Quick answer: Measure your wrist just above the wrist bone, then add 0.5 to 1 inch (1.5 to 2.5 cm) for a comfortable fit. A 6.5-inch wrist takes a 7 to 7.5 inch bracelet. On a product page, a size such as 16+5cm means a 16 cm chain plus a 5 cm extender, so that bracelet fits anywhere from 16 to 21 cm.
A bracelet that is too tight digs in, and one that is too loose slides over your hand or catches on things. Getting the size right takes one measurement and a little arithmetic. This guide shows how to measure your wrist, how much room to add, and how to read the sizes on a product page, using the real measurements of our own bracelets.
How to measure your wrist
- Wrap a soft tape measure, a strip of paper or a piece of string around your wrist just above the wrist bone, on the side nearer your elbow. That is where a bracelet naturally rests.
- Keep it snug but not tight. You should not be able to slide a finger underneath.
- Mark where the ends meet and measure that length against a ruler. This is your wrist size.
How much room to add
| Fit | Add to wrist size | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Snug | 0.25 to 0.5 in (about 1 cm) | Fine chains and pearl strands that should not move much |
| Comfortable | 0.5 to 1 in (1.5 to 2.5 cm) | Most chain bracelets; the usual choice |
| Loose | 1 to 1.25 in (2.5 to 3 cm) | Charm bracelets and chunky links that need room to drape |
Thicker bracelets need more room, because a chunky chain takes up space on the inside of the circle. If you are choosing between two lengths for a heavy link bracelet, take the longer one.
Wrist size to bracelet length
| Wrist size | Comfortable bracelet length |
|---|---|
| 5.5 in (14 cm) | 6 to 6.5 in (15 to 16.5 cm) |
| 6 in (15 cm) | 6.5 to 7 in (16.5 to 18 cm) |
| 6.5 in (16.5 cm) | 7 to 7.5 in (18 to 19 cm) |
| 7 in (18 cm) | 7.5 to 8 in (19 to 20.5 cm) |
| 7.5 in (19 cm) | 8 to 8.5 in (20.5 to 21.5 cm) |
What "16+5cm" means on a product page
Many of our chain bracelets list a size in two parts. The first number is the chain and the second is the extender, the short run of extra links past the clasp. You can fasten the clasp on any of those links.
- Dual Gold Layer Bracelet: 15+5 cm, so 15 to 20 cm, about 5.9 to 7.9 inches.
- Dual Tone Circle Bracelet: 16+5 cm, about 6.3 to 8.3 inches.
- Serene Bamboo Bloom Bracelet: 17+5 cm, about 6.7 to 8.7 inches.
- Moonlit Pearl Bracelet: 170 mm plus a 40 mm extender, about 6.7 to 8.3 inches.
- Twist Knot Pearl Bracelet: 20+5 cm, about 7.9 to 9.8 inches, the longest we carry.
Others list the range directly. The Chain of Heart Bracelet is 6.3 to 7.5 inches and the Three Pearl Charm Bracelet is 7 to 9 inches.
To check a bracelet against your wrist, add your room from the table above to your wrist size, then see whether that number falls inside the bracelet's range. A 6.5-inch wrist wanting a comfortable fit needs about 7 to 7.5 inches, which most bracelets in the list above cover. The Twist Knot Pearl Bracelet starts at 7.9 inches, so it suits larger wrists or a looser drape.
How cuff bracelets fit
A cuff is a rigid band that is open at the back, with no clasp. Its size is given as the width across the cuff. Our Unity Twist Bracelet and Crossing Paths Bracelet both measure about 65 mm (2.6 inches) across, which suits most small to medium wrists.
- To put it on, slide the opening over the narrow side of your wrist, just above the wrist bone, then turn the cuff so the opening sits underneath.
- To adjust, squeeze or ease the two ends very slightly. Do this once to set the fit, not each time you wear it.
- Do not pull the ends wide apart to get it over your hand. That is what distorts a cuff.
See the styles in Cuff Bracelets.
Sizing a bracelet as a gift
You usually cannot measure someone's wrist without spoiling the surprise. Choose a chain bracelet with an extender, since a range of 2 inches covers most wrists. As a rough guide, a slim wrist is about 6 inches, an average wrist about 6.5 to 7 inches, and a larger wrist 7.5 inches or more.
Stacking bracelets
- Wear the snuggest bracelet nearest the hand and the loosest further up the arm, so they do not all slide into a pile.
- Mix one chain, one cuff and one pearl or beaded piece for contrast in texture.
- Three is usually enough. More than that, keep them slim.
Quick answers
What is the most common bracelet size?
About 7 inches for women. With an extender, most bracelets cover it.
Should a bracelet move on the wrist?
A little. You should be able to fit one finger between a chain bracelet and your wrist.
What if I am between two sizes?
Go longer, especially for chunky chains and charm bracelets.
Where do I find the size of a bracelet?
On the Size line under About This Item on each product page.
Browse all bracelets, or go straight to chain bracelets and pearl bracelets.
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