Bracelet Fit

A good bracelet fit starts with your wrist – and how you like to wear your jewelry.

Wrap a soft measuring tape around your wrist where the bracelet will sit. Keep it comfortably against your skin without pulling tight. You can also use a strip pf paper, mark it where the ends meet and measure it against a ruler.

That gives you your wrist measurement. The bracelet itself may need a little extra room for movement depending on its design and your preferred fit.

For a flexible chain or clasp bracelet, these allowances offer a good starting point:

• Close Fit: add approximately 1/4″ – 1/2″
• More Movement: add approximately 3/4″ – 1″

Chunky beads and thick links take up space inside the bracelet, so they may require additional length beyond your usual allowance. There is no single adjustment that works for every bead size or design.

For example, a 6-inch wrist plus a 1/2-inch allowance suggests a 6 1/2-inch slim bracelet. A chunky bracelet of that same length may feel much tighter.

A delicate chain, a chunky beaded bracelet and a rigid cuff can feel quite different even when their listed measurements look similar. Always check the maker’s sizing guidance. A closed bangle also needs to pass over your hand.

Curator’s Note: Wrist size and bracelet length are different measurements. Look for whether a listing gives the bracelet’s total length, its inside circumference or the wrist size it is intended to fit.