Do Silicone Rings Stretch Out?

Like with any other style of ring you might be considering, size is an important factor for any silicone ring you're thinking about purchasing. Some simply assume that a ring that's slightly too small can be stretched out to achieve the proper size -- however, this is actually not recommended in virtually all cases. 

At Enso Rings, we're happy to not only offer a huge selection of silicone rings, from wedding and engagement rings to many other styles, but also to provide clients with a comprehensive ring size guide that allows them to choose the proper size no matter their hand or finger shape. Here's a primer on why stretching isn't generally recommended for a silicone ring, plus how to properly size your ring and what to do if you happen to order the wrong size.

How a Silicone Ring Should Fit

Ideally, your silicone ring will fit snugly on your finger, but at the same time not too tight and nor too loose. You don't want it to be sliding up and down on your finger or rotating around, but you also don't want it so tight that it cuts off circulation or is actually painful. 

If any of the aforementioned ring issues exist with a silicone ring, we typically recommend removing it immediately and sizing down. Stretching your silicone ring isn't recommended for several reasons, which we'll go over in a bit.

Important here is not only the actual finger space, but also the width of the ring's silicone material itself. For wider silicone rings, there may be a larger gap between the inside of the ring and your finger. If this is an issue for you, it's important to try on the widest size that fits comfortably at both the base of your finger and around your knuckle.

Stretching Isn't the Answer

If you've ordered a silicone ring and have discovered that it's too tight for your finger, risking issues like the ring cutting off the circulation to your finger, swelling of the knuckle or even pain, you might decide to attempt stretching of the ring -- but let's stop you right there. Unfortunately, stretching silicone rings isn't recommended for several reasons.

When your silicone ring is stretched out more than it should be, not only does it become less comfortable to wear, but also there's a chance that it could tear or rip -- which won't just ruin the look of your ring, but also could be hazardous for those with allergies because small particles from the ring can spread into the surrounding area. A torn or ripped ring is also just an unsightly look, not to mention that it's just not safe in general.

Rather, silicone rings are meant to hold their shape throughout their lifespan. This allows them to slip off if they get caught on something or are just too loose, rather than being stretched out. This is an especially important fact to know if your ring gets snagged on something because silicone rings are also designed to stretch just enough to slip back on your finger without damaging your finger. If the material is permanently stretched out, it won't be able to return to its original size and you could be in quite the predicament.

Stretching silicone rings also weakens them, which means they can pop or tear when worn -- rendering your ring unsafe and potentially even dangerous if it happens when you're wearing it. A popped ring can also release particles from the ring into your surroundings, which could be hazardous for those with certain allergies.

Why Rings May Stretch On Their Own

In other cases, a prior silicone ring you've purchased may show signs of stretching on its own, without you attempting this in any specific way. There are a few reasons why this might be the case, and they typically trace back to a poor silicone ring manufacturer you've purchased from:

• Ring was not 100% silicone: There are a few different types of silicone, but one type is not always suitable for use in rings. To get the right look and feel from a silicone ring, you should only purchase 100% medical-grade or food-grade silicone -- both of which are listed on our site. They should also be checked at the time of purchase to ensure they are 100% silicone rather than a cheaper mixture that isn't safe for wear. If you've purchased a ring from another retailer and are unsure whether it's 100% silicone, contact the company to find out.

• Ring wasn't made to last: The durability of silicone rings depends on how it's made. There are several different types of molding, which can affect the material your ring is made from and how long it will last. For example, a poorly molded ring may have spots where air bubbles get trapped inside or weak points in the molding that cause the material to be too thin or brittle -- both of which are unfavorable for your ring. Depending on where you purchase your ring, you should be able to read reviews to see if previous customers have noted these issues about the company's silicone rings.

• Ring was poorly made: Silicone rings are meant to hold their shape throughout their lifespan, but this isn't guaranteed. Your ring may stretch out if it's poorly made and it doesn't hold its original shape. For example, if your ring still has sharp edges where the molds were ripped apart after molding, it could stretch out because of the pressure from your finger pushing outward on those points.

These are issues you will not experience at Enso Rings. However, if you discover that a ring you purchased was too tight for your finger, do not attempt to stretch it -- rather, contact our customer service department for help with a simple replacement order.

For more on why avoiding silicone ring stretching is important, or to learn about any of our silicone ring collections, speak to the pros at Enso Rings today.