How to resize / make a ring fit smaller using tape

UPDATE: For a more semi-permanent solution, try foam tape, as shown here. It’s the best!

Recently I figured out a trick to fix rings that are too big for small fingers. I’ve tried the rubber band tip before and it nearly cut off my circulation, so I was thrilled to find a new method that was easy, comfortable, and cheap. This isn’t a permanent fix, which is nice if you like to switch up the fingers on which you wear your rings. Short demo:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv7nGpnVlKI?fs=1]

(In video) Blouse – H&M;     EarringsF21 teardrops   Lipstick e.l.f. “Classy”-$1

Change the 360P to 1080P HD for best quality : )   Resized rings in action:

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Lately I’ve been loving Forever 21 rings that come in numerical sizing (avoid the stretchy one-size-fits-all bands that are still too big). Their size 6 is more like a 5, and fits me almost perfectly. Currently I like this Oversized Beaded Ring in coral, and this Emerald Ring in light brown.

Nail polish in the video is ULTA “Chic Peek” ($5 or less) which is a glittery dark purple-gray. I heart it. These are frequently on BOGO, which works with their plentiful coupons good for online or in-store use.

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Coat: J.Crew Lady Day Coat size 0P (buy here)
Faux Fur Collar: H&M; (similar here)
Ankle Booties: Calvin Klein (similar here, on sale & highly rated)

The H&M; faux fur collar proves its versatility yet again. This weekend I dressed up my coat with the warm collar and a waist belt. I hope those interested in this coat were able to snag it with the 40% off sale (code MUSTHAVE, ends tonight).

furladyday
Sunnies: Chanel Wayfarers Style #5182
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Readers – any other tips for fixing rings that are too big?
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55 Comments

  1. annie wrote:

    hi , thank you for this. i have been using a porous tape (one used for medical purposes) but i have been doing it wrong. it will also work and is probably better and more comfortable. i will use your tube strategy 🙂

    Posted 2.16.12 Reply
  2. Jacqueline, melon-heart wrote:

    i could not have found your blog at a better time. I just got two adorable rings in the mail today and of course they were way too small. You and I are actually the same ring size haha. I'm wearing them right now (with the tape in them!) because I was so happy to be able to keep them on that I didn't feel like taking them off! Thank you for this tutorial!

    Posted 12.1.11 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    Just wanted to encourage everyone: my engagement ring is a size 2.5 from Robbins Brothers, and they can make any kind of ring – even the ones with stones on the band – small enough! Depending on what ring it is, they just might take a little longer (a couple months maybe) but it is soooo worth it to have exactly what you want. I was so worried that my choices would be limited, but they weren't!

    Posted 2.11.11 Reply
  4. flapper girl wrote:

    Wow, your idea is really awesome. I was a bit sceptical at first but when I saw your video it seems like it's working. I'll have to give it a try because I can NEVER EVER find ring that fits unless it's from the children section, which I don't like. My fingers are also very thin, thinner than yours I think, do you think it would be a problem with "taped" rings?
    Anyway, as a small person in the land of bigger people I am thrilled to find this blog with so much useful information!

    Posted 2.4.11 Reply
  5. Julie wrote:

    Discovered your cool blog featured in INSTYLE mag! Congrats! What a great blog…from a fellow petite blogger, you have great style and I love your site!

    Posted 1.19.11 Reply
  6. DSK Steph! wrote:

    I can't believe the Snuggie dachshund dog model would deceive us all w/ the sizing. Timmy & Wally's Snuggies disappear from their bodies after a few hours. lol Minh and I are pretty convinced they hid them from us. haha

    I picked up the pair of Chanel w/ the white bows a few months ago, but I don't love them anymore. I think it's the fact that one of my cousins bought the same pair (of course I saw her FB update) soon after and it was just ugh. I'm not a fan of her life decisions and I do not want to have a matching decision in sunglasses w/ her lol.

    Do you ever feel that way about a cousin you don't care for? lol jk. I'm so mean, but I admit to the dislike lol

    Posted 1.19.11 Reply
  7. Christina wrote:

    Haha I'm glad you're making good use of your j. crew lady day coat! I'm with Grace on this one – I'd prefer the snow over in Boston over our mini winter heat wave.

    Nice fix – I should start accessorizing, but I tend to break, lose, or scratch any jewelry that I had. I do have one "simple" 14k gold ring that fits my ring finger perfectly, and I believe it's a size 5. The tape, as well as foam padding suggestions, are definitely a great option. I still have a F21 gift card from over a year ago, as I wasn't able to find anything worth buying. Glad to know that their jewelry collection is extensive! :]

    As for UD primer, I still stand by my UD Professional size tube. I don't know how long it will last, but it's basically a squeeze tube like the TFSI that Aubrey uses. Either way, if a cheaper alternative works well for you, stick with it!

