Why bangle sizing feels tricky
Rings slide onto one finger. Bangles have to pass over your entire hand, knuckles and all, and then sit comfortably on your wrist. That is why bangle sizing confuses so many buyers: the size that fits over your hand is slightly larger than the size that feels snug on your wrist. Get it right and a bangle glides on with a gentle push and rests without sliding off. Get it wrong and it either will not pass your knuckles or it spins loosely all day.
The good news is that you can measure accurately at home in two minutes.
The fist method: measure at home
You need a flexible measuring tape, or a strip of paper and a ruler.
- Tuck your thumb into your palm, the way you would when sliding a bangle on. Bring your fingers together snugly.
- Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hand, right across the knuckles. Keep it firm but not tight.
- Note the measurement in millimetres where the tape meets. That is your hand circumference.
- Match it to the chart below. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one. A bangle that is slightly roomy is wearable; one that will not pass your knuckles is not.
Measure in the evening if you can. Hands swell slightly through the day, and an evening measurement keeps you from choosing a size that turns into a morning struggle.
The standard bangle size chart
Bangle sizes in Pakistan follow the traditional numbering. Find your hand circumference and read across to your size.
| Bangle size | Inner diameter (approx.) | Fits hand circumference up to |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2 | 57 mm (2.25 in) | 178 mm |
| 2.4 | 60 mm (2.38 in) | 188 mm |
| 2.6 | 63.5 mm (2.50 in) | 198 mm |
| 2.8 | 66.7 mm (2.62 in) | 208 mm |
| 2.10 | 70 mm (2.75 in) | 218 mm |
These are the sizes most Pakistani jewellers stock. Sizes 2.4 and 2.6 fit the majority of women. If your measurement sits right on a boundary, go up. Comfort beats precision here.
Kara sizing works differently
A kara is stiffer and usually wider than a bangle, and many karas have a hinged opening with a clasp. Because a hinged kara opens to go on, it can be sized closer to your actual wrist. When trying a kara, it should close comfortably with enough room to slide one finger between the kara and your wrist. Too tight and it will pinch; too loose and a heavy kara will swing and strain your wrist over a long day.
For solid (non-opening) karas, use the fist method exactly as you would for bangles.
Tips for wide kadas
Wide kadas look magnificent but they are less forgiving than slim bangles. A wide kada in your normal size can feel tighter because more metal contacts the skin. If you are choosing a kada wider than about 12 mm, consider going half a size up from your chart size. And remember that wide, heavy pieces are best tried on in person, which is exactly what our store is for.
Between sizes, or buying as a gift
If you are between sizes, choose the larger. If you are buying bangles as a gift and cannot measure, 2.6 is the safest choice for an adult woman in Pakistan, and most recipients can tell you their size if you ask casually. Keep the receipt: sizing adjustments are a normal part of our service.
Still unsure? Send us a photo of your hand next to a ruler on WhatsApp and we will help you pick. Or visit the store in Suha Bazar and try the full range. Bangles are meant to be tried on, and we keep every standard size ready for exactly that.