Suppose the medium set fits nine fingers, but the right thumb pinches. If the maker paints just ten nails to order, there may be no spare thumb in the box. A sizing kit lets you try the actual tips first and tell the maker exactly which ten to paint.
Choose samples for the set you want
Check the shop, tip shape and length on the sample listing. If you want short almond, look for the kit that maker specifies for short almond. A sample from a long square set can appear to be the right width even when its sides curve differently. If a shop says several designs use the same tips, keep that information with your results.
A kit makes the most sense for a made-to-order set or when two sizes look equally plausible on a chart. If you’re choosing from a mixed-size box you already own, its loose nails can serve as your try-on pieces. If the seller takes measurements in millimeters, use its measuring method. Here’s how to measure all ten nails.
Try one finger at a time
- Keep the samples in number order. Take out one size and the one beside it. Leave glue closed and any adhesive backing in place. If the numbers are printed on the card, return each piece to its spot before picking up the next pair.
- Rest the first sample on your nail. Look straight down to see whether it covers both sides without touching skin. Then look from the fingertip. A sample that bridges over the center or rocks when you touch an edge needs a second look. Use the fit checklist if the width looks right but the nail feels wrong.
- Write down the number while the sample is in your hand. Repeat for the same finger on the other hand. The right thumb can take a different size from the left. If neither adjacent size sits comfortably, record what happens with each and ask the maker about another profile.
Turn the numbers into an order
Compare your results with the maker’s preset chart, finger by finger. Here’s a fictional example in thumb-to-pinky order. The numbers are sample IDs for this example only.
| Finger | Left hand | Right hand |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | 2 | 1 |
| Index | 5 | 5 |
| Middle | 4 | 4 |
| Ring | 6 | 6 |
| Pinky | 9 | 9 |
A preset that supplies two size-2 thumbs would miss the fit on the right hand. If this maker accepts custom numbers, the order note can read “Short almond. Thumb to pinky. Left 2, 5, 4, 6, 9. Right 1, 5, 4, 6, 9.” If the form asks for widths in millimeters, send measurements instead. A tip stamped 2 doesn’t tell you its width in millimeters.
Order forms really do differ. Bonobonoya asks for the tip numbers from both hands for a custom order, while Bad Taste Nails gives instructions for submitting ten widths in millimeters. Check which format your maker uses before you send your note. Bonobonoya’s sizing instructions and Bad Taste Nails’ size guide.
Save a photo of your completed card with the maker, shape and length in the filename. The next time you want the same tips in a different color, you’ll know exactly what those ten numbers mean. Use the blank ten-finger worksheet on Find Your Fit.
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