A toggle bracelet is a chain you wear on your wrist that you fasten with a T-bar closure. An alternative type has two balls on the end that will stop when they hit the ring portion of the closure, so they won’t separate like the T closure does.
What is a toggle bracelet, and how do you wear it?
A toggle bracelet has an opening in the middle. It can be closed by pulling the two ends of the bracelet together. The toggle clasp is typically a small piece of metal, which is shaped like a “T”.
You slip one end of the clasp through a hole. Then, you do the same with the other end. You must maneuver it through the opening where you insert it to close the bracelet around your wrist.
Alternative Toggle Types
Gemstone Triple Pendant Toggle Bracelet
Another type has two ball ends on both sides of the bracelet. They come closed when you buy them, and you slide the bracelet loop like a rope lasso to fit it over your hand. This type stays in a loop and may not come undone like the T-bar version would. However, they could loosen and fall off if too large for your hand.
Another toggle type includes an end similar to a basic T-bar that you would slip through a hole. However, these have more intricate carvings on them to produce a more decorative appeal.
Related: 31 Different Types of Bracelets
Why wear a toggle bracelet?
They add an elegant touch to any outfit you have. You could attach some charms to the chain loops if you want to, or just wear them as is.
What are toggle bracelets made of?
Most probably consist of some type of metal, whether it be the composite type normally for costume jewelry or plated gold. You might find some silver or pewter ones too. Higher-end ones might come in 24-karat gold, and maybe you’ll find some in rose or white gold and platinum.
However, keep in mind that issues with toggle bracelets may not make precious metal versions worth the investment. By the way, you might find some toggle bracelets made with leather straps and bone T’s to use with a ring clasp.
What are some problems with toggle bracelets?
“This type of clasp is not always stable and should only be used when constructing costume jewelry,” says Sylvia Cini, an eHow expert.
The hugest problem with a toggle bracelet is that it might not always stay secure on your hand. You have to find out if it fits well enough to stay on your wrist but will still adjust enough for you to slip it off your hand. That’s why you might not want to risk paying hundreds of dollars for one. It could fall off your wrist.
The clasps themselves also might consist of poor-quality materials. If so, they could easily break off from the rest of the chain. If you’re making your own toggle bracelet, keep that in mind. Choose a toggle bracelet sturdier than the rest of the metal to hold the chain in place. On the other hand, the rest of the bracelet also cannot be too weak, or that will fall off too.
How do you size a toggle bracelet to your wrist?
You might want to consult a bracelet sizing chart. Then, measure your wrist right below its bone. Another option is to use a sizing cone, which will help you determine your bracelet’s staying threshold—the “sweet spot” if you will when trying to get it to stay on your hand.
I can’t stand bracelets that are too loose and feel like they will fall off, so I like to make sure they fit right, or I wouldn’t wear them at all. Of course, you would risk breaking the chain or the clasp if you try to force one that is too small onto your wrist.
Related: Bracelet Size Chart (Women, Men and Kids)
How do you fasten a toggle bracelet?
“Sometimes people find putting bracelets on to be a bit tricky,” says Rebecca Mojica, the Blue Buddha Boutique host. First, Mojica extends an arm with the back of the hand facing up. Then, she drapes the portion of the bracelet with the ring end across her wrist and pulls the T-bar underneath and wraps it to meet with the ring, pulling one end in at a time.
Before you can pull the bar into the ring, you will have to insert enough of one end of the T into the hole. You may have to hold the bracelet in place by placing part of your arm where the bracelet sits against your body.
How do I make a toggle bracelet stay on?
If you have chosen a bracelet tight enough, it should stay on your wrist. Whether it be the T-bar or the ball-ended toggle that you can adjust like a rope noose, sizing matters the most.