How to measure your earlobe for competition jewellery (and why it matters more than you think).
Back in 2019, I was about to recommend earrings to a competitor I knew well. I was literally seconds away from sending the suggestion when something made me stop and ask her a question I'd never asked anyone before.
"Do you know your earlobe to shoulder measurement?"
She didn't. And when I actually looked at her — small frame, deep in prep, fatigued — I realised the earrings I was about to recommend were going to be way too big for her. Completely overwhelming on stage. Wrong for her proportions entirely.
That moment changed how we talk about jewellery at KOMPAK.
Before anyone was really having this conversation, most competitors chose earrings one of two ways: whatever they liked the look of most, or whatever their favourite pro athlete was wearing. Neither of those things takes your frame, your proportions, or your stage look into account. And on stage, under those lights, the wrong earring length can throw off your entire overall picture.
We became one of the first in this space to talk about this properly. And it's exactly why every single earring on the KOMPAK site has its centimetric measurement listed — so when you know your number, the decision is already half made.
Here's how to get that number.
How to measure your earlobe correctly
Step 1 — get someone else to do this for you
Do not measure yourself. The moment you lift your arms to do it, your shoulders will naturally scrunch up and your measurement will be off. You need someone else holding the tape.
Step 2 — hit your front pose before they measure
This is the bit most people skip — and it matters. When you're standing normally your shoulders will naturally drop and sit lower than they do on stage. In your front pose, most competitors lift their shoulders to some degree. Measure in the position you'll actually be in when you're competing, not how you stand in your kitchen.
Step 3 — measure both sides, especially if you're a fit model athlete
Get your measurement on both the left and right side and cross check them. This one is particularly important if you compete in fit model — because of the way weight distribution sits in your front pose, one side of your body will be carrying more load than the other. That affects how your shoulders sit, which means your earlobe measurement can be noticeably different from left to right. If you only measure one side you could end up with an earring that works perfectly on one side of your face and is sitting on your shoulder on the other. Measure both. Always.
Step 4 — use a mirror if you can
If you can stand in front of a mirror while someone measures you, you'll actually be able to see where the end point of your earring needs to sit. That visual makes the whole thing click instantly.
Step 5 — leave a gap
Your measurement is not your earring length. If your earlobe to shoulder measurement is 11cm, you do not want an 11cm earring — that will be sitting right on your shoulder. You want a gap. As a rule of thumb: if your measurement is 11cm, don't go above 10cm. Give yourself at least a centimetre of clearance.
Why this matters on stage
It's not just about avoiding earrings that are too long. Earrings that overpower your frame — regardless of how beautiful they are — can throw off the balance of your entire stage look. Jewellery is supposed to complement your physique and your bikini, not compete with it.
Getting this measurement right means your overall picture is balanced. And it makes shopping significantly easier from the start — because instead of scrolling through everything and going off gut feeling, you have an actual number to work from.
How to use your measurement on the KOMPAK site
Every earring listed on the KOMPAK site includes the cm measurement. Once you know your earlobe to shoulder measurement and you've applied the gap rule, you can filter your options immediately. Anything above your maximum length is off the list before you've even started.
From there, make your first call out. Pick 3-5 earrings you like the look of within your length range. That's your shortlist. Don't go beyond that — the decision has been made.
If you're still not sure, watch our video that walks you through the whole process.
Or if you want a second pair of eyes on your overall stage look — drop us a DM on Instagram. Tell us your measurement, your category, your federation, and what your suit looks like if you know and we'll point you in the right direction.