Bangles

You might be surprised to know your bangle size is determined by the size of your hand, not your wrist.  

To see which bangle fits best, simply close your fingers together and bring your thumb up to your little finger, then wrap a tape measure around your hand at its widest point. Use this as your guide for finding the perfect fit.

Some bangles offer a secure fit, while others sit loosely around your wrist. It’s a good idea to try on particular bangles in different sizes and styles so you can feel which is more comfortable.

Love the look of solid bangles? These generally come in one size, so make sure you try them on. If you’re after something a bit more flexible, hinged bangles can be opened to fit comfortably and locked securely in place using a clasp system. Cuff bracelets, meanwhile, feature a gap, allowing enough room for your hand to fit through and for the bracelet to rest nicely on the wrist.  

Still unsure? Try the Michael Hill bangle size guide here.

Bracelets are commonly made from chain links (such as the belcher bracelet), or a line of symmetrical gemstone links (like the tennis bracelet) and are more delicate and flexible in nature. Bangles are usually rigid and maintain their shape on and off your wrist. Both types of jewellery can be crafted from a range of different metals. Certain types of bangles can even feature a clasp to lock it in place, just like a bracelet. 

Bangles come in a wide array of styles. Solid bangles have smooth, clean lines and an understated feel, perfect for those who want to add a simple yet elegant touch to their outfit. Thinner, more delicate bangles can be great for stacking or to accent a little black dress. Wear bangles stacked or solo, both achieve an elegant aesthetic. If you enjoy a more delicate and subtle touch, chain bracelets can be worn either on their own or stacked together for a contemporary look. 

Whether you prefer bangles or bracelets, it comes down to personal preference. Why not wear them together and have the best of both worlds?

There really are no rules for wearing bangles—wear as many or as few as you like. These pieces can be styled in a number of ways that can either create a subtle accent or make them stand out, no matter what you wear.  

Gold bangles combine bohemian cool with a timeless elegance, pairing beautifully with black and other darker tones. Silver bangles have a sleek and sophisticated feel, and look especially good with diamond embellishments, especially when paired with diamond jewellery.  

Layer bangles on one or both wrists, or even pair them with a watch. Mix and match them according to colour and size – combine gold with rose gold to bring out their natural warmth and shine, or pair white gold with rose gold to create a striking contrast. Different shapes and textures can also give bangles some personality and depth. When layering your bangles with other pieces like bracelets or watches, it’s important to minimise the likelihood of different materials rubbing together. For instance, avoid bangles sliding over your watch face, and take care of diamond pieces coming into contact with metal pieces to avoid potential scratches.