Sizing Different Bracelet Types

A number bracelet types have been introduced over the years, each garnering considerable attention and its own specific market. Boys and men take a shine to rubber sports bracelets, and charm bracelets are the choice accessories of girls and ladies young at heart. Metal, glass, or plastic bangles remain traditional and tasteful options, while no woman would refuse bracelets encrusted with jewels. And of course, watch bracelets won't go out of style anytime soon.

While some bracelets are affordable, others can be incredibly expensive. As such, it's important that you buy the right size on your first try, so you won't have to deal with troublesome and costly resizing or replacement.

But before you start sizing bracelets, know this: with the exception of bangles (whose size should be double the size of your wrist), the type of bracelet you like has little say in the size you should get. A bracelet's clasp and decorations (beads, jewelry, etc.) may require you to add a fraction of an inch to your ideal length to give your wrist more space, but only when the bracelet's ornaments are exceptionally large.

What really determines the size of your bracelet is the size of your wrist, and how you want to wear your bracelet (loose or tight). Simple measure your wrist with a bracelet sizing tool, add to that number for more space and comfort (¼ to 1 inch for wrist bracelets, ½ to 1 inch for ankle bracelets), and that's the size you should get regardless of the type of bracelet you choose.

If you don't have bracelet sizing tools of any kind, go online and search for bracelet size guides that list the standard and plus sizes for men's bracelets, ladies' bracelets, and children's bracelets. The standard sizes are likely good enough for you, but if not, you can opt for the plus sizes these guides recommend.