Bracelet Size Guide

How to measure your wrist

1. Wrap the tape or paper around your wrist. Wrap a soft measuring tape, or a thin strip of paper or string, around your wrist just below the wrist bone, where you'd normally wear a bracelet.
2. Keep it snug, not tight. Pull it so it sits flat against your skin without pinching. You're measuring the wrist itself, so don't leave any slack yet.
3. Mark where it meets. Note the number on the tape where the end overlaps. If you're using paper or string, mark the point where it meets with a pen.
4. Measure the length. Lay the paper or string flat against a ruler and measure from the end to your mark. That number is your wrist size.
5. Add room for the fit you like. Add a little to your wrist size for comfort: about 0.25 in (0.6 cm) for a snug fit, 0.5 in (1.3 cm) for a comfortable fit, or 0.75–1 in (1.9–2.5 cm) for a loose fit.

Measure twice to be sure. Wrists can swell slightly in warm weather or later in the day, so if you're between two numbers, go with the larger one.

How much to add for your fit

Your wrist measurement is the size of your wrist, not the bracelet. Add a little on top depending on how you like a bracelet to sit:

For example, a 6 in (15.2 cm) wrist with a comfortable fit works out at about 6.5 in (16.5 cm). Larger beads take up more room on the inside of the bracelet, so with chunky beads it's worth allowing a little extra.

Typical wrist sizes

These are typical adult wrist ranges, given as a general reference so you can see roughly where you fall. They describe the wrist itself, before adding anything for fit, and sizing labels vary from brand to brand, so your own measurement is always the best guide.

Wearing stretch beaded bracelets

• Roll it on, don't stretch it. Ease the bracelet over your hand by rolling it on and off, rather than pulling it wide. Overstretching weakens the cord over time.
• Take it off before water. Remove it before showering, swimming or washing up, since water and soap can wear the elastic and dull some stones.
• Keep lotions and perfume off it. Put them on first and let them dry before wearing your bracelet.
• Store it flat. Lay it down rather than hanging it, so the cord isn't held under tension.