Bangle Bracelets 101

You’ve probably seen the bangle bracelet trend popping up on social media over the last few years — a gorgeously layered arm featuring sparkling, twinkling bracelets that perfectly mix and match. At Shane Co., we love bangle bracelets because they can be worn together or apart to create a unique look that goes with any outfit. Whether you’re dressing up for a fancy event or just looking to add a little glamour to your everyday T-shirt and jeans, bangle bracelets provide the perfect opportunity to show off your personal style.

What is the difference between a bangle and a bracelet?

Originating from the Hindi word “bangri,” meaning ring-shaped anklet, bangles actually have a long and interesting history. They’ve been depicted in artwork tracing back as far as 2600 B.C., usually made from a combination of materials like bronze, copper, and even decorative shells.

The main attribute that separates a bangle from a traditional bracelet is flexibility. While bracelets tend to contain chains or even rope or string so that they can be easily manipulated around the wrist, bangles are traditionally made of more solid metals and adhere to a solid shape, either soldered or linked together with a clasp at the end.

How do I style bangle bracelets?

There are many ways to style bangle bracelets, depending on your own personal taste! In many cultures, bangles are worn in groups — women can be adorned in anywhere from two to up to dozens of bangles, with similar or contrasting metals and designs. In fact, bangles are often gifted at baby showers because the sounds of the bracelets “clinking” together on a mother’s arm can be quite soothing to babies and young children.

Of course, you can also choose to style a bangle on its own, as a statement piece or as an everyday addition to your jewelry wardrobe. If you’d like to try stacking bangles, we recommend a few tips:

Play up color. Whether you’re choosing styles with colorful gemstones or different metal types, add a bit of color to your bracelet stack.
Choose contrast. Alternate the thickness and style of your bangles for an on-trend, one-of-a-kind look.
Add some sparkle. It’s no secret that we’re a fan of diamonds — and a little bit of sparkle will create a glittering stack that will perfectly accent your outfit.
Embrace your favorites. Choose one bangle that you absolutely love to wear, then work out what the rest of your stack will look like based on that staple piece.

Shop bangle bracelets

Shane Co. has dozens of stylish bangle bracelets to choose from, whether you’re looking for a simple all-gold design or a diamond-studded statement piece. You can shop all of our bangle bracelets online at ShaneCo.com, or check out some of our favorites below!