    Lastly, for the Chanel sunnies – so you would say that they are very fitted? I also have a low and slightly flat nose bridge (my glasses often slips down my nose!), as well as a narrow face. I've only been successful with my Prada sunnies. However, all the other Prada, Chanel, Dior, even Gucci ones I've tried were ill-fitting. D; I would like to own another pair in a brown or tortoise shade.

    Posted 1.18.11 Reply
  8. Rachel wrote:

    Love the faux fur collar-so sharp. That tip is great, and will be so helpful on tiny petites like me. You speak so eloquently in your videos and you always have great thoughts about fit and style. Thank you!

    Posted 1.18.11 Reply
  9. AubreyOhDang! wrote:

    OH actually, I'm anti UD's primer, remember? germs?? hahaha, but actually, Christina @ the blogger meet up pointed out to me that even though my primer (too faced shadow insurance) is a tube, when you are not squeezing, air can get sucked back in. I'm still sticking to the fact that it's less air coming in as opposed to pumping air in w/the UD primer wand. hahah, i'm stubborn.

    Mb I should jump on this ELF bandwagon.

    Posted 1.18.11 Reply
  10. Rachel wrote:

    Thats a great and cheap trick! and so simple! Thanks Jean! =) I love your outfit too!!

    Posted 1.18.11 Reply
  11. Kimberly wrote:

    Great tip! Since most fashion rings don't fit my fingers, I just never buy them, so I'm glad I saw this video. It gives me more options.

    Posted 1.18.11 Reply
  12. Rinny wrote:

    Thanks for the tip! This is really helpful because I always have this problem. I know Claire's also sells little rubber rings you can put inside of the band, but I haven't personally tried them 🙂

    Posted 1.18.11 Reply
  13. Megan wrote:

    You look stunning in those last few photos! I feel like a troll in my winter gear – had silk longjohns on today for work as I was in and out of the car all day, as well as terrible hat hair. I've decided I'd rather be ugly and warm, though if S. were around, I'd be rocking a look like yours… 🙂

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  14. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hello Kayla! You are certainly teensy : ) Congrats to you and your husband to be! He should definitely, definitely get your engagement ring sized by a jeweler. You can ask a few places to get a quote. It's not too pricey and for something like an engagement or wedding ring it's absolutely worth it.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  15. Kayla wrote:

    Hi PAG,
    I love the blog, it is so helpful for tiny petites like me. Being only 4'8" and 70 pounds I'm really tiny. This tip enabled me to wear size 4/5 rings. My boyfriend looked so excited. We want to get married, and maybe he thought of buying a sizer for my engagement ring! Thanks for the great idea

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  16. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    @Stylepint If you have little patience, maybe try out the foam tape trick that Jenny mentioned in the comments! It seems like the best idea I've heard and I can't wait to find some of that tape to try it out.

    @Canadianpetite Apparently they come in a few colors too! You should try 'em on…I don't have much luck with sunnies due to my lower nose bridge but these fit wonderfully! I won't need another pair again until something happens to these : )

    @AnNeTtEe Ah that sounds similar to the thread trick! Glad to help Annette : )

    @Liana The quality isn't bad at all for the price, either! I've been wearing mine for a while and the metal hasn't oxidized or turned smelly and green. I'm expecting the stones to fall out or something, but then I'll just rubber cement it back on : )

    @glitteryeyesxx
    @Anonymous @Callandra @fashionforteens @Petite Mom @kileen I hope this works out for you ladies! Do try it with packaging tape though…I shouldn't have said Scotch tape. i forgot how flimsy it is. If you want a more permanent solution, I love the tip Jenny mentioned with foam-tape.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  17. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    @Vicky Another good tip! That probably layers/stacks nicely too if you want to build up the padding width. I'll have to scope it out at Target if I don't find the foam tape for cheaper.

    @AubreyOhDang! It's ELF lipstick in "classy" – I really really like it. I would never guess it's a $1 lipstick as I prefer it over my drugstore ones that retail for $8. You should check out this lipstick, and their eyeshadow primer that's also $1. I'm curious how the primer compares to your beloved UD! Oh and there's always coupon codes for ELF on retailmenot.

    @TheFowlwithChanelSunglasses I've never checked out rings from Anthro! I bet they have some pretty whimsical pieces. And you're another fan of the thread tip : ) I hadn't heard about that one until reading some of the comments in this post!

