Whether you're just starting your ear stretching journey or you're a seasoned plug aficionado looking for your next bold pair of dangle gauges, welcome to the tribe. Plug earrings have gone mainstream—and finally, they're getting the love they deserve. But between ear gauge sizes, styling your look, and finding quality gear like septum jewelry or an ear gauge kit that doesn’t suck, it can feel overwhelming.
Let’s break it all down. No fluff, no gatekeeping—just real advice and honest product recs (spoiler: PunkPlugs is where it’s at).
What Are Plug Earrings, Really?
Plug earrings—also known simply as “plugs”—are cylindrical pieces of body jewelry that fit snugly into stretched earlobe piercings. While some go for classic stainless steel or silicone styles, others rock more daring looks like two feather plugs, plug earrings, or even xenomorph earrings. It’s art, it’s expression, it’s rebellion, and it's confidence—all wrapped up in a tiny, wearable sculpture.
I got my first pair of goth earrings when I was 24. Matte black, stone-cut plugs with tiny skull etchings. I wore them to a local punk gig, and a girl asked me where I got them. “PunkPlugs,” I said, half proud, half embarrassed. “Online. They actually don’t suck.” That was the beginning.
Getting Started with Ear Stretching Gauges
The Essentials: What You Need in an Ear Stretching Kit
Stretching your ears isn’t something you want to DIY without the right tools. I made that mistake in my early 20s—don’t be like me. You’ll need:
- A complete ear gauge kit with multiple sizes
- Lubricant (jojoba oil or vitamin E oil work wonders)
- A clean environment
- Patience. So. Much. Patience.
PunkPlugs sells beginner-friendly ear stretching kits that include all the basic sizes to move safely and slowly through each stage. No shady materials, no guesswork.
How to Stretch Ears Safely (Without Blowouts)
Start at the lowest size and stretch only when your ears have fully healed. Most people begin with a 14G or 16G. A general rule? Wait 4-6 weeks between stretches. Listen to your body. If it hurts, STOP. If your lobe looks angry, give it time.
One trick I learned: soak your ears in warm water before stretching. It softens the tissue and reduces the chance of microtears. Game-changer.
Choosing the Right Ear Gauges and Plugs
Understanding Ear Gauge Sizes
This is where things can get confusing fast. Sizes decrease in number as the gauge increases—8G is smaller than 0G, for example. After 00G, measurements shift to inches or millimeters.
Here’s a handy tip I live by: keep a size chart on your phone. Or just bookmark the PunkPlugs size guide. They keep it simple and super visual.
Styles to Fit Every Vibe
From minimal to maximal, here are some fan favorites:
- Dangle Gauges: Add movement to your look. Perfect for night outs or festivals.
- Ear Gauge Weights: Great for stretching gently over time and looking badass while doing it.
- Ear Dangle Tunnels: The hybrid between a tunnel and a statement earring.
- Two Feather Plugs: Elegant, lightweight, and always get compliments.
- Alien Earrings & Dinosaur Earrings: Whimsical and weird in the best way.
- Xenomorph Earrings: For the bold and unapologetically sci-fi.
Beyond the Lobes: Other Jewelry Worth Exploring
You stretched your ears. Now what? Time to style the rest of your face.
Septum Jewelry That Hits Right
Septum piercings are perfect for complementing stretched ears. And yes—men can (and should!) rock septum rings. I personally rotate between titanium septum rings for men and more decorative unique septum rings with gothic designs.
Gothic septum jewelry can pull together your entire aesthetic, especially if you already lean into darker fashion or subcultures. Pair that with lobe cuffs or body jewelry like nose studs, and suddenly your look’s on fire.
Where to Buy the Best Plug Earrings Online
Let’s be real: finding quality plugs earrings used to be a pain. I once ordered a pair off some sketchy site and they smelled like machine oil. Nope.
Then I found PunkPlugs. Their stuff is:
- Hypoallergenic and safe for long-term wear
- Affordable (no markup just because it's "alternative")
- Wildly creative—from cute to creepy
Even better? They ship fast and have awesome customer service. When I lost one of my favorite goth earrings, they actually helped me track down a replacement. Who even does that anymore?
If you’re searching “ear gauges near me” and not finding anything that speaks to you, don’t waste time. Just order online.
Pro Tips for Living with Stretched Ears
Here’s what I wish someone told me early on:
- Invest in quality: Cheap materials can irritate your skin or stink over time.
- Take breaks: Don’t feel pressure to go bigger all the time. I stayed at 0G for years.
- Switch it up: Rotate between plugs, tunnels, and ear gauge weights to keep things interesting.
- Clean your jewelry: Soap, warm water, and routine checks. It’s not glamorous, but it's necessary.
And honestly? Don't let anyone tell you stretching is “unprofessional” or “too out there.” I’ve worn plugs earrings to job interviews and weddings. It’s about how you style them. Confidence is the best accessory anyway.
Wrapping Up—Why PunkPlugs Is the Only Brand You Need
At the end of the day, stretching your ears is a personal journey. Whether you're just curious about stretching ear piercings, or you're deep into the gauges game and collecting every version of ear dangle tunnels out there, you need gear that keeps up with your vibe.
PunkPlugs offers more than just jewelry—they offer identity. From two feather plugs to bold dinosaur earrings, they’ve got something for every style, gender, and energy.
So go ahead—level up your look, express yourself, and know that your plugs are saying exactly what you want them to.
Ready to start or upgrade your collection?
Check out PunkPlugs for the freshest drops in plug earrings, goth earrings, septum jewelry, and more.