How to measure for Urban Kord bracelets, belts and collars

Every Urban Kord piece is handmade, weave after weave. That's why size is not a secondary detail: it's what makes the difference between an accessory that's beautiful to look at and one that's comfortable to use every day.

Whether you're choosing a Paracord bracelet, a handmade belt, or a collar for your dog, starting with the right size ensures you get a product that's more precise, more comfortable, and closer to your style.

If you want to learn more about the material I use for many Urban Kord accessories, you can also read the guide What is Paracord. If you're choosing a custom combination, take a look at the Paracord Color Guide, where you'll find available shades and some ideas for combining them.

In this guide, you'll find a simple method for taking measurements at home, without strange tools and without complicating your life.

How to measure your wrist

To measure your wrist, you'll need a soft tape measure. If you don't have one, you can use a shoelace, string, phone charging cable, or a strip of paper, and then measure it with a ruler.

Wrap the tape measure around your wrist at the point where you usually wear a bracelet. Don't pull it too tight. The tape measure should rest against your skin, but without compressing it.

Look at the number in centimeters and note it down. That is your actual wrist size and the size to choose when ordering an Urban Kord bracelet.

Example: if your wrist measures 17 cm, choose size 17 cm.

From there, the bracelet is made taking into account the correct fit, so it will be neither too tight nor too loose.

For Urban Kord, a regular fit is almost always the most balanced choice: the bracelet remains comfortable, moves just right, and maintains a nice presence on the wrist.

If you have a very thin wrist, a very large wrist, or are used to wearing looser bracelets, it's best to write it in the order notes or contact me first. A well-stated measurement avoids modifications later.

A practical tip: measure your wrist at the time of day when you would normally wear the bracelet. Your wrist can change slightly due to heat, cold, physical activity, or the end of the day.

How to measure a belt

For a belt, the best method is to start with a belt you already use and that fits you well.

Take the belt, lay it flat on a table, and straighten it out. Measure from the buckle to the hole you usually use. Attention: you should not measure the entire belt from end to end, but only the useful distance between the buckle and the hole you use.

That is the most accurate measurement for making or choosing a correct belt.

Example: if there are 95 cm from the buckle to the hole you normally use, that is the measurement to communicate.

If you don't have a belt to use as a reference, you can measure your waist at the point where you usually wear the belt. Don't necessarily measure the narrowest part of your waist: measure where the belt actually goes, so on your pants, in the actual position of use.

In this case, use a soft tape measure, wrap it around your waist, and note the measurement in centimeters. The tape measure should be comfortable, not pulled to the maximum.

For a belt, precision matters a lot. A few centimeters can change how it hangs, closes, and stays in place.

Before choosing the color of your belt, you can consult the Paracord Color Guide: it's useful for seeing the available shades and understanding which combination best suits your daily style.

How to measure your dog's neck

To measure your dog's neck, you'll need a soft tape measure. The dog should be calm, standing or sitting, without pulling.

Wrap the tape measure around the base of the neck, at the point where the collar is normally worn. Don't measure too high, near the ears, and not too low on the shoulders.

The tape measure should fit snugly, but not tightly.

The practical rule is this: two fingers should fit between the dog's neck and the tape measure. If they fit too easily, the measurement is loose. If they don't fit, it's tight.

Note the measurement in centimeters.

Example: if the dog's neck measures 42 cm with two fingers of space, write "dog's neck 42 cm".

If the dog is a puppy or still growing, always mention it before ordering. In that case, it might be useful to consider a wider adjustment or a solution more suitable for growth.

If the dog has a lot of fur, still measure the actual neck at the collar point, without pressing the fur too much. The goal is to have a stable but comfortable collar.

For durable collars and accessories, the material makes a difference. If you want to better understand why I use Paracord and what makes it so versatile, also read the guide What is Paracord. To choose the collar's look, you can start with the Paracord Color Guide.

What to do if you are undecided

If you are undecided between two sizes, don't guess. Write to me.

Urban Kord was also created for this: to create personalized pieces, not standard products lined up on a shelf. If you have doubts about your wrist size, belt size, or your dog's collar size, send me a message with the measurement you've taken and, if necessary, a photo of the tape measure in position.

I will help you choose the most suitable size before creating the piece.

Better one extra message today than a wrong accessory tomorrow.

Before ordering, you can take two simple steps: check the size and choose the color. For the material, you can find the guide What is Paracord; for combinations, you can use the Paracord Color Guide.