Are you shopping for trendy bangles?
In this guide, we tell you all you need to know about bangle sizes, size charts and measurements, and how to measure your wrist and hand to get the right fit for a bangle.
How to measure your wrist/hand for the desired bangle size
A bangle, often also called a bangle bracelet, is essentially a closed, rigid circle/ellipse. The shape of modern bangles can vary depending on the designer's interpretation, with organic shapes that challenge traditional perfect circle designs. Bangles and bracelets are worn on the forearm, between the widest part of the arm and the wrist bone. Closed bangles are put on by sliding the bangle over the knuckles of the hand.
When you buy a bangle, it is important to find the right size for a perfect fit because a wrong-size closed bangle won't easily slide over your hand when you put it on or take it off.
There are 3 ways to measure bangle size:
1. Measure your hand circumference to get the right-sized closed bangle.
2. Measure your wrist for cuff styles, hinged bangles or open bangles that are meant to fit snugly around your wrist or just above it.
3. Measure a bangle that fits you well to find its diameter.
A flexible measuring tape or a piece of ribbon or string and a straight ruler, or a bangle that fits you well.
Step 1: To measure the hand, position it as though putting on a bangle (tuck your thumb into the palm of your hand).
Step 2: Wrap the measuring tape around the knuckles including the thumb knuckle. Note the measurement at the point of overlap. This is your exact hand circumference/size.
Step 1: Wrap the tape measure around the wrist bone, so that it fits snugly without feeling too tight or too loose.
Step 2: Mark where the tape measure overlaps. This is the exact circumference of your wrist.
Note: You can substitute the measuring tape with a string or ribbon and use a straight ruler to measure the length from the point of overlap to the end.
Place a straight ruler over the bangle and measure across its middle from one inner edge to the other. The measurement in mm/cm/inches will give you the correct size in internal diameter.
If you have a bangle that fits you well, we recommend you measure its internal diameter and this measurement will be your guide as to which size bangle you need.
To convert diameter to circumference, you should multiply the diameter by 3.14 (C = 3.14 x D) or use an online converter.
You may have noticed that brands differ in the way they define sizing and measurements; some use circumference while others define sizes in diameters.
Bangles in our fine selections come in different sizes, ranging from extra-small to extra-large. So, here are a few essential tips on measurements and sizes to help you figure out what size fits you best.
Bangle size charts show either the inner diameter (Ø) or inside circumference of a bangle.
Internal Diameter of a bangle = the total circumference of your hand measurement divided by 3.14 (Internal Diameter Ø = Circumference / 3.14).
Size charts usually show internal diameter in millimetres (mm) and circumference in centimetres (cm) or inches (1" = 2.5 cm).
The chart below gives you an idea about the inner diameter/circumference corresponding to each bangle size. Now you can choose the size that falls closest to your measurement and fits your preferences: do you want a tight or a loose fit?
Note: This chart is not standard for all brands but is only a reference to help you understand sizing.
Wrist 5-5.5" (13-14cm) — bangle circumference 5.7-6.1" (14.5-15.5cm); diameter 1.8-2" (48-51mm).
Wrist 5.5-7" (14-17.7cm) — bangle circumference 6.5-6.9" (16.5-17.5cm); diameter 2.13-2.25" (54-57mm).
Wrist 7-8" (17.7-20.3cm) — bangle circumference 7.2-7.7" (18.5-19.5cm); diameter 2.38-2.50" (60-64mm).
Wrist 8.5-9" (21.5-22.6cm) — bangle circumference 8.2" (20.9cm); diameter 2.63" (67mm).
Below are the three basic bangle types that you will come across.
Open bangles & wrist cuffs come with a gap in their circumference which allows you to slip them on easily. Some open styles are also semi-adjustable. For open bangle styles, choose the size closest to your hand measurement.
For example, if your hand circumference is 18 cm (7”) choose an open bangle size closest to 18 cm (7") for a comfortable or snug fit, or the next half-size for a looser fit.
Some open styles are thicker and designed to fit around your wrist. These are called wrist cuffs and they should be worn in a comfortable, snug fit. For wrist cuffs choose the size closest to your wrist circumference measurement.
Hinged bangles open up on a hinge and close with a clasp allowing you to wear them easily. Clasp-style bangles eliminate the need for you to base your sizing on your hand. It can be stretched out to fit over wrists instead!
Shopping for bangle gifts? Size and fit is less of a problem when you choose hinged bangles! The regular size for hinged bangles usually falls between 60-63.7mm (inner diameter) when closed.
Closed bangles are best selected based on your hand size for an average fit. A snug fit is when you can easily run your index or little finger around the bangle's internal diameter when you are wearing it. For a looser fit, you can choose a bangle one size larger.
For example, if your hand circumference (around your knuckles) is 18cm (7”) choose a closed bangle in the size closest to your hand measurement or one size up for a good fit. The bangle may slide off your hand if it's any looser.
Large statement cuffs make a bold impression worn and clasped snugly to your forearm. Cuffs are an easy-to-wear, one-size adjustable fit. You should also note that the bangle's width often affects size. Wider bangles tend to fit more snugly than slim ones.
Create a casual layered look by stacking slim closed bangles in multiple colours that slide over the hand and move loosely on your arm. Ensure a comfortable fit by measuring your hand for your closed bangle size.
Gem-studded bangles are usually hinged with a clasp or lock to allow your precious bangle to be worn securely. The hinge allows the bangle to be opened and closed when put on or removed so that the fit is perfect when closed. Measure your wrist for a comfortable fit.
If you need personal guidance
Have no worries when you shop online for bangles here. We guide and help customers all over the world on a daily basis, and our jewellery experts will do whatever it takes to find the perfect fit and size for the jewellery you're looking for.
And please remember, if you are still in doubt, you can shop safely with us. We guarantee that you can always exchange or resize your purchase within 30 days.
Love, Charlotte & Pernille
Bring your thumb and little finger together as if you are putting on a bangle. Wrap a strip of paper or string around the widest part of your hand, which is usually across the knuckles. Measure the length of that string in centimetres (cm) or inches (") to find your required circumference.
Our chart provides the internal diameter and the total inner circumference for every size. If you are measuring a bangle you already own, measure the distance straight across the inside to find the diameter. If you are measuring your hand, use the circumference measurement to find your match on the chart.
Select a size that corresponds to the circumference of your hand at its widest point. Most people find that a bangle with a circumference of 19cm (7.5") to 20cm (7.9") provides a standard fit. If your measurement falls between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger one so it slides over your knuckles comfortably.
A well-fitting bangle should be slightly difficult to push over the knuckles but sit loosely on the wrist — not sliding off your hand easily when your arm is down. This ensures the jewellery stays secure during your daily activities.
Small bangles typically have an internal diameter of approximately 6cm (2.4"), while medium sizes are usually 6.5cm (2.6"). Large bangles often measure 7cm (2.8") in diameter. These standard increments help you select the most likely fit when you are unable to measure a hand directly.
