How to Measure for a Hawaiian Bangle, Bracelet, or Anklet
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A Hawaiian heirloom bangle is meant to be worn for decades. Getting the fit right the first time matters more here than with most jewelry — a bangle that slides off in the ocean or won't clear your knuckle isn't a piece you'll reach for.
The good news: you only need a strip of paper and a ruler. Here's how to measure for each type, and what fit to aim for.
What you'll need
- A strip of paper about half an inch wide, or a soft measuring tape
- A ruler with inch markings
- A pen
Skip the string. It stretches, and a stretched measurement gives you a piece that's too loose.
How to measure your wrist
Wrap the paper strip around your wrist, just below the wrist bone — where a watch would naturally sit. Keep it snug but not tight. You should be able to slip a finger underneath.
Mark where the paper overlaps, lay it flat, and measure to your mark. That number is your wrist circumference. Most adult wrists fall between 6 and 8 inches.
How to measure your hand
This is the step people skip, and it's the one that matters most.
A rigid bangle with no clasp has to pass over your knuckles to reach your wrist. So the measurement that decides whether it fits isn't your wrist — it's the widest part of your hand.
Tuck your thumb into your palm as if you're putting on a glove. Wrap the paper strip around the widest point across your knuckles. Mark, flatten, measure.
This number is almost always larger than your wrist measurement, sometimes by an inch or more. If a bangle is smaller than your hand measurement, it will not go on, no matter how well it fits your wrist.
Cuffs and open bangles are different. If a bangle has an opening at the back, it doesn't need to clear your knuckles — measure your wrist instead and add about a quarter inch for comfort.
How to measure your ankle
Wrap the paper strip around your ankle, just above the ankle bone. Keep it flush against the skin without pressing in.
Anklets are meant to drape rather than grip. Add half an inch to one inch to your measurement, depending on how loose you want it. Most people land on a 9 or 10 inch anklet.
Measure at the end of the day if you can. Ankles swell slightly as the day goes on, and a piece that fits at 8am can feel tight by evening.
Choosing your fit
| Piece | Measure | Then add |
|---|---|---|
| Slip-on bangle | Hand at knuckles, thumb tucked | Nothing — the bangle must clear this |
| Cuff or open bangle | Wrist | About 1/4 inch |
| Link bracelet | Wrist | 1/2 to 1 inch |
| Anklet | Ankle above the bone | 1/2 to 1 inch |
The sizes we carry
Sizes vary by piece, so always check the dropdown on the product you're looking at. Here's the range across our collections.
Bangles
| Style | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Sterling silver rigid bangles — Scroll, Kuuipo, Queen, Maile, Plumeria, Honu | 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9 |
| 14K gold Kuuipo bangles | 7, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8 |
| Cuffs and open bangles | One size, adjustable |
| Baby bangles | One size |
Bracelets
| Style | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Sterling silver bracelets | 7, 7.5 |
| 14K gold link bracelets | 4 through 7, in half sizes |
| Select styles | Small, Medium |
Anklets
| Style | Sizes |
|---|---|
| 14K gold anklets | 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9 |
| Sterling silver anklets | 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12 |
A few one-of-a-kind and heirloom pieces are made in a single size. If your measurement falls outside what's listed, get in touch — we can often make a piece to your size.
A few things worth knowing
Wide bangles wear smaller. A 15mm or 18mm scroll bangle sits across more of your wrist than a 6mm one, so the same measurement can feel tighter in a wide design. If you're between sizes and looking at a wide bangle, size up.
Bangles are meant to move. A properly fitted bangle slides a little. If it sits perfectly still against your wrist, it's too small, and you'll notice within a week.
Stacking changes the math. If you plan to wear two or three bangles together, they need slightly more room than one alone.
Sterling and gold don't stretch. Unlike a leather or beaded piece, a solid bangle is the size it is. This is why measuring twice is worth the two minutes.
Not sure? Ask us.
Sizing is the question we get most, and we'd rather help you get it right than process a return. Send us your measurements through our contact page and we'll tell you what to order.
If a piece you love doesn't come in your size, or you're not sure which way to go between two, our custom order page is the place to start. Every piece is solid .925 sterling silver or 14K gold, and we'd rather get the fit right the first time.
Family-owned on Oʻahu since 1994.