Whether shopping for a tennis bracelet, bangle or cuff, it is important to know your correct bracelet size, as specific size recommendations and adjustments apply depending on the bracelet type. This bracelet size guide includes all the necessary information to help you with the right choice.
How to Measure Bracelet Size
Bracelets come in many different styles. Some have clasps, making their size adjustable, and others have links that you can remove for a tighter fit. However, when it comes to purchasing a bracelet, especially online, it is important to make sure you choose the correct size, as how appealing the jewellery will look on you depends on how well it fits.
There are easy at-home methods of determining your bracelet size, such as the flexible measuring tape technique or using a strip of paper, ribbon or cord, in case you do not have the tape. However, if you do not trust your judgement, you can always get professionally measured at a jeweller’s.
To determine your link bracelet size, you will need to know the circumference around your wrist. Hold your arm with your hand relaxed. With your other hand, wrap the measuring tape at a comfortable tension around your wrist where you would wear the bracelet. If you use paper, ribbon or cord, mark the spot where the two ends meet and measure the length with a ruler. The measurement you get is your wrist circumference. The next step is to add approximately 0.25 to 1.25 inches or 0.6 to 3.2 cm to your wrist size, depending on how fitted you want your bracelet to be.
For a snug fit, add 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6 to 1.3 cm) to the circumference of your wrist, for an average fit, add 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) and for a loose fit, add 1.25 inches or 3.2 cm. To get the corresponding bracelet size, refer to the bracelet size chart on your jeweller’s website.
According to industry standards, the average bracelet size for women is usually between 7 and 7.5 inches or 18 to 19 cm, with 7 inches being the most common size in women’s jewellery. The average size for men is generally between 7.5 and 9 inches or 19 to 23 cm, with 8 inches being the most common option. Babies and toddlers usually wear bracelets between 4 to 5 inches or 10 to 12 cm in length, while older kids wear bracelets between 5.5 and 6 inches or 14 to 15.3 cm, respectively.
How to Measure Bangle and Cuff Size
Specific bracelet designs without clasps, such as bangles and expendable bracelets, must fit the widest part of your hand and are measured accordingly.
To measure the accurate bangle size at home, you will need a flexible measuring tape, a strip of paper or a thread with a ruler. Close your fingers and bring your thumb and little finger together. Take the measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your hand, the base of the knuckles. If you use anything other than the tape mark where the two points meet and use a ruler to measure the length. The measurement you get will be your hand’s circumference. Refer to your jeweller’s chart to determine the corresponding bangle size.
As a general rule, cuff bracelets have an opening of approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm), which allows sliding it over the thinnest part of your wrist to put on and off. The opening can be adjusted with a gentle squeeze to make the opening smaller or larger as needed.
The sizing for cuff bracelets is the same as bracelets with clasp and choosing the perfect size depends on the specific design and how snug you like the fit.
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