Types of Bracelets: A Guide to Wristwear
There’s no better way to elevate an outfit than with an armful of eye-catching wristwear—aka an arm party.
And with layering trending this season, maximalist bracelet styling is taking center stage—think bold stacked cuffs, mixed-material layers and lots of textural intrigue lent by beads, leather and chains. Variety is key to nailing a strong bracelet look—the first step is getting to know our different silhouettes.
Cue this post—your ultimate guide to wristwear, where we’ll break down the most popular bracelet styles of the season. From cuffs to curb chains to delicate tennis bracelets, we’ll walk you through the basics and share expert styling tips to help you master each look.
Bracelet Styles
Whether you’re drawn to sleek minimalism or bold, statement-making designs, there’s a bracelet (or a few) waiting to complete your look. The trick is understanding your options and knowing how to mix and match to take your look to the next level.
Bangle and Cuff Bracelets
Rigid in shape and available in a variety of sizes, bangles and cuffs are bracelets that slide onto your wrist without the need for a clasp. The main difference between the two? Cuffs are open-ended, while bangles are continuous circles.
With their structured form, these types of bracelets make every flick of your wrist assertive and eye-catching. They’re also easy to stack and versatile enough to work with a variety of outfits.
To make the most of these bracelets, consider:
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Stacking bangles and cuffs in varying sizes to create a dynamic look.
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Mixing and matching metals and tones for an artistic, layered effect.
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Pairing a single chunky bangle with a sleek pantsuit for a chic, fashion-forward office look.
No matter how you style them, bangles and cuffs always show up as the outfit-makers that take you from dressed, to styled.
Chain Bracelets
Classic, elegant, and oh so versatile, chain bracelets consist of supple weaves or chunkier links—a John Hardy signature. Whether you’re wearing them solo or stacked with other pieces, here are some of our favorite ways to style chain bracelets:
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Pair a single, handcrafted chain bracelet with a t-shirt and jeans to create an effortlessly elevated casual outfit.
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Layer an array of chain types and metals to embellish a little black dress on date night, or add a flash of light-catching shine to black jeans and a going-out top.
Whether you stack, layer, mix, or match, chain bracelets will take your entire outfit up a notch—or two.
Beaded and Gemstone Bracelets
Perfect for everyday wear or that beach trip you've been dreaming about, beaded and gemstone bracelets bring a coastal coolness to any look.
Often combined with various metals and available in a variety of colors and textures, beads and gems allow you to get creative with your look and reflect your unique personality.
Try different combinations to discover your favorite beaded and gemstone bracelet aesthetic. Our favorite? This gorgeous turquoise and gold combination found in our Heishi Bracelet. It reads tropical and elegant—summer, distilled..
Leather Bracelets
Smooth, structured, and effortlessly cool—leather adds just the right edge to your wrist. It’s lightweight, wearable, and designed to turn heads without trying too hard.
Opt for a braided leather bracelet with a gold or silver clasp, like our trending Leather Bracelet in black and gold. The contrast between the leather and metal refines the style and adds an element of polish.
Specialty Bracelets with Unique Features
For the those among us who like to stand out from the crowd and go above and beyond what’s trending—these specialty bracelets are not your average.
Symbolic, Customizable, and Stackable Bracelets
Wear your heart (and unique style) on your wrist by adding meaningful designs or engravings to your bracelets. Then, mix and match your favorite styles to create a signature stack that’s unmistakably you.
Some ideas to get started with symbolic, customizable, and stackable bracelets:
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Charms – Add a charm or two to a chain bracelet to create a unique look that calls out a few of your favorite things.
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Engravings — Engrave a loved one’s name or a meaningful word on the clasp of a chain bracelet.
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Stacks — Wear your story on your wrist by collecting a new bracelet for every milestone.
Ultimately, personal style is all about experimenting—and your wrists are no exception.
Your Signature Style Awaits
Based in Bali since 1975, our approach blends modern design with time-honored Balinese craftsmanship and certified sustainable luxury practices. We create pieces you’ll want to wear now—and years from now.
Whether your style leans effortless, elevated, or somewhere in between, the right bracelet(s) are waiting—explore our men’s and women’s collections now to find the style that speaks to you.