How to Measure Your Wrist for a Cuff Bracelet: A Complete Sizing Guide
Measuring your wrist correctly before ordering a sterling silver cuff bracelet online takes just a minute and makes all the difference between a cuff bracelet that fits beautifully and one that doesn't sit quite right.
This guide will show you exactly how to measure your wrist, how to convert your measurement to the correct cuff bracelet size, and how to choose between a loose or snug fit - everything you need before placing your order.
Step 1: Measure Your Wrist Circumference
The most important measurement you need is the circumference of your wrist - that is, the distance all the way around your wrist at the point where you want the cuff bracelet to sit.
Using a soft tape measure (recommended): Wrap a soft tailor's tape measure around your wrist at the point where you'd like to wear the bracelet - typically just above the wrist bone. Hold the tape snugly but not tight, and note your measurement. Find it to the nearest half centimetre.
Using a strip of paper: If you don't have a tape measure, cut a narrow strip of paper approximately 1cm wide. Wrap it around your wrist, mark the point where the ends meet, then lay it flat and measure the length with a ruler. This gives you your wrist circumference.
Converting centimetres to inches: Our cuff bracelet sizes are listed in centimetres. If your measurement is in inches, multiply it by 2.54 to convert to centimetres.
For example: 6 inches x 2.54 = 15.2cm
Step 2: Choose Your Fit — Loose or Snug?
Once you have your wrist measurement, the next step is deciding how you'd like your cuff bracelet to fit.
Loose fit - the cuff moves freely around your wrist and sits with a little room to shift. Order the cuff bracelet size that matches your wrist circumference most closely.
Snug fit - the cuff sits closer to the skin with less movement. Order one size smaller than your wrist circumference.
Cuff Bracelet Size Chart
Use the table below to find your recommended cuff bracelet size based on your wrist measurement and preferred fit:
| Wrist Circumference (centimetres) | Cuff Bracelet Size (Loose Fit) | Cuff Bracelet Size (Snug Fit) |
|---|---|---|
| 12.5cm | XXS - 12.5cm | N/A |
| 14cm | XS - 14cm | XXS - 12.5cm |
| 15cm | S - 15cm | XS - 14cm |
| 16.5cm | M - 16.5cm | S - 15cm |
| 18cm | L - 18cm | M - 16.5cm |
| 19cm | XL - 19cm | L - 18cm |
| 20.5cm | XXL - 20.5cm | XL - 19cm |
Example: If your wrist measures 16.5cm and you prefer a loose fit, order size M - 16.5cm. For a snugger fit on the same wrist, order size S - 15cm.
If you fall between two measurements, we recommend sizing up to ensure a comfortable fit.
Not Sure Which Fit to Choose?
If you're buying a cuff bracelet as a gift and aren't certain of the recipient's preference, a loose fit is typically the safer choice - it's more forgiving across a range of wrist sizes and easier to adjust.
If you're buying for a man and want something specific, our men's sterling silver cuff bracelets range from a narrow 5mm everyday cuff to a wide 25mm statement bangle.
Our women's sterling silver cuff bracelets are made from solid sterling silver and have a natural flex that allows them to be gently adjusted to fit your wrist - so there is some room for fine-tuning once your bracelet arrives.
About Our Cuff Bracelets
All cuff bracelets at Rebecca Cordingley Jewellery are handmade to order in our South Australian studio. Because each piece is made individually to your specified size, getting your measurement right before ordering is important - it means your bracelet will fit perfectly from the moment it arrives, with no need for resizing.
Our sterling silver cuff bracelets are available in a range of styles for men and women. Our most popular everyday piece is the 5mm sterling silver cuff bracelet - a fine, clean band in solid sterling silver that suits both men and women. We also make several wider styles, including the 25mm hammered sterling silver cuff bracelet and, for women, a 50mm wide sterling silver cuff - our most substantial piece. For men, our range includes an 8mm engraved cuff bracelet and a chunky half-round cuff with a rounded profile.
We also offer personalised cuff bracelets with custom engraving - a popular choice for meaningful gifts, commemorative pieces, and wedding jewellery.
Cuff Bracelets vs Bangles: What's the Difference?
