Measure the widest part of each natural nail in millimeters, then match it to the chart below: XS is 8 to 14 mm depending on the finger, S is 9 to 15, M is 10 to 16 and L is 11 to 17. If you land between two sizes, take the larger one. The rest of this guide shows you exactly how to measure, what to do when a nail is a little too wide, and how to pick a shape.
The L'Adele size chart
Every measurement below is the widest point of the natural nail, in millimeters.
| Size | Thumb | Index | Middle | Ring | Pinky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 14 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| S | 15 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 |
| M | 16 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
| L | 17 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Every set is handmade in soft gel and comes as 10 nails for your fingers plus 5 spares, all in the size you choose.
How to measure for press-on nails
All you need is a strip of paper or a piece of tape and a ruler with a millimeter side.
- Find the widest point of your nail. That is usually around the middle, just before the nail starts to narrow toward the cuticle.
- Lay the strip across that point and press it gently into the curve of your nail, so it follows the shape instead of sitting flat on top.
- Mark both edges of the nail with a pen, right where the nail meets the skin.
- Take the strip off, lay it flat and measure the distance between the two marks in millimeters.
- Round to the nearest whole number and write it down next to the finger.
Measure every finger, even if you think you already know your size.
If you are between two sizes, size up
This is the one rule worth remembering. A nail that is slightly too wide can be fixed in a few strokes with a file. A nail that is too narrow cannot be made wider, and it leaves a small gap along the side where lifting usually starts. So when your measurement lands between two sizes, or right on the line, take the larger one.
Some brands tell you to go smaller when you are in between. That advice makes sense for their nails, but check the instructions that come with each brand instead of assuming the rule carries over.
What if your fingers fall in different sizes?
It happens all the time. Your thumbs might measure L while your pinkies measure S. Pick the size that fits most of your fingers. Then file the sides of any nail that is a bit wide. If you are truly unsure, Beginnerset Reflected has 30 nails in S, M and L, so you can try each finger against three sizes before you commit.
If a nail is a little too wide
Hold the nail against your own and check where it overhangs. Then use the nail file from the box and follow these steps:
- File the side that overhangs, working from the edge toward the center of the nail.
- Use short, light strokes and check the fit after every few passes.
- Never file only the free edge (the tip). It shortens the nail but does nothing for the width.
Choosing a shape
We make four shapes: Round, Oval Short, Square Short and Oval Long. If this is your first set, start with Round, Oval Short or Square Short: shorter nails are easier to apply and easier to live with. Oval Long is a good next step once you know your sizes and want more length.
If you are planning a set for the season, our holiday press-on nails guide has ideas for colors and finishes. You can browse every shape and design on our press-on nails page.
Why our sizing works differently from a drugstore box
Many boxes at the drugstore hold 24 to 30 nails spread across 12 to 15 different sizes. The idea is that you sort through the pile and find something close for each finger.
Our sets work the other way around. You measure once, choose your size, and every nail in the set is in that size. Of the 15 nails, 10 go on your fingers and 5 are spares. The tradeoff is honest: if your fingers vary a lot, one size will not be a perfect match on every nail, which is why we suggest sizing up and filing. And if you would rather choose from three sizes, that is what the Beginnerset Reflected is for.
If the size you chose turns out to be wrong, we'll exchange an unused set for the right size within 14 days; you only pay the shipping to send it back to us.
Frequently asked questions
What if my thumb is L and my pinky is S?
Choose the size that fits most of your fingers. If most of your nails are M, order M, file the sides of the narrower nails if they look wide. The 5 spares are there in case you lose or damage a nail.
Can I use this chart with other brands' nails?
It is best to treat it as a starting point only. There is no shared standard for press-on sizes, so a size M from one brand may not be a size M from another. Sizes are numbered differently, and some brands recommend going smaller when you are between sizes. Use your millimeter measurements and check each brand's own chart.
My press-ons are too big. What now?
If a nail overhangs a little at the sides, file from the edge toward the center in short, light strokes, and do not file only the free edge. If a nail still feels loose after filing, the set is probably a size too big for you. As long as the set is unused, we'll exchange it for the right size within 14 days; you only pay the shipping to send it back to us.
My press-ons are too small. Can I fix that?
Not really. A nail cannot be made wider, and a gap along the side is where lifting begins. That is why we always say to size up. For your next set, order the next size up.
Do sizes run small on curved nails?
They can seem to, mostly because of how people measure. A ruler laid flat across a strongly curved nail reads narrower than the nail actually is, so it is easy to order a size too small. That is why the paper or tape strip is pressed into the curve before you mark the edges. If a nail still does not sit comfortably, try a different shape, and size up when you are unsure.
This guide is general advice for fitting press-on nails. If you have a nail condition, an injury or sensitive skin, ask your doctor or a nail professional before wearing them.
