Knowing your accurate wrist size is the first step toward ensuring the comfort and proper fit of any wrist-worn accessory. An incorrect measurement can lead to a piece that is either uncomfortably restrictive or prone to sliding and damage. The circumference of your wrist, measured in inches or centimeters, serves as the foundational number for selecting the correct size.
Measuring With Flexible Tape
The use of a flexible, tailor’s measuring tape provides the most direct and accurate way to determine your wrist circumference. This tool minimizes measurement errors that flat or rigid instruments can introduce. To begin, position the zero end of the tape on the underside of your wrist, just below the prominent wrist bone.
Wrap the tape around your wrist, ensuring it lies perfectly flat against the skin without any twists or folds. The tape should be pulled to a snug tension, meaning it is tight enough to touch the skin but not so tight that it compresses the flesh or causes discomfort. Note the measurement where the tape crosses the zero mark; this represents your raw wrist circumference.
Measuring Without Specialized Tools
An accurate circumference measurement can still be achieved using common household items if a flexible measuring tape is unavailable. This method involves capturing the wrist’s perimeter and then measuring that length with a standard ruler. A thin strip of paper, a piece of string, or dental floss can serve as a suitable substitute.
Wrap the chosen material around your wrist, keeping it flat and snug against the skin. Once the material overlaps, use a pen or marker to designate the exact point where the overlap occurs. Unwrap the material, straighten it completely, and lay it flat on a level surface.
Place a rigid ruler or construction tape measure alongside the marked material, aligning the zero end with one of your marks. The distance to the second mark will provide your accurate wrist circumference in inches or centimeters.
Interpreting Your Wrist Size
The initial measurement you capture is known as your “true” wrist circumference. For practical application, the measurement should be taken just distal, or slightly below, the protruding ulna bone on the pinky-finger side of the wrist. This spot is generally the narrowest point of the wrist and is the standard location for most watches and bracelets.
The number you record reflects a tight measurement, which is the baseline for the wrist structure itself. For a comfortable fit on a watch or bracelet, a small allowance must be added to this raw number. Typically, adding approximately one-quarter to one-half inch (about 0.6 to 1.3 centimeters) to the circumference creates the necessary slack for movement and comfort. This slight increase prevents the accessory from feeling restrictive.