Waist beads are single or multiple strands of beads made from various kinds of materials (i.e. glass, metal, and crystal beads) that are worn around the waist and stomach.

Waist beads are a traditional accessory originating from many African cultures, where they serve multiple purposes and hold significant historical and cultural value. These beaded accessories encircle the waist and are often used for body shaping, providing a natural contour to the wearer's figure. Historically, they have been worn as a sign of coming of age, symbolizing a young woman's transition into womanhood. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, waist beads are also used to monitor weight changes, tightening or loosening as one's body changes, thus serving as a practical tool for weight control. Additionally, they have deeper meaning and values, symbolizing wealth, femininity, and royalty, while also acting as a spiritual and healing tool to foster self-love, confidence, and inner beauty. Contrary to some misconceptions, waist beads are celebrated across all body types, embracing women of all shapes, sizes, and ages.

• Black – Power and protection • Blue – Loyalty and truth • Brown – Earth and stability • Gold – Good health, power and wealth • Green – Abundance, fertility, nature and prosperity • Orange – Courage, self confidence and vitality • Pink – Care, beauty, love and kindness • Purple – Royalty, spirituality and wisdom • Red – Confidence and vitality • Turquoise – Communication and self awareness • White – Light, truth and purity • Yellow – Energy, joy and happiness

For pre-made waist beads, One Size Fits Most** (**Up to Size 3XL or 52" Inch). For Custom Orders using Cotton or Elastic Waist Beads, in Inches: • XXS-Small: 24" - 26" • Small: 27" - 29" • Medium: 30" - 32" • Large: 33" - 37" • XL-XXL: 38" - 46" • 3XL: 46" - 52" • 4XL: 53" - 58"

Check out our Waist Bead Guide page to learn more.

Yes, you can remove the waist beads without cutting them if you intend to preserve or reuse them. Simply lift the beads above your head carefully, as if you are removing a very tight shirt. This method ensures that your waist beads remain intact and ready for future use.

For specified products, Kindred Beads offers a removable clasp add on service. This means we will design the product with high quality beading thread and a metal clasp/ring closure that allows you to put your waist beads on and take them off anytime you desire! The clasp method requires additional metal components and tools, which means a price upcharge, but gives customers ready-to-wear, custom-fit to size and removable-style waistbeads created just for them.

If you ordered your waist beads in the wrong size, you may return them within 14 days for an exchange or an adjustment. Please contact Kindred Beads via email at: kindredbead@gmail.com Adjustments to be made LARGER are subject to a fee depending on size difference and style to cover labor and material. Adjustments to be made SMALLER are free of charge. All customers must pay for domestic return shipping. Please email Kindred Beads before returning to make all arrangements: kindredbead@gmail.com

Yes! Discounts are available. See items listed under sales.

All available pre-made items will be processed to ship within 2-3 business days of payment being received. Each custom-made bead item is handmade and can take up to 2-3 weeks to complete (time varies depending on detail & demand). If a pre-made item is ordered with a custom-made item, everything will ship together and can take up to 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Kindred Kinnections only repairs and accepts products made by Kindred Kinnections. If your waist beads happen to break or snap within 30 days you may return them for a free repair. The customer pays for return shipping charges. Please visit our Contact Us page or send an email to: kindredbead@gmail.com prior to returning to discuss repair. If you are unhappy with your Kindred Beads order, please visit our Contact Us page or send an email to: kindredbead@gmail.com, informing us if you would like to make a return or exchange. Returns will be fully refunded within 14 days of purchase. After 14 days all sales are final.