Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
Just like any other part of our bodies, the sizes of our fingers can change over time. If you notice that your ring doesn’t comfortably fit as well as it did when you were first sized, you certainly aren’t alone!
In this post, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about temporary ring size fluctuation, more permanent size changes, and what to do if you think you need a professional resizing.
Why Does Ring Fit Change Over Time?
The size of your finger can change by about a quarter size day to day due to factors like weather, temperature, and physical activity. Depending on where you live, it can also change by about a half size seasonally.
When it gets colder, our blood vessels can constrict, causing our fingers to shrink in size. The opposite is true when it gets warmer out or if humidity is low since dehydration will cause our bodies to retain more water and swell as a result.
If we up our sodium intake or get reduced sun exposure, these factors can also lead to more fluid retention. Certain medications and hormone fluctuations are frequent culprits behind ring fit changes, too.
Keep in mind that traveling to higher or lower altitudes can contribute to a difference in how comfortably your ring fits as well.
Most of the time, it’s not the ring itself that’s becoming tighter or looser over time. However, it’s worth noting that metal can contract very, very slightly (and usually imperceptibly) in cold weather.
Note: It’s rarely the ring that changes—though metal can contract slightly in cold weather. In some cases, your ring may have become bent without you realizing it. If you purchased from Holden and notice warping, contact us at help@hiholden.com, and we may be able to reshape it.
Does Ring Size Change With Weight?
It sure can! Gaining or losing weight can definitely affect the fit of your wedding band or engagement ring.
If you’ve recently experienced weight loss or gain and are having trouble wearing the ring, it’s best to be patient at first. You’ll want to rule out any possibility of a temporary fluctuation before taking action so you don’t risk making your ring too big or too small.
Does Ring Size Change After Pregnancy?
You bet. Though not all fingers will change in size during and after pregnancy, a lot will!
If you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding, your fingers may be more swollen than usual, making your ring too tight. If it’s uncomfortable or you can’t wear it, don’t stress just yet! Your size may go back to normal once your body has fully recovered.
Other people’s fingers can change permanently in size after pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is why it’s best to wait and monitor your finger size changes over time before deciding to make any adjustments.
Does Ring Size Change with Age?
Not always, but it definitely can. There are a few possible factors that can contribute to your ring size changing as you grow older.
It’s no secret that our bone structure changes as we age. This is particularly true if you develop a medical condition like arthritis, which can break down your joints and cause your knuckles to swell.
Other medical conditions that you develop as you age can similarly affect your ring size. These might include illnesses that cause inflammation, fluid retention, hormonal changes, circulatory issues, and more.
If you're unsure whether the change in your ring size is temporary or permanent due to a medical condition, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional.
How Can I Tell if My Ring Isn’t the Right Size?
Not sure if your ring is too big or too small? Here are a couple of checklists you can use to know for sure.
Your ring is too small if:
- It leaves a mark when you take it off
- You can’t close your hand with your ring on
- You can’t get it over your middle knuckle
- It doesn’t sit comfortably at the base of your finger
- It feels uncomfortable (and you’re used to wearing rings)
- Your finger bulges around the sides of the ring
- You can’t spin it on your finger
Your ring is too big if:
- It can easily spin 360° on its own
- It easily slides up and down the length of your finger
- You’re worried it’ll fall off, especially when washing your hands
Can Rings Be Resized?
Yes, rings can be resized—most of the time. However, there are exceptions. For example, eternity bands with full diamond coverage may not be resizable without damaging the structure.
Before resizing, we recommend:
1. Waiting a few weeks to confirm the size change isn’t temporary
1. Using our free ring sizer to find your new size
3. If you bought your rings from us, reach out at help@hiholden.com to confirm whether your ring can be resized
Want more details? Check out our blog post on resizing at Holden.
I Think I Need a Ring Resizing. What Should I Do?
If you think you need a resizing, try to keep wearing your ring for a few weeks to see if it fits better under different conditions. Rings can lose a small metal amount each time they’re resized, so you should try to avoid it unless you’re 100% confident it’s necessary.
Some engagement and wedding rings, like eternity bands will full diamond coverage, can’t be resized without seriously compromising their integrity. If you purchased your ring from us, you can reach out to help@hiholden.com to confirm whether your ring is resizable.
We recommend using our free ring sizer to help determine the perfect fit. Then once you’ve determined the best new size, you can reach out to help@hiholden.com to get the process started. (For more on our resizing process, check out this blog post we wrote.)
Didn’t buy your ring from Holden? Any local professional jeweler will likely offer resizing services. Different jewelers may have different resizing processes (ex. adding sizing beads to make a ring smaller versus cutting and soldering), so double-check with them if you have a preference for one method over another.
If your ring isn’t fitting snugly, you can also consider stacking it with a ring guard, which is essentially just another ring to keep it in place. If your ring feels too small, think about wearing it on a chain. These are great options if your ring can’t be resized or you’re experiencing a temporary size fluctuation.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQs
1. Why does my ring suddenly feel too tight or too loose?
Your ring size can change due to daily fluctuations in your body. Temperature, hydration, physical activity, hormone levels, and even altitude can all affect how snug or loose your ring feels.
2. Can ring size change throughout the day?
Yes! Finger size can shift by about a quarter size during the day due to changes in circulation, body temperature, and fluid retention. It’s totally normal for a ring to feel tighter in the morning or after working out.
3. What causes long-term changes in ring size?
Over time, changes in weight, hormones, aging, medications, and health conditions can lead to more permanent shifts in finger size, requiring a ring resize.
4. Is it better for a ring to be slightly tight or slightly loose?
A well-fitting ring should slide on easily and resist falling off, but not leave marks or feel uncomfortable. Slight tightness is okay if your fingers swell during the day, but too much tightness or looseness means it’s time to resize.
5. Can a ring be resized if it’s too big or too small?
Yes! Most rings, especially solid gold and platinum rings like ours at Holden, can be resized. If you bought your ring from us, reach out to us at help@hiholden.com to check if your ring is eligible for a resize.
6. How do I know if my ring is bent instead of the wrong size?
If your ring feels off or doesn’t sit evenly but wasn’t a problem before, it might be slightly bent instead of the wrong size. If you got your rings from us, we’re happy to check and reshape it if needed—just email us!