How do you choose the right bracelet size? Simply measure your wrist circumference with a tailor's measuring tape or ordinary thread and compare the result with the size chart - the entire measurement takes less than two minutes. In this guide, you will find step-by-step measuring instructions, a size chart for women's and men's sizes, and an explanation of why size 19 does not mean a bracelet that is 19 cm long when measured with a ruler.
How to measure your wrist for a bracelet - step by step
A tailor's measuring tape is best for measuring. If you do not have one at hand, thread, a piece of string, or a strip of paper and an ordinary ruler will do. The measurement will be just as accurate as long as you follow one rule: measure snugly, without tightening.
- Prepare a measuring tool - a tailor's measuring tape or thread/paper strip and a ruler.
- Wrap the measuring tool around your wrist where you usually wear your bracelet. It should rest against your skin without squeezing it.
- Mark the point where the measuring tool meets. If using thread or a strip of paper, mark it with your finger or a pen and place it against a ruler.
- Write down the result in centimeters - this is your wrist circumference and the starting point for choosing the size.
The most common mistake is pulling the thread or measuring tape too tight. This makes the result too small, and the bracelet you order turns out to be too tight - exactly what we want to avoid.
Bracelet size chart - wrist circumference and size
Simply compare the measured wrist circumference with the table below. At Brazi, we give the sizes of elastic bracelets for the wrist circumference, separately for women's and men's models:
| Wrist circumference | Women's size | Men's size |
|---|---|---|
| 13 cm | S | — |
| 14 cm | S | — |
| 15 cm | M | — |
| 16 cm | M | S |
| 17 cm | L | S |
| 18 cm | L | M |
| 19 cm | — | M |
| 20 cm | — | L |
| 21 cm | — | L |
In short: women's elastic bracelets are S (13–14 cm), M (15–16 cm), and L (17–18 cm), while men's are S (16–17 cm), M (18–19 cm), and L (20–21 cm). If your result falls between two sizes, read below to find out how much extra room to add.
Bracelet size 17 and 19 - how many cm is that?
The numerical bracelet size is simply the wrist circumference in centimeters for which it was made. Bracelet size 17 therefore means a model for a wrist with a circumference of 17 cm (women's L or men's S), while bracelet size 19 means a circumference of 19 cm, or the classic men's M size.
Important: this number does not indicate how many centimeters long the bracelet will be when laid out on a table and measured with a ruler. This is the most common source of confusion when shopping, which is why we devote a separate paragraph to it.
Wrist circumference is not the length of a bracelet measured with a ruler
The measurements given for bracelets refer to wrist circumference, not the length of the bracelet measured with a ruler. A bracelet laid flat will always be longer than the stated size.
Why the difference? Measuring with a ruler doesn't account for the size of the beads, which take up the space between the elastic cord and the skin. Example: a bracelet for an 18 cm wrist circumference with 3–4 mm beads will measure approximately 19.5 cm with a ruler. The same bracelet made with 10 mm beads will measure approximately 21 cm.
That's why comparing bracelets "with a ruler" can be misleading: two models for the same wrist can differ in length by one and a half centimeters simply because one has small stones and the other has substantial ones. When choosing a size, rely solely on your wrist circumference.
How much room to add, or how to choose bracelet length based on your preferred fit
The sizes given for wrist circumference already account for standard wearing comfort, so in most cases it's enough to provide the exact measurement. However, it's worth taking your personal preferences into account:
- Do you like your bracelet to fit snugly? Use your measured circumference or add no more than 1 mm.
- Do you prefer it to move freely? Add about 2 mm to your wrist circumference, and if the result falls between sizes - choose the larger one.
A bracelet that's too tight restricts movement and presses on the wrist, while one that's too loose can slip unnoticed off your hand. The right size is one you simply forget about during the day.
Do you already know your size? Choose a bracelet for yourself
In the natural stone bracelet collection, you'll find over 250 designs - from delicate 3–4 mm beads to substantial 10 mm stones, in a full range of women's and men's sizes. Use code BRAZIBLOG10 to get 10% off your purchase.
Men's bracelet sizes - what to keep in mind
A man's wrist is usually noticeably wider, which is why men's bracelets have their own size range: S is 16–17 cm, M - 18–19 cm, and L - 20–21 cm. The measurement itself is identical to the women's version - use a measuring tape or piece of string, keeping it close to the skin without pulling it tight.
If you are buying a bracelet for a man "blind", the safest choice is size M (18–19 cm) - the middle of the men's size range. Models with larger beads visually balance a broad wrist better, while smaller stones work well for a slimmer hand.
How to choose a bracelet size as a gift?
Don't know the recipient's wrist circumference? You have three options:
- Choose the middle of the size range - women's M (15–16 cm) or men's M (18–19 cm) is the safest choice when purchasing without taking measurements.
- Choose an elastic model - elastic bracelets adapt to the shape of your hand, so they forgive a minor sizing mistake.
- Choose an adjustable design - friendship bracelets with a cord tie allow you to adjust the circumference smoothly after putting them on.
And if the size still turns out to be unsuitable, we offer hassle-free exchanges, so you have nothing to risk when buying a gift.
Elastic or clasp bracelet - does the type affect the size?
The type of construction affects how you should choose the size. Elastic bracelets should be purchased exactly according to your wrist circumference - the elastic cord stretches when putting the bracelet on and returns to its original shape, fitting comfortably around your wrist.
For clasp bracelets, the construction is more rigid, so before purchasing, check the length and adjustment range provided in the description of the specific model - these determine how the jewelry will sit on your wrist.
The most common mistakes when choosing a bracelet size
The wrong size is almost always the result of one of four recurring mistakes. It’s worth knowing them before you click “add to cart”:
- Tightening the measuring tape. A string pressed into the skin gives an inaccurate reading - the bracelet will be too tight and restrict movement.
- Measuring an old bracelet with a ruler. The length of a laid-out bracelet depends on the size of the beads, so it cannot be directly compared with a size given for wrist circumference.
- Buying “by eye.” The difference between size S and L can be as much as 5 cm in circumference - without measuring, it’s easy to get it wrong, when two minutes with a piece of string could have prevented it.
- Ignoring wearing style. The same wrist circumference may correspond to different sizes depending on whether the bracelet should fit snugly or move freely around the wrist.
FAQ - the most frequently asked questions about bracelet size
Bracelet size 19 - how many cm is that?
Size 19 means a bracelet for a wrist with a circumference of 19 cm (in the men’s size range, this is M). The bracelet itself will measure longer when laid against a ruler because the beads add to the circumference - with 10 mm stones, by as much as 2–3 cm.
How do I choose a bracelet size as a gift when I don’t know the wrist circumference?
The safest choice is the middle of the size range: women’s M (15–16 cm) and men’s M (18–19 cm). Flexible elastic designs and friendship bracelets with adjustable cord ties also work well, as they adapt to the wrist.
Will an elastic bracelet stretch over time?
We use durable, crack-resistant silicone elastic cord. The right size is crucial, however - when the bracelet is not constantly stretched across a wrist that is too wide, the elastic retains its flexibility and shape for years.
How much room should you add to your measured wrist circumference?
Measure snugly, without tightening - sizes are based on wrist circumference, so an accurate measurement is usually all you need. If you prefer a looser fit, add about 2 mm or choose the larger size if your measurement falls between sizes.
Choosing the right bracelet size takes two minutes with a piece of string and a ruler - but the difference in everyday comfort is invaluable. Measure your wrist, check the chart, and choose a design you’ll only think about when someone asks where you got it.