When it comes to accessorising, few pieces of jewellery are as versatile and expressive as a bracelet. From everyday chain bracelets to statement bangles, the right fit is essential for both comfort and style. A bracelet that is too loose may slip off, while one that is too tight can restrict movement and feel uncomfortable. At Abbott Lyon, we believe that jewellery should be a seamless extension of your style—beautiful to wear and effortless in fit. That’s why finding your perfect bracelet size is so important.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to size different types of bracelets: bangles, charm bracelets, tennis bracelets, and chain bracelets. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the right size every time.
General Tips for Measuring Your Wrist
Before we dive into specific styles, let’s cover the basics of measuring your wrist correctly:
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Use a flexible tape measure. Wrap it around your wrist just below the wrist bone (where you would naturally wear a bracelet).
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Mark your measurement. Note the circumference in centimetres.
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Add some allowance. Depending on the bracelet style, you’ll want to add between 1–2 cm to ensure comfort.
If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string or ribbon, mark where it overlaps, and measure it against a ruler.
Bangles
Bangles are rigid bracelets that don’t have a clasp, which makes getting the right size particularly important. Instead of measuring your wrist, you need to measure the widest part of your hand—since the bangle must slip over it.
How to size a bangle:
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Bring your thumb across your palm to touch the base of your little finger.
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Use a tape measure or string to measure around the widest part of your knuckles.
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Compare this measurement to standard bangle sizes (small, medium, large) and choose the closest one.
Tip: A well-fitted bangle should slide over your hand with a little resistance but shouldn’t feel like it will fall off once on your wrist.
Charm Bracelets
Charm bracelets are designed to hold decorative charms, so you’ll want to allow enough room for them to move and dangle comfortably.
How to size a charm bracelet:
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Measure your wrist as described earlier.
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Add around 2 cm to your wrist measurement to allow for comfort and space for charms.
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Remember that as you add more charms, the bracelet may feel slightly tighter, so it’s worth accounting for this.
Tip: Many charm bracelets come with adjustable links or extenders, giving you flexibility as your collection grows.
Tennis Bracelets Tennis bracelets feature a continuous line of gemstones or diamonds. Because of their refined design, the fit should be snug enough to prevent excessive movement but loose enough to sit naturally.
How to size a tennis bracelet:
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Measure your wrist circumference.
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Add about 1 cm for the perfect fit.
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To check, you should be able to slip one finger comfortably between your wrist and the bracelet.
Tip: A tennis bracelet that is too loose may twist, hiding the stones underneath, so aim for a close fit.
Chain bracelets are some of the most versatile styles, available in a variety of designs from delicate links to chunkier chains.
How to size a chain bracelet:
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Measure your wrist.
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Add 1–2 cm depending on how loose you prefer the fit.
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For chunkier chains, you may want a slightly looser fit, while finer chains often look best when worn closer to the wrist.
Tip: Many chain bracelets include extender links, so you can adjust the fit to suit your preference or stack them with other bracelets.
Ankle Bracelets
Ankle bracelets, or anklets, are a playful and stylish way to accessorise, especially during warmer months. Because they sit lower on the body, comfort and movement are key when choosing the right size.
How to size an ankle bracelet:
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Measure just above your ankle bone using a tape measure.
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Add around 2–3 cm to allow the anklet to sit comfortably and move naturally as you walk.
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If you prefer a looser, more relaxed fit, consider adding a little extra length.
Tip: Many anklets come with extender chains, so you can adjust the length depending on your footwear or whether you prefer a snug or looser style.
Bracelet Size Chart (in cm)
| Wrist Circumference (cm) | Recommended Bracelet Size (cm) | Typical Fit |
| 14-15 | 16-17 | Small / Slim |
| 15-16 | 17-18 | Small-Medium |
| 16-17 | 18-19 | Medium |
| 17-18 | 19-20 | Medium-Large |
| 18-19 | 20-21 | Large |
| 19-20 | 21-22 | Extra-Large |
Tip: If you fall between two sizes, opt for the larger one for comfort, especially if you’re choosing a charm or chain bracelet.
Final thoughts on bracelet sizing
Sizing your bracelet correctly ensures not only comfort but also longevity—since a bracelet that fits well will experience less stress and wear over time. Whether you’re slipping on a sleek tennis bracelet, stacking bangles, or collecting charms, taking a moment to measure properly makes all the difference.
At Abbott Lyon, we design bracelets with both beauty and wearability in mind. Many of our pieces include adjustable clasps or extender chains to help you achieve your perfect fit. So, before you choose your next bracelet, grab a tape measure and use these simple steps to find the size that’s just right for you.
Because when your bracelet fits perfectly, you’ll never want to take it off.
Shop our range of bracelets, or for more size and fit tips for jewellery, visit the blog here.