    @Jan Banks Good tip Jan! I do the exact same thing with bracelets : )

    @Amy I probably shouldn't have said scotch tape works just as well lol…probably packaging tape is best. If you read through some of the comments..I've been liking the thread and foam tape suggestions! I always take my rings off because of F21's low quality…they would probably turn green or the stones would fall out after a few washes : )

    @grace I knoooow, NOW you guys are having 80 degree weather : )

    @PetiteXXS For teeny fingers like yours I would probably try the foam tape trick another commenter mentioned. The foam is thicker and you can build it up, plus it sticks on so it's a more permanent solution. You should try out F21 rings in size 6, since some of them fit like a 5, and then add a layer or two of foam tape? Currently I've been using the same piece of tape for maybe 2-3 wears, then re-doing it. Oh, and the polish is Chic Peek from Ulta : )

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  18. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    @Jenny Ahh thank you! I just went and googled "graciousglamours" ring video and I love that idea!! Great semi-permanent fix, unlike this. However I went out today to several stores and wasn't able to find foamy tape for less than $8…still deciding on whether or not to make the "investment" lol.

    @Karen Clear polish is the solution for so many things, eh? That sounds like it would work perfectly for rings that are just a smidge too big.

    @The Little Dust Princess hehehe oh Jessy. Yes I just add it on top. I haven't heard of the thread trick until now but it seems like a few other readers use it too!

    @curls-and-pearls It's an H&M; previous season : ) I have the dress in beige that's pretty much the same thing up top.

    @samanthaloves it's crazy going from no accessories to an overflowing bin in one year! Thank goodness for F21 prices and constant new selection of costume jewelry : )

    @Maggie Is this the Rachel Roy line that is sold at Macy's? i've never thought to check it out!

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  19. Anonymous wrote:

    Thank you! this post was so helpful because my fingers are so tiny-I dont even fit into a size 4. This trick is going to help me fit into rings that i could never wear before. Thanks Jean, your the best!

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  20. Callandra wrote:

    Wonderful! I had begun to despair of my beloved rings that are too big and had even thought of giving them away. Not now, I can't wait to try this out! Great idea with the coat and fur collar btw, very cute!!

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  21. Thifa wrote:

    Thank you so much for the tip! I have a few rings too big and I'll sure be using your suggestion!

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  22. Stylepint wrote:

    What a creative way to make the rings fit!

    I don't wear rings as much because they don't make them my size (4/5). But I'm slowly building up my collection and I make sure that they fit before I buy. When it comes to jewelry, I don't have the patience to "make it work" and I don't like loose rings because I know I'll lose them.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  23. fashionforteens wrote:

    Love your coat and sunglasses! Great tips too, my fingers are really tiny so I needed this.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  24. AubreyOhDang! wrote:

    I have uber small fingers, like 3.5. I don't even try…

    wow, so in the future, if Nick ever wonders what ring sz you are, he can just look up this post. Just a silly thought.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  25. PetiteXXS wrote:

    Neat trick! I have size 3 (maybe smaller) fingers though, I wonder if this will still work with such a big size difference. Do you use a new piece of tape each time or can you just leave the same piece on the ring and re-use? 😛

    Btw I love your nail polish too, which one is it? Looks very flattering on your skin tone.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  26. Ping wrote:

    what a cute winter look jean! the fur collar makes it very lux and the belt gives a nice shape too. i'm also loving the chanel shades!

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  27. grace wrote:

    wow, what GREAT tips! You guys are all so creative. The rings are always too big for me, so this is a great fix! 🙂

    And you're looking so chic there 🙂 San Diego is having a bit of summer-like weather this weekend, it's a bit strange 🙂 I look at the snow behind you and I would like some of that!

    Thanks for the tip on the NW boots!

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  28. Erin wrote:

    Excellent tip and love the rings!

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  29. Petite Mom wrote:

    Genius! What a simple fix! I have small fingers as well and have never even tried on F21 or Top Shop rings knowing they'd never fit. It's nice to have options!

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  30. Amy wrote:

    Thanks for the tip, and also all the other tips that people have left in the comments! I've always had this problem and none of these solutions ever occurred to me. I always just dealt with having loose rings lol. I'm definitely going to be trying some of these out in the future! Though I might be trying it with something more water resistant than scotch tape, because I'm borderline obsessive when it comes to washing my hands and I don't always take my rings off for that (probably bad for them, I know)…

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  31. AnNeTtEe wrote:

    don't apologize… this is super helpful for me… I know the tape trick but it's the one that you loop around the back of the ring… your trick is so much better coz it's more discreet! thanks for sharing

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  32. Jan Banks wrote:

    What I do is, buy plain flat rings that actually fit, then put them on *after* the fancy, non-fitting ring. Works every time. Make sure the plain ring is discreet though.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  33. TheFowlwithChanelSunglasses wrote:

    Hey Jean! How have you been?
    Oh gosh, this is a great trick because I've got a whole lot of over-sized Anthro. rings that I just couldn't help but to buy on sale but, they were a little too big….

