How to Get the Perfect Wrist Measurement for Your Handmade Bracelet.
When it comes to handmade jewellery, especially bracelets, getting the perfect fit is crucial. Whether you’re buying it for yourself or for someone special, a proper wrist measurement ensures that the creation will sit comfortably and beautifully on the wrist.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to measure your wrist accurately and share tips on how to get the best fit for different bracelet styles. Let's dive in!
Why a Good Fit Matters
The beauty of handmade jewellery is its personal touch, but even the most stunning bracelet can feel off if it doesn’t fit well. Too tight, and it feels uncomfortable. Too loose, and it could fall off or slide awkwardly.
For the best experience, getting the right wrist measurement is key. Here’s how to do it properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Wrist
Step 1 - Grab a Flexible Measuring Tool
You’ll need a measuring tape or a strip of paper. A tailor’s tape works best because it’s flexible and wraps around the wrist smoothly. If you don’t have a tailor’s tape, a simple strip of paper and a ruler will do the trick!
Step 2 - Wrap Around the Wrist
Place the tape (or paper strip) around your wrist just below the wrist bone, where you'd naturally wear a bracelet. Ensure the tape is snug but not tight—you should be able to move your wrist comfortably.
Step 3 - Take the Measurement
Look at the measurement where the tape overlaps. If you’re using a paper strip, mark the point where the strip meets and then measure the length with a ruler.
Step 4 - Add Space for Comfort
Bracelets need a bit of wiggle room. Depending on the style you’re going for, you may want to add some extra space:
For a comfortable fit, add 1/2 an inch to the measurement.
For a loose fit, add 1 inch to the measurement.
For example:
If your wrist measures 6 inches and you want a comfortable fit, you would add ½ inch, making the bracelet length 6.5 inches. This is the size you should order.
Special Tips for Different Bracelet Styles
The type of bracelet you’re making can also affect how much extra space you should add:
Beaded Bracelets - If you’re buying a bracelet with larger beads, they can take up more space on the wrist, so you might need to add an extra ¼ to ½ inch to the total length for a comfortable fit.
Elastic Bracelets - These naturally have some give, so you can usually stick closer to the actual wrist size or add just a little space for comfort.
Finding the Perfect Fit for Gifting
If you’re buying a bracelet for someone else, it can be tricky to get their exact wrist measurement. Here’s a simple guide to help you estimate:
- Petite wrists - order 6.5 inches
- Average wrists - order 7 or 7.5 inches
- Large wrists - order 8 inches
If you’re unsure, go for an adjustable design, like a bracelet with an extender chain or a slider clasp. This way, the recipient can tweak the size as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not considering the bracelet style - As mentioned earlier, the type of bracelet will affect the fit. Don’t forget to account for the bead size, material and design!
Using a rigid ruler - Trying to measure with a hard ruler or other stiff measuring tool can lead to inaccurate results. Always use something flexible like tape or string.
Skipping the comfort space - Even if you like a snug fit, it’s important to leave a little extra room for comfort.
Conclusion
Measuring your wrist correctly is a simple but essential step in buying a handmade bracelet that fits perfectly. Taking the time to get this right means a perfect-fitting piece of jewellery that can be worn straight away without the need to be resized. If you have any further questions about sizing, don't hesitate to reach out and message us at nicola@pinkvintage.co.uk
Thanks, Nicola.