Wearable Length vs. Overall Length in Tunnels and Plugs

When it comes to tunnels and plugs body jewelry, it’s important to understand the difference between the wearable length and the overall length of tunnels and plugs. The wearable length is the area of the jewelry that fits inside your piercing, while the overall length is the total measurement of the jewelry from face to face, including any additional flare or face area.

The wearable length of jewelry is measured differently depending on the style of jewelry, and it is not the same as the overall length, which varies wildly by style and only contributes to good fit in certain circumstances.

It’s important to note that the overall length is always longer than the wearing surface because it includes other sections of the jewelry that do not rest inside the piercing.

To get the right fit for your body jewelry, it’s important to measure your piercing and choose jewelry that fits properly. The wearable length is the area of the jewelry that fits inside your piercing, while the overall length is the total measurement of the jewelry from face to face, including any additional flare or face area. A good fit is essential for comfort and safety, so it’s important to measure your piercing and choose jewelry that fits properly.

Different styles of jewelry have different wearable lengths, and it’s important to measure your piercing to ensure you get the right fit. For example, double flared plugs have a wearable length that is shorter than the overall length, while single flared plugs have a wearable length that is longer than the overall length.

Diagram of jewelry styles with wearing length marked in green and overall length marked in red.

1. A flat faced double flared plug. Wearing length is measured from the inside of the flare edges. Overall length is measured from face to face.

2. A convex faced double flared plug. Wearing length is measured from the inside of the flare edges. Overal length is measured from face to face.

3. A flat faced double flared plug with flat flares. Wearing length is measured from inside the flare edges (the piercing cannot rest on the flat flare areas). Overall length is measured face to face.

4. A trumpet flared style plug. The dotted line denotes where the wearing surface ends on the front, because the larger portion of the slope cannot fit inside the piercing. Wearing surface is measured from inside the rear flare edge to the area on the front flare with the same diameter measurement. Overall length is measured from face to face.

5. A sloped single flared plug. Wearing length is measured from where the slope of the flare ends to the end of the plug. Overall length is measured from face to face.

6. A top-hat style single flare with a convex face. Wearing length is measured from the inside flare corner to the end of the plug. Overall length is measured from face to face.

7. A top-hat style single flare with a curved rear. Wearing length is measured from the inside flare corner to the beginning of the curve (the piercing cannot rest on the slope). Overall length is measured from face to face.

8. A top-hat style single flare with an o-ring groove for an o-ring. Wearing length is measured from the inside flare corner to the groove (the piercing cannot rest on the groove). Overall length is measured from face to face.

9. A labret (round or oval) with a standard concave t-back. Wearing length is measured from where the wearing shaft meets the wing to the end of the flat portion (the piercing cannot rest on the slope).

In conclusion, understanding the difference between wearable length and overall length is crucial when it comes to choosing the right body jewelry. The wearable length is the area of the jewelry that fits inside your piercing, while the overall length is the total measurement of the jewelry from face to face, including any additional flare or face area. A good fit is essential for comfort and safety, so it’s important to measure your piercing and choose jewelry that fits properly. Different styles of jewelry have different wearable lengths, and it’s important to measure your piercing to ensure you get the right fit.