"Will this bracelet fit me?" Tired of asking yourself this question over and over again? This guide to determine your right bracelet size.
I get asked a lot about bracelet sizes, and how to find the right size. Since we all have different interpretations of what makes a small, medium and large size wrist, I don't like to use those terms when I talk about sizes on bracelets (or rings for that matter).
Inside circumference is the size
Also, I don't like to tell you the length of a bracelet cause if it's a very thick bracelet, you need a much longer length that what you usually go for with thinner bracelets. So, I will always let you know the INSIDE CIRCUMFERENCE of the bracelet. This one is not up for interpretation. This is THE size! The bracelet can be 8 inches long but still only be 7 inches in inside circumference. Therefore, if you only go after the length you might end up with a bracelet that is too small.
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This is how you find your bracelet size
1. Measure your wrist
Measure your wrist at THE THINNEST POINT with measuring tape. The thinnest point is the place right above the knuckle. And do measure both wrists! They are probably different sizes. I myself have a 6.25 inches wrist and 6 inches one.
Now write down your numbers.
2. Decide on your desired fit and calculate
Now you need to determine whether you prefer a loose fit, a normal fit or a snugger fit for your bracelet? Then you need to add some extra inches to your wrist measurements.
For the perfect loose fit add 0.75 inches/18 mm to your actual size number that you measured in step 1
For the perfect normal fit add 0.5 inches/12mm to your actual wrist size number that you measured in step 1
For the perfect snugger fit add 0.25 inches/6 mm to your actual wrist size number that you measured in step 1
Example
If your wrist is 7 inches, and you like a snugger fit, you should choose a bracelet that is 7.25 inches IN INSIDE CIRCUMFERENCE.
How much dangle do you like?
The extra inches that you are adding to your wrist size will actually be equal to the space between your wrist and your bracelet when you have it on and leave it hanging from your wrist. So, if you prefer a lot of "dangle" and a lot of sliding - you will be the loose fit type. If you like it nice and tight, little dangle and not much slide, you're the snug fit type.
It will be resting on the hand
All the fits above will be able to slide over your wrist knuckle and land on your hand. If you don't want the bracelet to rest on your hand, measure your knuckle height and don't choose a bracelet that is bigger than your wrist size + knuckle height.
Hinged bangles fit smaller than link bracelets
With hinged bangles that can open and has a clasp you should add an EXTRA o.25 and o.5 inch to the above if the bangle is over 10 mm wide. Bangles without hinge is a whole other story. I will do a separate blog post on this subject.
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How I like my bracelets
It's my experience that we all have very different preferences when it comes to bracelet fits. Personally, I wash my hands like 100 times a day, so I don't want a bracelet that slides too long down, so I never go above 0.25 inches + wrist size. So the perfect bracelet fit for my 6 inches wrist is 6.25. Sometimes I even go for a bracelet between 6 and 6.25, but I think most prefer a little more room.
Let me know if you have any comments or questions! Or if you would like to share how loose or how snug of a fit you prefer yourself. I'm curious!
Hugs, Line
(Disclaimer: This is not the holy grail of bracelet sizing. This post is based on my personal experiences and preferences. I’m not responsible for any bracelet purchases from me or others that don’t fit correctly).
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my wrist for a bracelet?
Wrap a soft measuring tape snugly around your wrist just above the wrist bone, without pulling tight. That snug number is your wrist size, and the bracelet then needs a little more than that to sit comfortably.
What does inside circumference mean on a bracelet?
The measurement of the space inside the closed bracelet - the room your wrist actually gets. It is the only number that decides fit. A thick bracelet can be long on the outside and still small inside, which is why I always state the inside circumference.
How much bigger than my wrist should a bracelet be?
For a normal comfortable fit, choose an inside circumference about 1 to 2 centimeters larger than your snug wrist measurement. Less for a fitted look, more if you like the bracelet to move.
How do I find my bangle size?
A bangle has to pass over your hand, not your wrist. Tuck your thumb against your palm, measure around the widest part of your hand, and compare that with the bangle's inside circumference.
What if a bracelet is between sizes?
On link bracelets a jeweler can often remove or add a link. On bangles and fixed sizes, size up rather than down - a bracelet that will not close never gets worn.
