Measure around your wrist just below the wrist bone with a soft tape or a strip of paper, then add room for the fit you want: about 1.5 cm (half an inch) for a snug fit, 2 to 2.5 cm (about an inch) for a comfortable fit, and 3 cm or more for a loose, dangling fit. A 7-inch bracelet suits most women's wrists and an 8-inch bracelet most men's. Bangles are sized by the widest part of your hand, not your wrist.
Bracelet sizing depends on two things: the size of your wrist and how you like a bracelet to sit. Measure once, then add room for the style.
Step 1: Measure your wrist
- Wrap a soft measuring tape around your wrist just below the wrist bone, where a bracelet would sit.
- Keep it snug, but not tight.
- Note the measurement.
No tape? Wrap a strip of paper or string around your wrist, mark where it meets, and measure it flat against a ruler.
Step 2: Add room for fit
| Fit | Add to wrist size | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Snug | About 1.5 cm (½ inch) | Delicate chains, tennis bracelets |
| Comfortable | 2 to 2.5 cm (¾ to 1 inch) | Most chain and charm bracelets |
| Loose | 3 cm or more (1¼ inches and up) | Charm bracelets, chunky chains |
For example, a 15.5 cm wrist suits a 17 cm bracelet for a snug fit and an 18 cm bracelet for a comfortable fit.
Common bracelet lengths
| Length | Typical fit |
|---|---|
| 6 inches (15 cm) | Small wrists, children and teens |
| 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) | Small adult wrists |
| 7 inches (18 cm) | Most common women’s size |
| 7.5 inches (19 cm) | Larger women’s, smaller men’s wrists |
| 8 inches (20 cm) | Most common men’s size |
| 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) and up | Larger men’s wrists |
Sizing bangles
A bangle has no clasp, so it has to slide over the widest part of your hand.
- Tuck your thumb into your palm, touching your little finger, as if slipping on a bangle.
- Measure around the widest part of your hand, across the knuckles.
- Choose a bangle whose inside circumference is slightly bigger than that number.
Many brands size bangles by inside diameter instead. To convert, divide the circumference by 3.14: a 20 cm circumference is about 6.4 cm across.
Sizing cuffs
Cuffs have an opening and are slightly flexible. Choose one sized to your wrist measurement, and gently squeeze or open it for the last bit of fit. Don’t bend a solid gold or silver cuff repeatedly, as metal can weaken at the same point.
Tips
- Charms add bulk. If you plan to add charms, go up half an inch.
- Stacking: bracelets worn together feel tighter, so size each one comfortable rather than snug.
- Between sizes? Choose the larger size, or look for an extender chain.
Common questions
What is the standard bracelet size?
The most common women's bracelet length is about 7 inches (18 cm) and the most common men's is about 8 inches (20 cm). Wrist sizes vary a lot, so measuring is worth the minute it takes.
How loose should a tennis bracelet be?
A tennis bracelet should have about half an inch to an inch of room, enough to slide slightly on the wrist without slipping over the hand. Too tight and the stones press into the skin; too loose and it can catch and stretch.
How do I measure for a bangle?
Bring your thumb and little finger together as if putting on a bangle, then measure around the widest part of your hand. Choose a bangle with an inside circumference slightly larger than that number.
Can a bracelet be shortened?
Most chain bracelets can be shortened by a jeweler by removing links. Tennis bracelets can sometimes be shortened by removing a stone and its setting. Bangles and cuffs usually can't be resized much.