    Here's another trick: my grandmother use to do this all the time if we ever went to the pool or at the beach- take thread and wrap it around the bottom part of the ring about half an inch wide and keep doing this until it's thick enough so that it fits your finger. Works great and it's not temporary!

    XOXO
    Miss. P

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  34. AubreyOhDang! wrote:

    are u wearing any kind of lipstick or is that your natural color? I've always wanted to pull off barbie pink lips.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  35. Canadianpetite wrote:

    Ingenious tip! You're inspiring me use foam tape. I have to check out that Chanel Wayfarer – they look fabulous.

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  36. kileen wrote:

    omg, this was so super helpful! i was actually just complaining to Adrian today that my ring kept on sliding on my finger! i'm definitely trying this trick now. such an easy trick that i'm surprised i didn't think of it sooner. thank you so much for posting this! 🙂

    cute and little

    Posted 1.17.11 Reply
  37. Jenny wrote:

    i do the same thing except i stick a piece of paper on the tape so that the tape isn't actually stuck onto my finger! i've seen graciousglamours on youtube use a piece of like foam tape which is perfect! 🙂

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  38. Liana wrote:

    great tips! i love all your rings too, i have been obsessed with forever 21 rings lately too, i love that they have so many varieties, plus they're so inexpensive! you look gorgeous in your video too and that black and white picture of you is really cool 🙂

    Beauty Bag 411

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  39. PetiteLittleGirl wrote:

    Thanks for the tips, Jean. It's very interesting. My ring finger is also a size 4. Forever21's size 6 fits my middle finger perfectly. I'll keep this trick in mind. I am loving F21 rings lately. I just found another one the other day. I am wearing it in my latest post. Your new sunnies look gorgeous on you. Nick definitely has great taste 🙂

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  40. Vicky wrote:

    Great trick, Jean. Everyone has tape lying around, so it's a quick and dirty way to fix a slightly too big ring. (BTW, the I love how good the Limited Ring looks on you!)
    I do have another trick to share if the ring is way to big for you. I used "Dr Scholl's Moleskin Plus padding roll" that is used for padding feet usually, on the back of a ring just like how you would put the tape on the back of a ring. It's soft and cushiony, and it works great. I find the Moleskin useful in general for padding purpose anywhere I need protection, like the parts of my feet rubbing the shoes. I just recently learned this trick so would like to share. Oh Moleskin can be purchased in Target or any drugstores.

    Vicky's Daily Fashion

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  41. April wrote:

    Ohh great tip on the rings! I loove the coat and faux fur! You always look so classy, stylish and pretty!!! 🙂

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  42. Maggie wrote:

    that's a great tip! I have size 5 fingers and Banana Republic has some styles in size 5 and Rachel Roy has resizeable rings (there's a hidden adjustable mini ring inside the band! works great, but you have to be careful how much pressure you put on the interior band lest it snap off)

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  43. Petiteélégant wrote:

    This is one fabulous outfit. <3

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  44. samanthaloves wrote:

    You've inspired me to expand my stash of accessories/jewelry after reading some of your older posts on how you started out with minimal accessorizing. The lace top you're wearing in your video is beautiful. And as in previous outfits, I love the faux fur collar!

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  45. ReallyPetite wrote:

    Oh how interesting! Thanks for sharing! And you are looking so gorgeous with your new Chanel sunnies 🙂

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  46. Edwina wrote:

    awesome tips on sizing the rings! I don't wear rings often but I'll keep this trick in mind when I need it 🙂

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  47. The Little Dust Princess wrote:

    The glasses look great on you. 😀 Can't wait to see what was in your other Chanel package. : ) What bag are you carrying there? LOL *suspicious* Are there belt loops on the coat or did you just add it on top?

    My mom taught me to wrap the same colour thread around a large ring and that totally worked for her for the past decade. Thanks for the wonderful tape trick! I've never heard of it and I'll definitely be trying it out when I have the chance.

    xx The Little Dust Princess

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  48. Karen wrote:

    I have the same problem as you with costume rings being too large. My fingers are around 4.5 – 5 (excluding my thumb). One trick I've found that works is to coat the interior with a few coats of clear nail polish; it adds a bit of thickness to the ring and also prevents costume jewelry from turning my fingers green if I accidentally get the ring wet. I think your trick is great too, particularly when I'm short on time to paint my rings and let them dry.

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  49. curls-and-pearls wrote:

    Great tip Jean!

    What top are you wearing in the video? It's really pretty 🙂

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply
  50. glitteryeyesxx wrote:

    Omg, this is so perfect! I have tiny, tiny fingers too. I wear a size 4. I've been trying to figure out different ways to make those cute (yet bigger) rings fit me, so thanks so much for the tips! 🙂

    Posted 1.16.11 Reply

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