Flat Piercings Are En Vogue in 2024: Here’s Why We Love Them
The intricate world of body modification as we know it—with all its sparkles, colors, shapes, and motifs—can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamian communities. Ear piercing specifically is one of the oldest forms of body modification, popularized by the Ancient Egyptians and several ancient Asian cultures as a way to acknowledge status or for religious and/or spiritual reasons.
Fortunately, the long, ancient history of body modification has created an exciting avenue for self-expression and an aesthetic renaissance in 2024. Within the wide realm of ear piercings, there are several that tend to be outshined by more popular piercings, like the lobes, helix, or even the tragus. But there’s one cartilage piercing we think deserves a little more love, and that’s the flat piercing.
The flat piercing has emerged as a captivating option for contemporary body piercing, especially if you’re limited to piercing only your ears. While a “traditional” ear piercing may show jewelry on both sides of the ear, flat piercings lie flush against the widest, flattest part of your upper cartilage. This placement seamlessly integrates the jewelry with your ear’s anatomy.
Historically, piercings have been emblematic of various cultural practices, but they’ve also been used for personal adornment. As we carry that purposeful energy through 2024, the flat piercing is the perfect option to blend tradition with modernity, capturing the imagination of fashion enthusiasts and cultural observers alike.
This blog will discuss the details of a flat piercing, its important details and styling considerations, as well as the artistry it inspires among those who choose it.
Evolution of Body Modification
Body modification, or body art, is a broad topic, but it encompasses two primary sections: tattooing and piercing. We know that both of these practices still have profound significance in global cultures today.
For example, the Mursi tribe in Ethiopia pierces the lips of young women to signify fertility, eligibility for marriage, and bravery. Or, the indigenous Māori people from New Zealand who use tattoos to symbolize power and honor in Polynesian society. These are just two surface-level examples out of hundreds that exist around the world.
In 2024, piercing culture serves as a marker of identity, spiritual devotion, and/or societal roles. However, body piercing has largely undergone a metamorphosis, where several types piercings and piercing styles have emerged.
The punk and grunge movements of the late 20th century catapulted piercings into mainstream consciousness, positioning them as symbols of rebellion and non-conformity. The 21st century brought with it the normalization of piercings, with individuals embracing them for self-expression and identity.
In 2024, the flat piercing has ascended to prominence, transcending its niche origins. Influencers, celebrities, and subcultures alike have played pivotal roles in popularizing this unique piercing.
The Artistry Behind Flat Piercings
Because the flat piercing is surrounded by a lot of surface area, that leaves ample opportunity for customization. For example, motifs and intricate designs accentuate this piercing nicely, especially since it’s towards the top of the ear.
Here are just a few flat piercing options that caught our eye:
Since the flat piercing is in a pretty roomy area, we think that’s a great reason to take up some space with this beaded lineup titanium labret post. Not only does it come in three colors—black, gold, and silver—but it also follows the shape of your ear contour, giving an extra coordinated look.
In a similar vein, this beaded array clear CZ titanium labret provides texture and bling, with the incorporation of a cubic zirconium stone. This option acts as more of a centerpiece for your ear, rather than an extension of it like the former.
Nature is such a broad topic when it comes to body jewelry. But when it comes to the flat piercing, we think this leaf marquise clear CZ titanium labret is a perfect addition. Its unique leaf design can be worn at several different angles to effortlessly produce new aesthetics.
Our next nature-inspired choice is this rose gold PVD butterfly pink CZ titanium labret. We love the way this piece looks as if a teeny butterfly landed right on your ear. Not only that, but its delicate detailing shines from afar, especially with its pink pop of color.
Motifs open a door to a whole world of possibility. Whatever you’re interested in, you’re sure to find a piece of body jewelry that tickles your fancy, and then some. For instance, we love this gold PVD horseshoe clear CZ titanium labret because it’s simple, yet it stands for good fortune for those who believe in luck. (Pro tip: always make sure the “U” is facing upwards! A downturned “U” is considered bad luck by many.)
If the horseshoe isn’t your thing, what about a black PVD cutlass sword titanium threadless top? This dagger-inspired labret top can stand for your edginess, your strength…whatever you want.
We especially like this option because of how dainty it appears even though its undoubtedly cutthroat—pun intended!
No matter what style you’re rocking, the flat piercing embodies an intersection of history, artistic expression, and cultural resonance. Its enduring appeal and adaptability speaks to newer generations that are drawn to self expression through body modification. For your piercing needs, Urban Body Jewelry is committed to providing a high-quality, curated selection of pieces that enable you to embark on your piercing journey with confidence.