Our bodies are constantly in flux and changing over time. Our hands are no exception! Wearing rings makes this very apparent! Have you ever noticed that your rings tend to feel tighter in the summer and looser in the winter? You are not alone and this is totally normal. Let's explore why and what you can do about it!
WHY RINGS WON'T FIT IN SUMMER
- Heat + humidity cause the body to retain water which makes your fingers swell. This can change your ring size dramatically making it hard for some rings to fit.
- Summer tends to be a more active time for many people. Vigorous exercise can also cause the fingers to swell.
- Salty food is another reason the body can hold onto water affecting the sizing of your fingers. If you're worried that your rings won't fit, it's best to keep your salt intake in check especially during the summer.
WHY RINGS FEEL LOOSE IN WINTER
- Conversely, during the winter, the temperatures and humidity drop causing our blood vessels to constrict. As a result, our fingers shrink slightly and become more slender. Rings can become loose and feel as though they are about to fall off.
- Dry skin is common during this time of year and can also make your rings feel loose. Keeping your hands well moisturized can plump up the skin and help rings fit more snug. Just be mindful to let your moisturizer fully absorb before putting on your jewelry.
SOLUTIONS FOR A COMFY RING FIT YEAR ROUND
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to maintain a consistent ring size. Seasonal changes, weight gain or loss, aging, health conditions, and diet are some of the factors that can affect your ring size from day to day. It happens to us all! Here are some ways you can keep wearing your rings with a comfortable fit year round:
- Consider switching what finger or hand you wear your ring on. Did you know that the fingers on your dominate hand can be half a size larger than your non-dominate hand?
- Ring adjusters are small silicone bands or coils that you can wrap around the bottom of the ring shank to create a more snug fit. This is an inexpensive temporary solution for colder weather. You can also use a piece of string or scotch tape in a pinch!
- Be mindful of salt intake during hot humid weather. If your rings are already feeling tight in the summer heat, it may be wise to skip the salty snacks. Salt causes the body to retain water adding extra swelling to your fingers.
- CAUTION in the summer: do not wear a ring that is cutting off your circulation! If a ring feels like it is restricting mobility or blood flow, take it off. Try another finger, wait a day or two, or contact a jeweler who can help you if your ring still doesn't fit when temperatures cool down.
- CAUTION in the winter: if your ring is feeling loose enough that it might fall off, be careful you don't lose your precious jewels! Try one of the ring adjuster methods mentioned above. You may also want to consider wearing gloves or mittens to keep your hands warms and prevent your ring from sliding off unnoticed.
HOW TO GET THE PERFECT RING SIZE
- The best method of figuring out your ring size is using a professional ring sizer. You can visit your local jeweler to try one on or have one shipped to you. If you can do this during spring or fall when the temperatures aren't extreme, even better! These times of year will provide a better "average" ring size.
- Ring width matters! Rings with a wide ring band can feel half a size smaller so it may be best to size up for chunky styles.
- Many people online say that you can use a narrow strip of paper or a piece of string to measure your ring size. While this is technically true, it can be tricky to get it right! Whenever I have tried this method with my clients, the size is usually off. I now prefer to mail my customers a ring sizer to get it just right.
- Try a silicone ring adjuster or metal ring guard when rings feel too loose.
- Have 2 different seasonal ring collections: one for summer + one for winter! I always make this joke with all of my clients whenever they ask me about their fingers changing size seasonally. But in all seriousness, if you're a ring lover, why not?! It's another great reason to add a new ring to your collection!