This guide gives you a two-minute way to measure your wrist, how much length to add for chain and beaded bracelets, and the sizes our customers actually choose.
Men's bracelet size chart
A bracelet length and a wrist measurement are not the same thing. The length is measured along the bracelet; your wrist sits inside it. For chains the difference is small, but beads take up real space inside the circle, so a beaded bracelet must be noticeably longer than your wrist. Start from your relaxed wrist measurement and add the allowance for your bead size:
| Bead size | Add to your relaxed wrist | Our lengths: S / M / L |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 3 to 4.5 cm (1.15 to 1.75 in) | 18.0 / 20.3 / 22.9 cm |
| 8 mm | 3.5 to 5 cm (1.4 to 2.0 in) | 19.0 / 21.0 / 23.5 cm |
| 10 mm | 4.2 to 5.7 cm (1.65 to 2.25 in) | 20.0 / 22.0 / 24.5 cm |
Aim for the middle of the range for a comfortable fit. Then match the result to the bracelet length, not your wrist to a wrist band. For our 8 mm bracelets that works out as:
| Relaxed wrist | Order (8 mm beads) |
|---|---|
| 14.0 to 15.5 cm (5.5 to 6.1 in) | Small |
| 15.9 to 17.4 cm (6.25 to 6.85 in) | Medium |
| 18.4 to 19.9 cm (7.25 to 7.85 in) | Large |
| In between these, or above 19.9 cm (7.85 in) | Ask for a made-to-length bracelet |
Why the allowance is so large, the 6 mm table, and what our own return records taught us are all in our detailed guide: how to measure your wrist for a beaded bracelet.
How to measure your wrist
- Wrap a soft tape measure, or a strip of paper, around your wrist just above the wrist bone, where a bracelet naturally sits.
- Keep it relaxed: let the tape rest on the skin without pressing in. Measuring snug makes the result about half a centimetre too small.
- Read the measurement, or mark the paper and measure it flat against a ruler.
- Add the allowance for your bracelet type and match the result to the bracelet length. If it falls between two of our sizes, write the length you need in the order notes; our beaded bracelets are strung by hand, so we can make them to length.
Measure at the end of the day, when your wrist is at its largest, and measure the hand you plan to wear the bracelet on.
Measuring a bracelet you already own
If you have a bracelet that fits well, lay it flat and measure its full length from end to end, including the clasp. Match that length rather than counting beads: stones vary slightly in size, so two bracelets with the same number of beads can fit quite differently.
How much room to leave
- Snug fit: about 1.5 cm (half an inch) more than your wrist. The bracelet stays in place and suits slim chains.
- Comfort fit: about 2 to 2.5 cm (three quarters to one inch) more than your wrist. This is the classic men's fit, with a little movement.
- Loose fit: about 3 cm or more. It hangs lower on the hand, which suits heavy chains worn on their own.
These allowances are for chain bracelets; beaded bracelets need the larger allowance in the chart above. A bracelet should slide a little on the wrist without slipping over the hand. If you can fit one finger comfortably between bracelet and wrist, the size is right.
What size do most men choose?
We looked at more than 29,000 bracelet orders from the past year that included a size. For our beaded bracelets, about six in ten customers chose the Regular (medium) size, about one in four chose Large, and roughly one in seven chose Small. Popular is not the same as right, though: our return records show that far more bracelets come back too small than too big, so measure first. If you are buying for someone and cannot measure, borrow a bracelet they already wear and match its length.
Best-selling beaded bracelets
Chain, knitted and cuff bracelets
Our silver chain bracelets and panther bracelets come in sizes from Small to X-Large, covering 16.5 to 22.9 cm (6.5 to 9 inches); each product page shows the exact range for that design. Cuffs and bangles are single solid pieces, so check the inner measurement on the product page and compare it with your wrist, allowing enough room for the widest part of your hand to pass through on a bangle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average bracelet size for a man?
Most men's wrists measure between about 16.5 and 19 cm (6.5 to 7.5 inches), but the right bracelet length also depends on the bracelet type and bead size.
Should a men's bracelet be tight or loose?
Slightly loose. It should move a little and leave room for one finger, but not slide over the hand.
Which wrist should a man wear a bracelet on?
There is no fixed rule. Most men wear it on the wrist without a watch; if you wear both on one wrist, choose a slim bracelet and put it above the watch.
How do I find someone's bracelet size for a gift?
Borrow a bracelet they wear and measure its full length, including the clasp, then order the same length. If that is not possible, we can make a beaded bracelet to length once you know it.
Ready to choose? Browse our men's beaded bracelets or the full range of men's sterling silver bracelets. For rings, see our men's ring size chart, and to pick a stone, read our guide to beaded bracelet meanings.