If you're new to bracelets, it's worth understanding the difference between a cuff bracelet and a bangle, as they fit and are sized differently.
A cuff bracelet has an open back - a gap that allows it to be slipped on over the wrist and adjusted slightly for fit. Because of this opening, cuff bracelets are sized by wrist circumference and can accommodate a small range of wrist sizes comfortably.
A bangle is a solid, closed circle with no opening. Bangles are sized by the diameter of the circle, and must be slipped over the hand to reach the wrist. Bangle sizing is therefore based on the width of your hand at its widest point - across the knuckles - rather than your wrist circumference.
Measuring for a Cuff Bracelet as a Gift
Buying a cuff bracelet as a gift when you don't know the recipient's wrist size can feel daunting, but there are a few practical approaches:
Ask casually - the simplest approach is to ask the recipient to measure their wrist for you. Just send a quick message saying you're ordering something online and need their wrist measurement in centimetres.
Measure while they sleep - if you'd like to keep the gift a surprise, a soft tape measure placed gently around their wrist while they are sleeping will give you an accurate measurement.
Use an existing bracelet - if the recipient already wears a bangle or cuff bracelet that fits them well, measure the internal width of that piece across its widest point. This can give you a useful reference point for sizing.
When in doubt, size up - if you genuinely cannot measure and need to make an educated guess, sizing slightly larger is always the more practical choice. A cuff bracelet with a little extra room is wearable; one that is too small is not.
It is also worth noting that a sterling silver cuff bracelet that is slightly too large can often be resized, whereas one that is too small cannot be made larger without more complex work.
If you purchase a cuff bracelet as a gift and the size is not quite right when it arrives, contact us and we will do our best to help - though because our pieces are made to order, we do ask customers to check our refund and exchange policy before ordering.
If you're looking for gift ideas, our engraved sterling silver cuff bracelet for men is one of our most popular gift choices - personalised with a name, date or message on the inside of the band.
Still Have Questions?
If you're unsure about sizing or have a question about a specific piece in our collection, we're happy to help. Contact us before placing your order and we'll make sure you get the right size first time.
Browse our full range of sterling silver cuff bracelets and bangles, including women's bracelets and men's bracelets - all handmade to order in solid sterling silver and shipped across Australia and worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my wrist for a cuff bracelet?
Wrap a soft tape measure around your wrist at the point where you'd like the bracelet to sit, typically just above the wrist bone. Note the measurement in centimetres. If you don't have a tape measure, wrap a narrow strip of paper around your wrist, mark where the ends meet, and measure the length with a ruler. Use our size chart above to find the right cuff bracelet size for your wrist measurement and preferred fit.
What size cuff bracelet should I order?
Find your wrist circumference in our size chart above, then decide whether you'd like a loose or snug fit. For a loose fit, order the size that matches your wrist circumference most closely. For a snug fit that sits closer to the skin, order one size smaller than your wrist measurement. If you fall between two sizes, size up for comfort.
What is the difference between a loose fit and a snug fit cuff bracelet?
A loose fit cuff bracelet moves freely on the wrist and sits with a little room to shift - a popular choice for statement pieces and stacked bracelet looks. A snug fit sits closer to the skin with less movement. Neither is better than the other - it comes down to personal preference.
What is the difference between a cuff bracelet and a bangle?
A cuff bracelet has an open back and is sized by wrist circumference. A bangle is a solid closed circle with no opening and is sized by the diameter of the circle, based on the width of your hand across the knuckles. The two are sized differently, so it's important to use the correct measurement method for the style you're purchasing.
Can I adjust a sterling silver cuff bracelet after purchase?
Sterling silver cuff bracelets have a natural flex that allows them to be gently adjusted to fit your wrist once received. However, significant adjustments should be made with care to avoid stressing the metal. Getting your measurement right before ordering is always preferable. If you are unsure about your size, contact us before placing your order.
How do I measure a wrist for a cuff bracelet as a gift?
The most reliable method is to ask the recipient directly, or to measure their wrist with a soft tape measure when the opportunity arises. If you'd like to keep it a surprise, measuring an existing bracelet or bangle that fits them well can provide a useful guide. When in doubt, size slightly larger - a cuff that is a little roomy is wearable, whereas one that is too small is not.