How to Measure Your Wrist for a Bracelet (Step-by-Step Guide)
Choosing a beautiful bracelet on an e-shop is a joy. But hitting the right size is the moment that decides whether it becomes your favorite piece for everyday wear or stays tucked away in your jewelry box.
The good news? You can measure your wrist at home in less than a minute. By doing so, you will avoid unnecessary exchanges and returning packages.
The basic rule to know right from the start
At our shop, customers always choose their size based on their wrist circumference. Not based on the finished length of the bracelet. Not by estimation. But according to the actually measured circumference of the hand. The way we work with this data then varies depending on the type of bracelet.
Why the correct bracelet size is so important
Choosing the right size isn't just about making sure the bracelet doesn't fall off. It affects:
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wearing comfort (the bracelet doesn't pinch or slip)
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the appearance of the jewelry on the hand (beads sit naturally)
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the lifespan of the elastomer/elastic (it isn't unnecessarily strained)
The more accurately you measure your wrist circumference, the better your bracelet will fit.
What you will need for measuring
No special tools are necessary. What you commonly have at home is enough:
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a tailor's tape measure
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or a string (or a strip of paper) + a ruler
How to measure your wrist for a bracelet: step by step
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Measure the hand you will wear the bracelet on It sounds trivial, but it’s the most important rule. The dominant hand (the right hand for right-handed people) is often a few millimeters wider.
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Measure the wrist circumference Wrap the tape or string around your wrist at the point where you normally wear a bracelet (just behind the wrist bone towards the elbow).
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measure snugly – the tape should follow the skin
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do not overtighten – it must not pinch
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do not measure over clothing
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Record the net circumference (in cm) If you are using a string, mark the spot where the ends meet and then measure it with a ruler. This number is your actual wrist circumference. This is exactly what we use as a base when making our bracelets.
IMPORTANT: the difference between bracelet types
Miyuki bracelets (e.g., Tila, Delica)
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We make them in the same size as the wrist circumference.
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We only add a clearance of a few millimeters.
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The goal is for the bracelet to sit nicely and hold its shape.
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If you have a wrist circumference of 17 cm, the Miyuki bracelet will be approximately 17 cm.
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This method is long-term proven and works best in terms of appearance and comfort.
Bead / Ball bracelets
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The customer again enters the net wrist circumference.
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We automatically add approximately +1.5 cm.
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The bracelet is comfortable, doesn't pinch, and wears well.
This difference is intentional – each type of bracelet behaves differently on the hand. The customer always enters the circumference. We take care of the rest. And you can trust us on this – it is proven by practice.
What if my size is not in the selection?
If your size does not fit into the standard options, we have a fourth variant: custom-made. You can select this directly in the size menu, and we will adjust the bracelet exactly according to your measured circumference.
Most common mistakes to avoid
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measuring "by eye"
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measuring an old bracelet (each has a different bead thickness)
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adding centimeters "just to be safe"
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pulling on the beads when taking it off (always roll the bracelet over your hand)
How to choose a size when the bracelet is a gift?
Can't measure the recipient?
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the safest choice is size M (approx. 17–18 cm)
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elastic bracelets are more forgiving
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if you are hesitant, write to us – we are happy to advise
Summary at the end
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always measure the wrist circumference
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for Miyuki bracelets, we produce the size identical to the circumference
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for bead bracelets, we add approx. +1.5 cm
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if you are unsure, get in touch with us
Measuring your wrist is a small step that ensures joy from your package immediately after opening it. At Ele Pele, we believe that jewelry should perfectly complement you – not the other way around.
With love, The Ele Pele Team