How to find a bracelet that fits if you’ve got larger than average wrists

Buying online can be tricky if the item you’re buying has sizing issues. This is certainly the case with clothes and shoes, but it can also happen with jewelry as well – rings are the first example that springs to mind, but it’s also true of bracelets/bangles! It’s no problem finding a bracelet that will fit you if you’ve got an average-sized wrist, but it’s much harder for plus size ladies to find attractive bangles, bracelets and cuffs. In this article, I’ve tried to take the hassle out of buying a bracelet to fit the larger woman’s wrist, by providing some suggestions for getting around the problem. There are also some examples that you can buy on Amazon.com, which are shown in the capsules. The examples I’ve shown are all sterlingsilver but of course, the advice applies whatever metal you’re going for.

Sizing

Many listings will give the actual length of the bracelet (or its inner circumference if it’s a cuff/bangle). If this is the case, then all you’ve got to do is measure around your own wrist, add an inch or so to provide some “slack”, and then compare. If you’re buying a bangle without an opening, then it’s not just the size of your wrist you need to think about, but also the size of your hand! Move your thumb over the palm of your hand in the same way you would if you were really putting on a bangle, then measure around the widest point with a tape measure. Pull the tape measure quite tight while you’re doing this.

Then get your calculator out, and divide by 3.14. The result is the diameter your new bangle needs to be if you’re going to be able to get it on. Similarly, if the listing gives the diameter, then just multiply it by 3.14 to work out the circumference. (If you remember your school maths classes, you’ll know that the 3.14 is pi, as in circumference = pi times the diameter.)

If a “bracelet size” is given rather than a plain length, the bracelet size is typically one and a quarter inches larger than the actual circumference of your wrist. So if your wrist measures 7.5 (seven and a half) inches all the way round, then your bracelet size is 8.75 (or eight and three quarters, in other words).

1. Buy a hinged bangle

You’ll still need to establish whether the bangle’s circumference is big enough to fit around your wrist, but at least you will definitely be able to get it on and off easily!

2. Buy an adjustable, open-ended cuff

If you buy an adjustable cuff, you can pull the ends apart to give yourself an extra inch or so. However, it’s best to assume that a cuff is not adjustable unless the listing says otherwise – especially if the band is very wide or the cuff is quite heavy. Even if a cuff is adjustable, it’s always best to be cautious when opening the ends out – do it a bit at a time, so that you don’t end up overshooting the mark (so to speak) and distorting the shape.

And you’ll also note that a lot of listings for adjustable cuffs don’t specify the maximum size they will adjust to, so if your wrist/hand is a lot bigger than average, then perhaps it’s best to steer clear.

Can’t find what you want? Here are some other ways around the problem.

3. Buy a man’s bracelet

Men’s bracelets are of course longer than women’s, although obviously your design choices will be a bit restricted – think masculine and chunky, not dainty and feminine! (Pink enamel, hearts and rhinestones are unlikely to be an option here…)

4. Buy an ankle chain

Most of the ankle chains you buy are typically about 8.5 – 10 inches long. You can also get adjustable ones, which is great as long as you don’t mind having a short length of chain dangling off the end, although if that’s a problem you can always cut the dangly bit off with a pair of pliers. (If you’ve bought a precious metal chain, t’s worth saving the offcut in case you want to use it or sell it as scrap later.)

5. Buy an upper arm band, and wear it around your wrist instead

Worth considering, especially if your taste leans towards boho/hippy styles!

6. In the case of chain link bracelets, buy a matching extender chain

You’ll end up with two clasps – one will be the one on the bracelet itself, and one will be on the extender chain. But if you’re happy with that idea then go for it! It’s always worth having a couple of extender chains in your jewellery box anyway, because they can be used for necklaces as well.

7. Buy a stretch bracelet

There are some lovely stretch beaded bracelets out there, in all sorts of materials including semi precious stones. Sterling silver stretch bracelets are harder to come by but they do exist. Wear them on their own, or stack them with other stretch bracelets – it’s up to you!

© Silver Snake February 2011