Indian bangles are sized by inner diameter, and the common adult sizes run from 2.2 to 2.10. The figure is not a decimal. The 2 is whole inches and the number after the point is sixteenths of an inch, so 2.6 means 2 and 6/16 inches, and 2.10 means 2 and 10/16 inches, which is larger than 2.8.
For most women's ranges, 2.4 and 2.6 are the best sellers, with 2.8 as the next most common. 2.2 suits slim wrists and teenagers, and 2.10 suits larger hands.
The size chart
- 2.2: 2 and 2/16 inches, about 54 mm inner diameter.
- 2.4: 2 and 4/16 inches, about 57 mm.
- 2.6: 2 and 6/16 inches, about 60 mm.
- 2.8: 2 and 8/16 inches, about 64 mm.
- 2.10: 2 and 10/16 inches, about 67 mm.
Why the notation confuses buyers
Customers abroad read 2.10 as smaller than 2.8, and some sellers sort their listings that way. Others assume the figure is in centimetres. Both mistakes lead to wrong sizes and returns. On your own labels and listings, show the inner diameter in millimetres next to the Indian size.
Bangles must pass over the knuckles, which are wider than the wrist. A rigid bangle that fits the wrist neatly may not go on at all, which is why sizing is by the hand, not the wrist.
How to order sizes
- Ask the maker to quote the inner diameter in mm for each size, measured on the finished piece.
- For a first order, weight the mix towards 2.4 and 2.6, with smaller quantities of 2.2, 2.8 and 2.10.
- Check that plating and stones do not reduce the inner diameter on the inside edge.
- Consider openable or adjustable designs (see kada, bangle and bracelet) to cut sizing returns.
What this means for a buyer
Specify sizes in mm on the purchase order and measure a sample from each size before shipment. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing, and checks sizes, plating and finish on production pieces. Start with a free sourcing review.