hoskings Jewellers have created this great blog post that explains everything you need to know about sleeper earrings.

By the end of this article, you'll understand why sleeper earrings are a must-have in your jewellery collection and where you can find the best selection of sleeper earrings in Australia.

Why are sleeper earrings called sleepers?

Sleeper earrings are typically small hoops or studs that are designed to be comfortably worn all of the time - even while you sleep. Hence, the name ‘sleepers’, or ‘ear sleepers’!

They’re also sometimes called ‘huggie’ earrings, because they usually fit very snugly around the earlobe - like a hug for your earlobe! Aww.

Sleeper earrings or studs?

Most traditional earrings have a post or bar that goes into the ear, along with a back to keep the earring from falling out – the simplest versions of these earrings are called studs. These traditional earrings tend to be heavier and can be uncomfortable, especially if you are lying on them. Many ornate earrings have features that could cause snagging on clothes or bedsheets which can be pretty painful, especially if you’re new to wearing earrings.

On the other hand, sleeper earrings have a continuous hoop design that wraps around the ear to provides a secure and comfortable fit. Sleeper earrings also have seamless closures that helps to minimise irritation – we’ll look at the types of closure more closely below. Overall, the lightweight and snug fit of small sleeper earrings means they’re a great choice for people with sensitive ears, newly pierced ears or for prefer who wear earrings for extended periods.

The history of sleeper earrings

It’s said that women in Sumeria (now Iraq) wore the first gold hoop earrings around 2,500 BCE. Sleeper earrings were also introduced around that time in Nubia (now known as Sudan). And we know that ancient Egyptians and Romans adorned themselves with hoop earrings to display their status and wealth. Even Julius Caesar was a fan of ear sleepers. But it was during the Victorian era that wearing earrings became a fashion staple for almost everyone.

Over time, sleeper earrings have evolved in design due to changes in fashion, materials and technology. Modern sleepers retain their functional purpose but look much more stylish. Explore our stunning range of sleeper earrings here.

What materials are sleeper earrings made with?

Most quality sleeper earrings are designed to cater to sensitive skin, so they’re made with hypoallergenic materials like gold or silver. Click here to view Hoskings Jewellers collection of gold sleeper earrings, and here to view our gorgeous silver sleeper earrings.

How to choose the right sleeper earrings for you

If you’re new to earrings, here’s what you need to think about to help you choose the right sleeper earrings. First, it’s important to pick the right size.  Sleeper earrings range from small hoop earrings that fit snugly on your earlobe to larger earrings that make more of a statement. Choosing which size you prefer depends on your personal style and how the sleeper earrings can complement your overall look.

Next you need to decide on the material. Are you a gold or silver person, or will you need a set of both depending on your mood for that day? Many people with lighter, cooler complexions prefer silver sleepers, and gold looks stunning on darker complexions. But rules are made to be broken, so you really can’t go wrong with either of these timeless materials.

How do sleeper earrings work?

Sleeper earrings are often chosen for their practicality as well as their chic look. Unlike the bar and clasp earrings, there’s no fussing around trying to secure sleepers. Most sleeper earrings have a continuous hoop design with straightforward and secure closures that will keep the earrings in place comfortably. We’ll look at the most common earring closures here along with a quick lesson on how to close sleeper earrings:

Sleepers

Hinge snap closure

Hoops

Endless hoop closure

Lever back hoop closure

Latch back hoop closure

How to clean your sleeper earrings

It’s really important to keep your sleepers clean to prevent infection. We’ve written separate articles about how to clean and maintain gold and how to clean silver jewellery, so if you have time, it’s worth checking those out. But here’s a quick summary on how to clean your sleeper earrings:

Soak: Soak your sleeper earrings in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap for about 10 minutes.

Rub: Gently scrub the earrings with a soft toothbrush to remove any residue.

Rinse: Rinse your sleepers thoroughly with clean water.

Dry: Pat the sleeper earrings dry and buff with a soft lint-free cloth to restore their shine. Check out our Connoisseurs range of speciality cleaning products to help with this.

Store: When you’re not wearing your sleeper earrings, we recommend storing them in a jewellery box to keep them safe.

Are sleeper earrings popular?

Earring trends have changed through the decades, from the spectacularly dramatic 1980s earrings to the gigantic silver hoops in the 1990s. Back then sleepers were only worn by the savvy individuals that put comfort over fashion. But they are no longer taking a back seat.

In recent years, sleeper earrings have become increasingly popular. Now, discerning fashionistas are loving the low-key glam look.  And sleeper earrings absolutely deliver on recent trends. But no matter what the trends deliver in the next decades, we know that sleepers are here to stay.

After all, they’re the ultimate versatile accessory. Sleeper earrings can be worn with almost any outfit. Take a look at some of these suggestions for sleeper fashion inspiration: 

Everyday chic: Pair a simple pair of small sleeper earrings with a classic white shirt and jeans for an effortless, but elegant look.

Statement stack: Mix and match different sizes and styles of sleeper hoops to create an eye-catching earring stack. Play with different metals and finishes to add your own personal flare to your look.

Early nights: A common question is “can you sleep with sleeper earrings?” and the answer is yes you can! So, feel free to chuck on your PJs and snuggle up for an early night, knowing your ears are effortlessly comfortable.

Where to buy sleeper earrings in Australia

We thought you’d never ask! Why, the best place to buy sleeper earrings in Australia is right here at Hoskings Jewellers of course! We have a carefully curated selection of high-quality sleeper earrings in silver and gold. And our Customer Service team are always available to help you find your perfect pair.

You can buy sleepers online via our website or visit us in person to select the best sleeper earrings to meet your needs and preferences.

Find a Hoskings Jewellers store near you.

A quick summary of the how, when and why you need sleeper earrings

In summary, sleeper earrings are an essential accessory for anyone with ear piercings! They offer a fabulous blend of comfort, style, and practicality. So, whether you're new to the world of piercings or are looking for a comfortable and fashionable earring that you can wear all the time, sleeper earrings are a must-have!

If you have any questions or would like some help finding the right pair of sleeper earrings, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Just call to speak with a Hoskings customer service specialist on the numbers below:

VIC/ NSW/ QLD & TAS: 1800 819 796

NT/WA or SA: 08) 8981 8895

Written by Niamh Hislop

Cover Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash