To find the right bracelet length, measure around your wrist just below the wrist bone, then add about half an inch for a snug fit or about one inch for a comfortable, everyday fit. Once you know your length, choose a style and width that suit your wrist and how often you plan to wear it.
A bracelet that fits well stays put, doesn't pinch and doesn't slide over your hand. Here is how to get there.
How do I measure my wrist for a bracelet?
- Wrap a soft tape measure, or a strip of paper, around your wrist just below the wrist bone.
- Keep it snug but not tight.
- If you used paper, mark where it overlaps and measure that length with a ruler.
- Add the fit allowance from the chart below.
Already have a bracelet that fits well? Lay it flat and measure it end to end, including the clasp. That is the easiest guide of all.
What bracelet length should I get?
| Wrist size |
Snug (+0.5 in) |
Comfortable (+0.75–1 in) |
Loose (+1.25 in) |
| 5.5 in |
6 in |
6.5 in |
6.75 in |
| 6 in |
6.5 in |
7 in |
7.25 in |
| 6.5 in |
7 in |
7.5 in |
7.75 in |
| 7 in |
7.5 in |
8 in |
8.25 in |
| 7.5 in |
8 in |
8.5 in |
8.75 in |
| 8 in |
8.5 in |
9 in |
9.25 in |
Wide or chunky bracelets take up more room around the wrist, so add a little extra. For a link bracelet 8 mm or wider, go about a quarter inch longer than you would for a thin one. As a general idea, 7 inches is a common bracelet length for women and 8 to 8.5 inches for men, but your measurement beats any average.
Which bracelet styles are there?
-
Cuban link: flat, interlocking links that lie smooth on the wrist. Bold, and a classic match for a Cuban chain.
-
Franco: tight V-shaped links. Very strong, with a squared, solid look.
-
Byzantine: a woven, textured link that looks almost like a rope of metal.
-
Paperclip: long, oval links. Light, modern and easy to stack.
-
Rope and Figaro: the same patterns as the chains, in bracelet length.
-
Tennis or diamond bracelets: a line of stones, or diamond-set links.
-
Bangle: a rigid circle or oval. Choose by the inside diameter so it slides over your hand.
Many people match their bracelet to their chain style. Our gold chain buying guide explains Cuban, Franco, rope and Figaro links in more detail.
How wide should a bracelet be?
-
2–4 mm: delicate and easy to stack.
-
5–7 mm: a solid everyday bracelet.
-
8 mm and up: a statement piece. Diamond Franco bracelets in our store go from 6 mm up to 16 mm wide.
Match the width to your wrist. A larger wrist carries a wider bracelet well; a smaller wrist may look best with something slimmer.
Solid, hollow or semi-solid?
Solid gold bracelets are heavier and hold up best to daily wear, which matters because bracelets get knocked against desks and doors all day. Hollow bracelets look bigger for the price but can dent. Semi-solid sits in between. Check the karat too: 10K (41.7% gold) is the toughest, and 14K (58.3%) has a richer color.
Every listing in our bracelets collection shows the metal, karat and, where relevant, the width, weight and stones.
What about clasps and care?
-
Lobster clasps are easy to open with one hand.
-
Box clasps with a safety latch are common on heavier Cuban and Franco bracelets.
- Take bracelets off for the gym, yard work and cleaning with chemicals.
Bracelet too long? Links can often be removed. We do jewelry repair in our store; call or text for details.
Visit or text us
Trying a few lengths on your own wrist is the quickest way to decide. Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Shop our bracelets collection.
Bracelet Buying Guide: Fit, Length and Styles
To find the right bracelet length, measure around your wrist just below the wrist bone, then add about half an inch for a snug fit or about one inch for a comfortable, everyday fit. Once you know your length, choose a style and width that suit your wrist and how often you plan to wear it.
A bracelet that fits well stays put, doesn't pinch and doesn't slide over your hand. Here is how to get there.
How do I measure my wrist for a bracelet?
Already have a bracelet that fits well? Lay it flat and measure it end to end, including the clasp. That is the easiest guide of all.
What bracelet length should I get?
Wide or chunky bracelets take up more room around the wrist, so add a little extra. For a link bracelet 8 mm or wider, go about a quarter inch longer than you would for a thin one. As a general idea, 7 inches is a common bracelet length for women and 8 to 8.5 inches for men, but your measurement beats any average.
Which bracelet styles are there?
Many people match their bracelet to their chain style. Our gold chain buying guide explains Cuban, Franco, rope and Figaro links in more detail.
How wide should a bracelet be?
Match the width to your wrist. A larger wrist carries a wider bracelet well; a smaller wrist may look best with something slimmer.
Solid, hollow or semi-solid?
Solid gold bracelets are heavier and hold up best to daily wear, which matters because bracelets get knocked against desks and doors all day. Hollow bracelets look bigger for the price but can dent. Semi-solid sits in between. Check the karat too: 10K (41.7% gold) is the toughest, and 14K (58.3%) has a richer color.
Every listing in our bracelets collection shows the metal, karat and, where relevant, the width, weight and stones.
What about clasps and care?
Bracelet too long? Links can often be removed. We do jewelry repair in our store; call or text for details.
Visit or text us
Trying a few lengths on your own wrist is the quickest way to decide. Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Shop our bracelets collection.