Anklets: How and When to Wear Them
An anklet should sit just above the ankle bone with about a finger of slack — loose enough to move, tight enough not to slip underfoot. There is no rule about which leg; traditional payal is usually worn as a pair, modern anklets singly.
Fit
| Ankle measurement | Anklet length |
|---|---|
| 20–22 cm | 24 cm |
| 22–24 cm | 26 cm |
| 24–26 cm | 28 cm |
Measure around the ankle bone and add roughly 2 cm. Too tight is uncomfortable when the foot flexes; too loose slides under the heel.
Payal and the modern anklet
Traditional payal is typically silver, often with ghungroo bells, and worn as a pair — long associated with bridal and festive dress across much of India. The contemporary anklet is usually a single fine chain worn casually and year-round. Both are valid; they are simply doing different jobs.
Wearing it well
- Works best with bare ankles — sandals, sarees, cropped trousers.
- One fine chain reads modern; a pair reads traditional.
- Anti-tarnish matters more here than anywhere: an anklet meets dust, water and footwear constantly.
See anklets and payal.
Frequently asked questions
Which leg should an anklet be worn on?
Either. Traditional payal is worn on both; modern anklets are commonly worn on one, though there is no fixed rule.
Can I wear an anklet every day?
Yes, if it is anti-tarnish. Anklets meet water, dust and friction more than any other piece.
How tight should it be?
About a finger of slack. It should rotate but not slide under the heel.
