Waterproof Anklets Australia How to Choose One You Can Actually Swim In
Anklets are one of the strongest jewellery trends in Australia right now and the most common question women ask before buying is a practical one. Can I actually swim in it? The answer depends entirely on the material. This guide covers which anklet materials hold up to salt water, chlorine and daily wear, which styles work best for active Australian lifestyles, and what to check before buying online.
Why Anklets and Water Are a Problem With the Wrong Material
An anklet lives at the foot. It goes to the beach, into the pool, through the shower and across sand and surf that no other piece of jewellery has to deal with. This makes the material question more important for anklets than for almost any other jewellery style.
Standard gold plated anklets on a brass or copper base are not built for this. Salt water is corrosive and accelerates the oxidation of reactive base metals like copper and brass. Chlorine in pools does the same thing. Once the thin gold plating wears through, which happens faster in water than in dry wear, the brass underneath is exposed. The anklet discolours, can leave marks on skin and may start to cause irritation. For a piece you want to wear at the beach every summer, this is a real problem.
18K PVD gold plated stainless steel is different. The base is stainless steel, which does not corrode in salt water or chlorine. The PVD coating is bonded at a molecular level and is significantly harder and more durable than standard electroplating. The combination genuinely holds up to the water exposure that Australian summer life throws at an anklet. Every piece in the GLISTIA anklets collection is made from this material.
An anklet that has to come off before you go in the water is not really an anklet for Australian summer. It is a piece of jewellery that lives in a drawer three months of the year.
Which Materials Hold Up to Water Wear
Please note. No material can be guaranteed completely waterproof or reaction free for every person. Every person's skin and environment is different and individual results vary. Rinsing any anklet with fresh water after salt water or chlorinated pool swimming is a simple habit that helps any material last longer. If any irritation or discolouration occurs, remove the piece and seek appropriate advice.
How to Find Your Anklet Size in Australia
Getting the size right matters more for anklets than for most other jewellery because an anklet that is too loose slides around constantly and one that is too tight is uncomfortable to walk in.
The simplest way to find your size is to wrap a soft tape measure or a piece of string around your ankle at the narrowest point just above the ankle bone. Note that measurement in centimetres, then add 2 to 3 centimetres for a comfortable fit that moves naturally as you walk.
| Ankle Measurement | Recommended Anklet Length | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 19 cm | 20 to 21 cm | Slim ankle, close fit |
| 19 to 21 cm | 22 to 23 cm | Average ankle, standard fit |
| 21 to 23 cm | 23 to 25 cm | Average to fuller ankle |
| 23 cm plus | 25 cm plus with extender | Fuller ankle, use extender chain |
Most GLISTIA anklets come with an extender chain that gives you an additional 3 centimetres of adjustment. This means a single anklet fits across a range of ankle sizes and gives you flexibility to wear it higher or lower on the leg depending on the look you want.
Anklet Styles Worth Knowing
How to Wear an Anklet in Australia
There is no fixed rule about which ankle to wear an anklet on in Australia. Most women wear one on the right ankle by habit but either ankle works. The key is choosing a fit and style that suits your lifestyle.
For beach days and outdoor living, a fine chain anklet in 18K PVD gold plated stainless steel is the most practical choice. It handles salt water and sand without any concern, looks great with sandals and bare feet, and does not catch on towels or clothing the way heavier styles might.
For everyday office or casual wear, the same fine chain looks polished under trousers or visible with cropped pants and skirts. The gold tone at the ankle adds a finishing detail to an outfit without demanding attention.
For a layered ankle stack, start with one fine chain and add a second at a slightly different length. The two chains should not be identical in width or link style. One fine link and one slightly chunkier or textured chain creates more visual interest than two identical chains worn at different lengths.
In cooler Australian months, anklets can be worn over very fine socks or hosiery. This is a styling approach that is gaining popularity and gives the anklet a role year round rather than just through summer.
What to Check Before Buying a Waterproof Anklet Online in Australia
- 1 Base metal stated clearly. Look for stainless steel or surgical grade stainless steel in the product description. If the base metal is not named, assume brass. A brand confident in the quality of their anklets states the material plainly.
- 2 Plating method specified. PVD plating on stainless steel is more durable than standard electroplating for anklets that will be worn in water regularly. If the listing says gold plated without specifying the method or base metal, it is most likely standard electroplating on brass.
- 3 Length and extender chain stated in centimetres. Size descriptions vary between brands. Look for the chain length and extender length stated in centimetres so you can check it against your ankle measurement before buying.
