When is a bracelet too big for your wrist?

A bracelet fits correctly when its circumference exceeds your wrist measurement by 1 to 2 centimetres, depending on how you prefer it to sit. A snug fit uses a 1 cm allowance, a standard fit uses 1.5 cm, and a relaxed fit uses 2 cm over your measured wrist circumference. These figures apply to rigid bangles and chain bracelets alike, though chain styles tend to feel slightly looser at the same measurement because they move with the wrist. To measure accurately, wrap a soft tape around the widest part of your wrist and note the circumference in centimetres. If you are between sizes, consider the bracelet's weight: heavier pieces in gold tend to drop lower on the wrist, effectively adding perceived looseness. Knowing your preferred allowance before ordering saves the effort of resizing, which is straightforward on most chain styles but not possible on solid bangles. See also: How can I make a bracelet smaller?