You’re feeling the squeeze. Or if you aren’t feeling it, you’re seeing it. That professionally sized ring that looked so good in those engagement selfies now has a bit of finger flub poking out on either side of that attention-grabbing wedding band. You’re familiar with the muffin top phenomena as a midriff menace, but you never thought you’d be battling a bulge on your finger.
Is This Normal?
Having a ring muffin top isn’t just normal, it’s almost universal. Everyone’s finger size fluctuates. It could be an extra bit of salt in your lunch or a dozen other factors. Your fingers swell when the temperature rises, when you exercise and when you change positions in your sleep. Medical conditions mess with your digits as well, starting with allergies and arthritis and moving on down the list. Any one of these variables might only produce an incremental shift, but since ring measurements are doled out in millimeters, even a small change makes a noticeable difference when it comes to a comfortable fit.
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Can Anything Be Done?
OK – it’s mentally comforting to know that this is a common problem. But you’re still uncomfortable. It’s not like there’s a belt buckle that you can adjust. So what’s the best way to handle a ring finger in flux? You can’t be getting your ring resized every time you go for an afternoon jog! Even if you had the time, you risk damaging the detail or degrading the material. A loose ring doesn’t sound like a good solution, either – you don’t want the ring slipping off your finger and down a storm drain during that afternoon jog.
Finding a perfect fit for your fickle finger is almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean that you have to wear your ring as a necklace or endure an awkward squeeze. Here are a few things you can do.
Make Sure You Do, in Fact, Have an Accurate Size
We know, we know. Your finger is going to shrink and swell. But you can still set yourself up for success with a more accurate measurement that gives you a more accommodating fit. So is it better to size a ring up or down? It is easier to adjust a ring that is too large than it is to adjust one that is too small. And it’s easier to remove and securely store a ring that is a little loose than it is a ring that is painfully right.
Select a Minimizing Band
It might be that a snug fit means that there is a little flesh on either side of the ring. That’s perfectly normal, too, and often unrelated to how you gain or lose weight in the rest of your body. But if you do want to minimize the effect, you can select a ring with a wider band. Or you can take the same approach that you do with exercise apparel and choose a more flexible material, which is why folks with a more active lifestyle are increasingly favoring silicone rings.
Shop All Silicone Rings from Mod Gents
A Promise Ring Placement Guide for a Perfect Fit
Speaking of rings and fit, let's talk about promise rings. Knowing which finger a promise ring goes on is key to making sure it’s comfortable and sends the right message. Let's explore this placement so you can wear yours confidently.
Which Finger Does a Promise Ring Go On?
Traditionally, the best finger for a promise ring is the ring finger of the left hand. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s the same spot reserved for engagement and wedding rings. This placement signifies a serious commitment, a pre-engagement promise of a future together. However, promise ring finger traditions in the U.S. have become much more flexible, giving you plenty of options!
Right Hand vs. Left Hand Promise Ring Meaning
Wearing a promise ring on your left hand is a classic choice, but what about the right? The right-hand promise ring meaning is all about personal significance. Placing the ring on your right ring finger avoids any confusion with an engagement ring. It keeps your promise clear and distinct, showcasing your commitment without inviting assumptions. Ultimately, the left-hand promise ring meaning is tied to future marriage, while the right hand offers a more personal, less traditional declaration of your bond.
Alternative Finger Promise Ring Options
You're not limited to just the ring fingers! Modern promise ring placement trends embrace individuality. An alternative finger promise ring placement can be just as meaningful.
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Middle Finger: Wearing it on the middle finger of either hand makes a bold statement. It’s a prominent spot that says, "This promise is central to my life."
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Index Finger: Historically, rings on the index finger symbolized power and authority. Today, it can represent the strength and importance of your promise.
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Worn as a Necklace: Some people prefer to wear their promise ring on a chain around their neck. This keeps it close to the heart and is a great option if you can't wear rings at work or if your finger size fluctuates a lot.
Men’s Promise Ring Finger Placement
What about the guys? The men’s promise ring finger conventions follow the same flexible guidelines. The ring finger of either the left or right hand is a popular choice. Many men opt for the right hand to distinguish it from a future wedding band. Style and comfort are key, so choosing a finger that feels right is the most important factor.
Combine Multiple Rings
Hear us out. If your finger can’t decide what size it wants to settle on, give it some options. Whether you want to slip into something more comfortable like a silicone ring for a grueling workout or the third trimester of your pregnancy, or whether you want to have an interchangeable backup at a different size, taking the multiple ring approach is possible with affordable engagement rings like those found in the Modern Gents catalog. The multiple approach isn’t just a matter of being able to swap one ring for another. If you wear a few bands simultaneously, it achieves much the same effect as a wider band, and can make a slight bulge that much less noticeable.
This leads to another modern trend: stacking promise rings with engagement rings. After you get engaged, you don't have to put your promise ring away. Many people move their promise ring to their right hand or stack it on their left hand alongside their new engagement ring. Combining a few bands simultaneously can also achieve much the same effect as a wider band, making a slight bulge that much less noticeable.
The most important part of this is to put your health and comfort first. If you can still remove the ring to clean it and it isn’t actually irritating your finger, don’t sweat the occasional bit of puffiness. But if it is really bothering you, don’t assume that you are doomed to a lifelong muffin top without examining your options first. We’re here to help!