Also known as wristbands, bracelets are accessories that are worn on the wrist. They are a small version of a bracer, a medieval arm covering. Bracelets are worn by cultures all over the world and are made from a huge range of materials.

Bracelets have several purposes. They are usually decorative, a piece of jewellery or an accessory, but sometimes have cultural significance or a practical use. For example in hospitals and other institutions, tough plastic bracelets that can only be removed with scissors are used to display a patients ID. This is particularly useful in facilities where the patients are likely to cause trouble such as mental hospitals. In some cultures a bracelet may mean something. In Turkey and the surrounding region the symbol of a blue eye is often painted on jewellery to scare away evil spirits as per their traditions. Azabache bracelets in Latin culture are usually worn by babies. Made from gold and adorned with a coral fist, they protect from negative influence.

Bracelets are made with a wide variety of materials. Expensive bracelets of gold and silver and other precious metals, fixed with precious stones, are a common gift for a woman. For less rich tastes, bracelets of woven fabric and plastics are cheap to buy. Fabric bracelets are very popular among those who have a reaction to metals or plastics, and those who want to avoid synthetic accessories. Plastic bracelets in particular have recently become very popular among teenagers due to a re-appearance of old styles. This retro style has brought back thin, coloured plastic bracelets, which were worn in the 80s. In some regions, breaking these bracelets is taken as a form of courting.

In recent years cheaply produced plastic wristbands that can be imprinted with words have become widely popular. Commonly referred to as charity wristbands, these often have an advertisement for a charity. They are fashionable and the profits from their sale go towards the charity. The charities used vary from anti-bullying to racism awareness.