The axial strain‐induced stresses in double‐coated optical fibers are analyzed. The lateral pressure, radial stress, tangential stress and axial stress in the optical fiber are derived. The normal stresses in the optical fiber are proportional to the axial strain, and are determined by the material properties of the primary coating and secondary coating and their thicknesses. Additionally, the microbending losses induced by the axial strain in double‐coated optical fibers are also discussed.