6 Types of Navel Piercings (and Which Anatomy They Actually Work For)

If you want your belly button pierced, you may not get to choose where and how it is pierced. Your belly button ultimately decides that.

Just like there's not just one single type of belly button shape, there's also not just one type of belly button piercing.

What most people picture when they think of a navel piercing is just one option. In reality, there are several variations -- six main navel piercing types -- the difference between a piercing that heals beautifully and one that constantly struggles often comes down to one thing: anatomy.

At our Fort Collins piercing studio, we don’t just place jewelry. We assess how your body will actually support it long term.

Here’s what to know.

1. Standard (Top) Navel Piercing

This is the classic look. The jewelry sits above the navel and hangs down inside.

It’s what most people come in asking for, but it only works well on specific anatomy.

Best suited for:

• A deeper navel

• A clearly defined “lip” of skin along the top
  

That top ridge of tissue is what stabilizes the jewelry and allows it to heal without constant pressure. Without it, this style can become irritated or even reject over time.

2. Floating Navel Piercing

A more modern approach, the floating navel uses jewelry with a flat or minimal bottom instead of a dangling charm. Visually, it’s cleaner. Functionally, it’s often the better option.

Best suited for:

• Shallow navels

• Navels that fold or collapse when sitting
  

Traditional jewelry can press into the navel in these cases, creating friction and irritation. A floating navel removes that pressure point and allows for a more stable heal.

3. Bottom Navel Piercing

Less common, but completely valid when the anatomy calls for it. This piercing is placed through the lower rim of the navel, with jewelry sitting upward.

Best suited for:

• People with more defined tissue on the bottom than the top

• Rather than forcing a traditional placement, this approach works with the structure that’s actually there.
  

4. Double Navel Piercing

This involves both a top and bottom piercing, creating a balanced, framed look.

It’s visually striking—but highly anatomy-dependent.

Best suited for:

• Strong, stable tissue both above and below the navel

• If either area lacks support, healing can become unpredictable. This is one of those cases where a consultation really matters.
  

5. Side (Horizontal) Navel Piercings

These are placed to the left or right of the navel and are far less common.

Best suited for: Very specific anatomy with enough stable tissue to support the placement

Because of how the body moves in this area, these require careful evaluation and aren’t ideal for everyone.

6. Inverse/Reverse Navel (Styling Variation)

This isn’t a different placement. It’s a different way of wearing the jewelry. The decorative end is flipped so it sits on top rather than inside the navel.

Best suited for:

• Traditional or bottom navel piercings

• People who want a different visual without changing the piercing itself

  
  

Why Anatomy Matters More Than the Trends

A navel piercing isn’t one-size-fits-all. During a proper consultation, a professional piercer will look at:

• The depth and shape of your navel

• How it sits when you stand and when you sit

• Where natural pressure and movement occur

• Whether the jewelry will stay stable over time

These factors determine not just how the piercing looks on day one, but how it heals months down the line.

What If I Don't Have the Right Anatomy?

It doesn't mean your belly button is bad. It's just the beauty of how every body is unique. Not every belly button is built for every type of piercing, and that's totally normal.

If you want a certain piercing but your piercer says you don't have the right anatomy for it, don't beat yourself up about it -- and don't distrust your piercer and do it anyway. In some cases, there might not be enough stable tissue to safely support a particular piercing. Trust the professionals and pivot your plan. Your anatomy isn't something that can be changed to fit a trend or a particular piece of jewelry, and it's also something that shouldn't be ignored.

The goal isn't simply to give you the piercing you walked in asking for. It's to find the placement and jewelry that have the best chance of looking great and healing successfully.

Navel Piercings in Fort Collins

If you’re considering a navel piercing, we offer free consultations at our Fort Collins piercing studio to help you figure out what will actually work for your anatomy. Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can book ahead if you prefer and don't want to wait!