Wedding Band: Finding The Right Fit

There's no definitive answer to how loose a wedding band should be, as it depends on personal preference and the ring type. However, a good rule of thumb is that a ring should be tight enough that it doesn't easily fall off but loose enough that you can still comfortably move your finger.

If you're struggling to move your fingers, the ring is likely too tight. On the other hand, if the ring feels like it could fall off, it's too loose.

How to tell if your wedding band is too tight

A wedding band should be comfortable and stylish, but most importantly, it should fit well. While it's true that your ring won't fit perfectly all the time, it's important to know when it's too tight. Here are some signs that your wedding band is too constrictive:

You experience swelling, tingling, or pain.

It's not a good sign if the area around your ring is swelling, going numb, or causing you pain. This could be a sign that the ring is too tight and is restricting blood flow.

It's difficult to remove.

If you're struggling to take off your ring and find yourself using soap, butter, or oil to remove it, then it's definitely too tight. A ring that fits well should be able to slide over your knuckle with a little friction and fit snugly on your finger.

You see indentation or redness.

Indent marks or redness around the area where your ring sits is a tell-tale sign that it's too tight. Your ring should not leave any marks on your finger and should not cause any discomfort.

You have a "finger muffin top".

If your finger looks squished and you see excess skin hanging off the sides of the ring, it's time to get a bigger size. This is a sign that your ring is too small and is restricting your finger.

Your ring won't turn.

Your ring should be able to spin on your finger with minimal effort. If you're unable to turn your ring, try icing your hand for 10 minutes and then trying again. If it still doesn't turn, your ring is too tight.

It's important to remember that the width of the band can also affect how tight your ring feels. Wider bands will feel tighter, even if the inner diameter is the same. Additionally, your ring size can fluctuate throughout the day and across seasons due to factors such as temperature change, diet, and water retention.

How to tell if your wedding band is too loose

While there is no definitive answer to how loose a ring should be, as it depends on personal preference and ring type, there are some tell-tale signs that your wedding band is too loose and needs resizing.

The Spin Test

If your ring spins around freely on your finger, it is usually considered too loose. A ring should only move with manual force applied or through friction and resistance. If your ring is spinning with little resistance, it's likely too loose, and you should consider resizing.

The Shake Test

If you shake your hand with your fingers pointed towards the ground, the ring should not come off. If it slides off, it is too loose. A loose ring will slide past your knuckle too easily, making it prone to being lost.

The Knuckle Friction Test

The ring should need a firm push to get it over the knuckle. If it can simply slip back and forth over the knuckle without much friction or force, it is probably too loose.

The Fist Test

Make a tight fist and feel if the ring is comfortable. If it's too big, you will feel it push uncomfortably into the sides of your adjacent fingers.

Other Signs

• Does the band move around when you move your hand?
• Does it keep falling off your finger?
• If you push against one side of the ring, is there a significant gap between your finger and the band itself?

If you answered yes to any of the above, your wedding band is likely too loose, and you should consider resizing.

It's important to remember that your ring should be tight enough that it doesn't easily fall off but loose enough that you can still comfortably move your finger. If you are struggling to move your fingers, your ring is likely too tight.

How to size your wedding band at home

Finding the perfect fit for your wedding band can be challenging. There is no such thing as a perfect fit when it comes to jewellery, especially rings. However, a good fit should feel comfortable most of the time. Here are some tips for sizing your wedding band at home.

Use a Ring Size Chart

Print out a ring size chart and follow the instructions to measure your ring size. You can use a ring you already have to measure the inside diameter of your left ring finger. Place the ring over the circles on the chart, lining up the inside edges with the circle that matches the ring size. If the ring is between two sizes, choose the larger one.

The Paper Test

You can also use the paper strip at the bottom of the ring size chart as a tape measure. Cut out the paper strip and create a slot where marked. Slip the tip of the paper through the slot, with the numbers facing out. Place the sizer on your ring finger and pull it taut to read the size.

Use a Piece of String

Wrap a piece of string around your ring finger and cut it where the end overlaps. Line up the string with the ring size guide on the chart. Choose the larger size if the ring is between two sizes.

Use a Tape Measure

Use a measuring tape to determine your ring size. Wrap the tape measure around your finger and adjust it to fit comfortably over your knuckle. Note the measurements in millimetres or inches.

