Armlets, worn on the upper arm, are part of full bridal looks across India. North Indian brides wear the bajuband; South Indian brides wear the vanki. For bridal counters, armlets complete high-value sets and are often requested by families buying the full look.
Styles by region
- Bajuband: North and West India, worn on the upper arm, often in Kundan or polki-look, tied with a dori (thread).
- Vanki: the South Indian V-shaped or curved armlet traditionally worn by brides, usually temple-style with a Lakshmi or peacock motif and kemp stones.
- Armlet bands: simpler bands in antique or temple finish, used by dancers and brides; a few broader bands also serve grooms, dance groups and theatre costumes.
- AD armlets: for modern bridal and receptions.
- Oxidised armlets: for dance and festival wear.
Fit, sizing and comfort
Upper arm sizes vary widely, so armlets are usually made adjustable: dori ties on bajubands adjust to any size, screw or hinge closures give a range on metal armlets, and open vanki designs press gently to fit. Ask your manufacturer for the adjustment range of each design, and avoid rigid armlets with no adjustment for general retail. Armlets are worn for hours at weddings and through dance performances, so a smooth inner surface, rounded edges and a secure closure matter more than for most pieces - check samples by wearing them for an hour.
Quality checks
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Adjustment | Dori strong, screw smooth |
| Weight | Comfortable for long ceremonies |
| Edges | Smooth, no scratching |
| Finish | Matches the bridal set |
| Stones | Secure and matched |
Stocking tips
Armlets sell slowly compared with necklaces and earrings, but they raise the value of complete bridal sets - a finishing touch rather than a core purchase. Keep a small range of well-chosen designs rather than many: for the South, one or two vanki designs in temple finish; for the North, a few Kundan bajubands with dori ties. Match them to your best-selling bridal sets and offer them as add-ons at the point of sale. Dance costume suppliers also buy vankis in volume.
We make bajubands and vankis at 200 pcs per design (400 for earrings and pendants). See bridal jewellery manufacturer.
Armlets in the rental market
Bridal rental businesses often buy armlets because customers want the complete look for one day without buying every piece. They value durability and consistency over novelty: strong dori, secure stones and a finish that survives repeated wear and cleaning. If you supply rental businesses, ask for sturdier construction on the same design.
Coordinating with the bridal set
An armlet should echo the main necklace: same motif, same stone colours, same finish - an armlet that clearly belongs to the set sells far more easily than a generic one. When you order a bridal set, send the necklace's design code and add a matching armlet design at the same time, so both are made in the same batch and match exactly.
Briefing an armlet
Give the arm circumference range, the width of the central panel, the adjustment method and the stone mix. Ask the factory to show the armlet worn on video before approval.
Care
Armlets rub against fabric and skin. Store them in pouches, and remind customers to take them off before changing clothes to avoid snagging.