You probably remember the mid-2000s. It was the era of the side-fringe, overly bronzed skin, and juice-stained tracksuits. But there was one accessory that defined the "it girl" aesthetic more than any other: the navel ring. Honestly, if you didn’t have a surgical steel barbell peeking out from a pair of Miss Me jeans, were you even living?
Fast forward to late 2024. Kim Kardashian, the woman who basically dictates what we find cool through sheer force of will, drops a casual "life lately" dump on Instagram. Tucked away in the fifth slide—right between family snaps and Skims-clad selfies—is a close-up of a diamond-encrusted belly ring.
The internet, naturally, lost its collective mind.
The 2005 Time Machine
Kim wasn't just wearing jewelry; she was making a statement. This wasn't a new hole in her body. For the die-hard fans who’ve been around since before the first episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians aired in 2007, that little bit of bling felt like a homecoming. Back in 2006, Kim was often spotted hanging with Paris Hilton, sporting that same Y2K energy.
People forget that Kim has always been a fan of body modifications, even if they're hidden under $5,000 Mugler dresses. In 2017, she actually revealed on her old app that she has six piercings.
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- One in her right ear.
- Four in her left ear.
- One in her belly button.
So, why are we talking about the kim kardashian belly piercing now? Because for years, it was gone. Or at least, it was invisible. As her style shifted into the "Kanye era"—all neutral tones, high-fashion silhouettes, and sleek, unadorned skin—the belly ring was retired. It didn't fit the minimalist "clean girl" aesthetic that dominated the 2010s.
Is the navel ring actually back for good?
Trends are weird. They move in 20-year cycles. Right now, Gen Z is obsessed with everything "indie sleaze" and Y2K. We’re seeing a massive resurgence in low-rise bottoms, which are basically the only reason to have a navel piercing anyway. If you're wearing high-waisted leggings every day, the piercing is just a hidden scar.
But Kim? She’s smart. She knows that by showing off that diamond stud, she’s signaling a shift toward more "fun" and "rebellious" fashion. It’s less about being a "student lawyer" and more about being "Kimmy from the block."
"Kimmy taking it back to 2005!" one fan commented, and honestly, they aren't wrong.
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There is some debate about whether the recent photo showed a permanent piercing or just a clip-on. Let's be real: Kim is the queen of the fake-out. Remember the "A. Human" neck implant that looked like it was growing out of her skin? Or the fake lip rings she’s rocked for editorial shoots? However, since we know she did have the actual piercing done in the mid-aughts, it's highly likely she just popped a barbell back into a hole that never fully closed.
What you should know before following the trend
If you’re sitting there thinking about digging your old piercing out of a jewelry box—or worse, going to get a new one because Kim did it—there are a few things to consider. Navel piercings are notoriously finicky.
- Healing Time is Brutal: We're talking 6 to 12 months. It’s not like an earlobe that heals in six weeks. Because your waist moves and rubs against clothes constantly, the irritation is real.
- The "Tunnel" Effect: Dermatologists call it epithelialization. Basically, once you pierce that area, it creates a permanent tunnel of skin. Even if you take the jewelry out for a decade, like Kim seemingly did, the hole often remains as a small scar or a functional "tunnel."
- Anatomy Matters: Not everyone has the right "shelf" for a belly piercing. If your navel winks (collapses) when you sit down, a traditional piercing might migrate or get rejected.
The SKIMS Effect
You also have to look at this through a business lens. Kim isn't just a person; she's a brand. If she starts wearing belly rings, people start buying crop tops. If people buy crop tops, they need Skims to wear underneath (or as the top itself). It’s a closed loop of influence.
We’ve seen the Kardashian-Jenner clan moving away from the "quiet luxury" look lately. Kylie is experimenting with more edgy, archival pieces. Khloé is adding more piercings to her ears. The kim kardashian belly piercing is just the latest piece of evidence that the family is pivoting back to the loud, flashy glamour that made them famous in the first place.
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Practical Steps for Your Own Navel Bling
If you're inspired by the revival, don't just run to the mall.
- Check the hole: If you had one years ago, don't try to shove a needle or old jewelry through it yourself. Visit a professional piercer; they can often use a "taper" to stretch a partially closed hole without re-piercing the tissue.
- Quality is king: Kim’s is likely real diamonds and gold. For the rest of us, stick to implant-grade titanium or 14k gold. Avoid "fashion jewelry" from the mall—the nickel content will turn your stomach green faster than you can say "Bible."
- Wait for the season: If you're getting a new one, don't do it right before a beach vacation. Sand, salt water, and pool chlorine are the enemies of a fresh navel piercing.
The return of the belly ring isn't just about jewelry. It's about a shift in the culture toward nostalgia. Whether you love it or think it should have stayed in 2005, one thing is certain: if Kim Kardashian is doing it, you're going to be seeing a lot more of it on your feed soon.
Next Steps for Success
If you're considering getting a navel piercing to match the Y2K trend, your first step is to book a consultation with an APP-certified (Association of Professional Piercers) professional. They can evaluate your navel anatomy to ensure the piercing won't reject. If you already have an old piercing that has "closed," ask them about "tapering" it open rather than re-piercing, which reduces scar tissue buildup. Stick to high-quality metals like titanium to avoid the common allergic reactions associated with the cheaper "mall-style" jewelry of the early 2000s.