Use a Ring Sizer

You can use a virtual ring sizer or request a free ring sizer to be delivered to your home.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

• Measure your ring size at different times of the day, as finger size can fluctuate due to temperature changes or swelling.
• Avoid measuring when your fingers are cold, as they tend to be smaller.
• Measure the finger on which you plan to wear the ring, as each finger may be a slightly different size.
• Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.
• Choose the larger size if your measurement falls between two sizes on the chart.

How to prevent your wedding band from becoming loose

While there is no definitive answer to how loose a ring should be, as it depends on personal preference and ring type, there are some general rules of thumb to follow. A ring should be tight enough that it doesn't easily fall off but loose enough to allow comfortable finger movement.

Go to a Professional Jeweller

When purchasing your wedding band, it is essential to have your finger sized by a professional jeweller. They will ensure that the ring is the correct size and can advise on finding the perfect fit. It is recommended to get a second opinion after getting sized by one professional. The best time to get your finger sized is between lunch and dinner when most people's fingers are at their largest due to normal daily fluctuations in finger size.

Consider Changes in Your Weight

Weight fluctuations can cause your ring to become loose over time. If you experience significant weight changes, have your ring checked and resized accordingly. Weight loss can make your ring feel looser, while weight gain can make it tighter.

Avoid Heat and Chemicals

Exposing your ring to harsh chemicals or excessive heat can cause the metal to warp and become loose. Therefore, it is advisable to remove your ring before engaging in activities such as cleaning or gardening, which involve harsh chemicals or heat.

Exercise Caution with Physical Activity

Physical activity, especially in hot weather, can cause your body temperature to rise and your fingers to swell. If you engage in regular exercise or physical work, consider removing your ring before such activities to prevent it from becoming too tight or uncomfortable.

Monitor for Spinning or Slipping

If your ring starts to spin freely on your finger or slip over your knuckle too easily, it is likely too loose and may need to be resized. A spinning ring can be dangerous as it can get caught on something and pulled off your finger.

Be Mindful of Temperature Changes

Fingers tend to swell in warm temperatures and shrink in cold weather. When sizing your ring, ensure that it fits comfortably in both warm and cold conditions. If your ring feels tight in the heat, consider removing it and keeping it somewhere safe until your body temperature regulates.

Choose the Right Width

The width of the ring matters because a wider ring will result in a tighter fit. When getting sized by a jeweller, ensure they compensate for the width of the ring when determining the appropriate size.

Be Aware of Daily Fluctuations

Finger size can vary throughout the day due to factors such as diet, water retention, and physical activity. To accommodate these fluctuations, choose a ring size that feels comfortable during different times of the day.

Avoid Wearing in Water

Swimming or spending time in cold weather can cause your fingers to shrink, making it easier for your ring to slip off. Therefore, it is advisable to remove your ring before swimming or spending extended periods in cold environments.

Keep an Eye on Long-Term Changes

Over time, your fingers may change shape due to factors such as ageing, arthritis, or pregnancy. If you notice that your ring is consistently spinning or feeling looser, consider having it resized or replaced.

What to do if your wedding band is too tight or loose

While you want your wedding band to be snug, it's important to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect fit. Your ring will not fit perfectly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your fingers change size with the weather, what you eat, and how much you work with your hands.

If Your Ring Is Too Tight

• You experience swelling, tingling, pain, or numbness.
• It's difficult to remove.
• You see indentation or redness.
• You have a "finger muffin top".
• Your finger looks squished, with excess skin hanging off the sides of the ring.

If Your Ring Is Too Loose

• Your ring spins around during wear.
• It slides off when your hand is down.
• There's no tension when you take it off.
• It falls off in your daily life, such as when you wash your hands.

What to Do If Your Ring Is Too Tight or Too Loose

• If your ring is too tight, you may need to resize it.
• If your ring is too loose, you can request a resizing or adjust the size with a commercially available adjuster.
• If your ring is only a little loose, you can try other solutions such as making it into a necklace or storing it in a jewellery box until your finger returns to its usual size.
• If you have temporarily lost weight, you can keep the ring for a while without wearing it.
• If you are worried about a loose fit but tend to swell, consider a ring with a flat court profile, which will be easier to put on and take off.

Frequently asked questions