- 4 Clasp type. A lobster clasp is the most secure closure for an anklet worn actively. Spring ring clasps are less secure and more likely to come open during swimming or running. Check the clasp type is mentioned in the product description for any anklet you plan to wear in the water.
- 5 Reviews that mention beach and water wear. Look specifically for reviews that mention wearing the anklet at the beach, in the pool or through a full Australian summer. These tell you far more about real world performance than general five star reviews from the week of purchase.
How to Care for a Waterproof Anklet
- Rinse with fresh water after ocean or pool swimming. Salt and chlorine both leave mineral deposits on the anklet surface over time. A quick rinse takes seconds and makes a real difference over a full season of beach use.
- Dry the anklet and the skin underneath after getting out of the water. Prolonged moisture trapped between the anklet and the skin is worth avoiding for both skin comfort and anklet longevity.
- Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing through sandy or dusty environments. Fine sand particles are abrasive and can scratch any metal surface over time, including stainless steel.
- Store in your GLISTIA box when not wearing rather than loose in a beach bag. Even durable anklets develop surface marks when they rub against keys, sunscreen bottles and other items.
- Avoid contact with sunscreen directly on the anklet surface where possible. Apply sunscreen first and allow it to absorb before putting the anklet on. Chemical residue from sunscreen accumulates on metal surfaces and can affect the finish over a full summer of daily use.
Pairing Anklets With the Rest of Your Jewellery
For a cohesive everyday look, matching the metal tone of your anklet with your other jewellery pieces ties the whole outfit together. A gold plated anklet from the GLISTIA waterproof collection pairs naturally with gold plated earrings, a necklace and wristwear in the same tone for a complete look from ear to ankle.
For beach days and summer styling, keeping jewellery minimal is usually more practical. One fine anklet, one necklace and small huggie or stud earrings from the hoops and huggies collection or stud earrings range creates a clean, polished look that handles the day without any pieces getting in the way.
About GLISTIA
GLISTIA is a Sydney based jewellery brand making 18K PVD gold plated stainless steel jewellery for Australian women. The GLISTIA anklets collection is built specifically for Australian summer living. Waterproof, tarnish resistant and designed to be worn to the beach, in the pool and through daily life without any care required beyond a fresh water rinse after salt water. Free shipping on qualifying Australian orders, dispatched from Sydney.
Waterproof Jewellery · 18K PVD Gold Plated · All Anklets · Earrings · Hoops and Huggies · Stud Earrings · Necklaces · Pendant Necklaces · Layered Necklaces · Wristwear · Bangles · Chain Bracelets · Tennis Bracelets · Rings · Gold Plated Rings · Silver and Steel Collection · Effortless Luxury Collection · Best Sellers · New Arrivals · Trending
Dispatched from Sydney. 30 day returns. Every GLISTIA piece made from 18K PVD gold plated stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in a gold plated anklet?
It depends on the base metal. Standard gold plated anklets on a brass or copper base should not be worn swimming regularly as salt water and chlorine accelerate the breakdown of the thin gold layer. 18K PVD gold plated stainless steel anklets are designed for daily water exposure including ocean swimming and pool use. Rinsing with fresh water after swimming is still a good habit regardless of material.
What size anklet do I need in Australia?
Measure around your ankle at the narrowest point just above the ankle bone, then add 2 to 3 centimetres for a comfortable fit. Most Australian women wear anklets between 22 and 26 centimetres in total length. A standard anklet with a 3 centimetre extender chain covers most ankle sizes with room to adjust the fit up or down the leg.
Do anklets tarnish in salt water?
Standard gold plated anklets on brass or copper tarnish faster with regular salt water exposure as salt accelerates oxidation of the reactive base metal. 18K PVD gold plated stainless steel anklets are significantly more resistant to salt water as stainless steel does not corrode. Rinsing any anklet with fresh water after ocean swimming is a simple habit that helps any material last longer.
How do you wear an anklet in Australia?
Most women wear an anklet on the right ankle, though there is no rule about this. The anklet sits best just above the ankle bone. For a layered look, two or three fine anklets at slightly different lengths on the same ankle creates a stacked style. Anklets work with sandals, slides and bare feet and can also be worn over thin socks in cooler months.
Are anklets in style in Australia in 2026?
Yes. Anklets are one of the stronger accessories trends in Australia in 2026. Fine gold plated chain anklets, layered ankle stacks and pearl anklets are all popular. The trend is towards dainty styles that can be worn every day rather than reserved for the beach. Waterproof anklets in 18K PVD gold plated stainless steel are particularly well suited to the Australian lifestyle.
