For many people a wedding ring is the first piece of jewelry they ever wear, day-in and day-out. It’s no wonder that there are so many questions around finding the proper fit! Every person has a slightly different finger shape and size, but a few rules of thumb do hold true. Proper fit and comfort are key for a lifetime of wear.
You may ask yourself, “How tight is too tight?” since you want it snug so you won’t lose it. Or you may ask, “How loose can I wear it?” because you’d like it to be comfortable.
For this, I’d like to share a quick video and my own rule of thumb.
Rule of Thumb:
A proper fitting ring should slide over your knuckle with a little friction and fit snugly on your finger, but not too tight. You should feel resistance and need to apply a little extra force to remove the ring backwards over your knuckle.
Common Finger Types
Wide Fingers, Small Knuckles
If your fingers taper from larger at the palm to smaller at the finger without a noticeable size difference at the knuckle, you’ll want to choose a size that fits nice and tight around your finger. This fit should be very snug so it stays in place, but not so tight that it squeezes or cuts off your circulation.
I suggest trying on the ring or sizer for a few minutes (or longer if you can) to ensure that the snug size feels natural during a range of activities. Drop your arms to your sides and wiggle your fingers to make sure it does not slip. Raise your hands up and give them a good shake with the fingers outstretched to test if it will stay in place. Simulate the act of typing on your keyboard to make sure you have a comfortable range of motion. For your finger shape, this ring must be tight but not uncomfortable.
Over time, your fingers will develop a natural indent from wearing your ring (just ask your married friends to peek under their band, you’ll see what I mean!) This niche will become the “sweet spot” where your band lives comfortably and doesn’t feel constricting.
At HomeFinger Sizing Kit
Measure your finger with this at-home finger sizing kit. Rigid plastic rings snap out from this kit for you to individually try on and find the perfect fit. Rings range from sizes 2 1/2 to 14. Take or mail the correct size to your jeweler to create your ring.
$7.00 + free shipping within the U.S.
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Large Knuckles, Small Fingers
If you have large knuckles but slim fingers, you will want to choose the smallest size which you can slide down over your knuckle and still remove without causing discomfort. Once on the finger the ring will be secure.
If your ring moves around or spins too freely, jewelers can sometimes add a few sizing beads or “speed bumps” to the inside of your ring. These bumps help hold the ring against your finger but can still be worked over the knuckle. They also provide a little extra weight to anchor your ring if it is top heavy. While they take a moment to get used to at first, most customers report that the beads feel comfortable and are not noticeable over time.
Proper Ring Fit is Important
Choosing a ring that fits comfortably is important for the long run. If a ring fits too tight, you may find yourself wearing it less often because it feels uncomfortable. If a ring fits too loose, it’s more at risk for slipping off or becoming lost.
The tissue on your fingers will fluctuates in size throughout the day as you move through your normal activities. Early in the morning and late at night we may find our fingers are more swollen. Diet can affect water retention and bloating, which makes rings feel tighter. Before purchasing a wedding band, it’s best to measure your finger size when it is most stable. This usually occurs in mid-afternoon, after you’ve eaten lunch.
Another factor to consider for the fit of your ring is the width of the band you hope to wear. The wider the band, the tighter the fit will feel, even though the ring itself may measure at the same inner diameter. It is best to take your ring measurement with a ring sizer close to the width of your final ring.
Factors That Can Affect Ring Fit
Our bodies are always changing, so it’s natural to notice changes in your ring’s fit. Some of these changes occur over time, while others are part of our daily cycle.
As you make a final decision about your ring size, take a moment to factor in your body’s propensity to react in the scenarios below. If your fingers swell in humidity or shrink in the cold, choose a size that feels comfortable in both scenarios. If your family has a history of arthritis, choose a ring style that can easily be sized if your knuckle shape changes down the line.
DAY TO DAY
- BLOATING
- HUMIDITY
- TIME OF DAY (CIRCULATION)
- COLD TEMPERATURES
THE LONG RUN
- PREGNANCY
- WEIGHT GAIN/LOSS
- ARTHRITIS
It’s wise to ask your jeweler before you purchase how the ring can be altered to fit your needs over time. We can also help determine the correct fit and size for you. Don’t be shy, we’re here to help!
