Quick question: Have you ever shopped for a necklace online and thought, ‘I wonder if that necklace length would look good on me?’
If yes, this article is definitely something you should read!
From highlighting chain lengths to giving you the perfect pairing, this guide will help you pick the right necklace every time.
The Different Women’s Necklace Lengths Are…
1) Choker & Collar (14-16”)
Typically laying around your neck, 14-inch chokers are a fabulous choice for anyone who wants to take the trendy route. 16-inch necklaces, on the other hand, lay just above the collarbone. Because of this, some people prefer to call these 16-inch necklaces ‘collars.’
The ideal 16-inch necklace is like a good friend… Close but not suffocating, leaving finger room between it and your neck.
2) Short or Princess (18-20”)
Designed to rest just below the base of the neck, caressing the collarbone like a gentle breeze, the 18-inch, princess length necklace is one of our favorites.
20-inch variations also exist and typically fall an inch or two below the collarbone.
3) Medium or Matinee (22-26”)
Want your necklace to make a statement? Opt for the matinee necklace length!
We love the 22-inch necklace, which rests roughly halfway between the clavicle (collarbone) and the sternum (breastbone), as it points towards your cleavage.
The 24-inch necklace extends towards the top of the ribs and IMO, is a fabulous choice for a more glammed-up look.
4) Long or Opera (28-34”)
Best suited to tall, willowy women, an opera length necklace is a great option if you want to flaunt a statement pendant.
In terms of 30-inch necklaces, these beauties can almost reach your stomach.
What’s more, depending on your build and the chain length, the opera necklace can be doubled to form a layered choker and princess necklace.
Also Read: Necklace Layering Ideas
5) Very Long or Rope (36” Onwards)
Looking for the perfect necklace to help you unleash your creativity? You can’t go wrong with the rope necklace length.
Any necklace longer than the opera length, this necklace (which can reach past your belly button) was designed to be wrapped around the neck multiple times to create a double-stranded or triple-stranded necklace.
You can also take it one step further to create a lariat by folding your necklace in half with one end looped through the fold.
Also Read: What Are the Different Types of Necklaces?
The Different Chain Lengths for Men
As body size and proportion play an important role when it comes to styling your jewelry, the ideal necklace length typically varies based on the same. As such, it’s probably no surprise why the necklace length chart for men begins with longer chain lengths as compared to women.
The most common men’s necklace sizes (read: lengths) are as follows:
1) 18”
Considered to be the shortest chain length for men, these chains (which are typically crafted for smaller neck sizes) are quite tight and rest around the base of the neck.
2) 20”
The most common men’s necklace length, these chains rest right below the collarbone.
3) 22”
Another common chain length, this necklace rests a few inches beneath the collarbone.
4) 24”
This chain length rests either right in the middle of your sternum or several inches higher.
5) 30”
The longest standard necklace length for men, the 30-inch chain sits either at the base of your sternum or right below it.
Also Read: Different Types of Chains
Did You Know?
Average woman’s necklace lengths range from 16-20 inches, with 18-inch necklaces being the most popular. The average necklace length for a man, on the other hand, stretches out a bit further and ranges from 20-25 inches.
How to Measure Necklace Lengths
The total length of a chain is measured in either inches (1” = 2.5 cm) or centimeters. Mentioned below are two ways to do the same:
1) The Ruler Method
Step #1: Open your favorite necklace and lay it out on a table.
Step #2: Use the centimeter/inch side of a ruler (or measuring tape) to measure your necklace’s length from the clasp’s outer edge to the other end.
2) The Body Method
Step #1: Stand before the mirror. Grab a flexible measuring tape or piece of long string or ribbon and wrap it around your neck, joining both ends at the point where you want your chain to lay.
Note: A safety pin might be necessary to secure the ends here. Apart from this, if you plan on flaunting a pendant with your chain, take into account the additional length of the pendant when considering the endpoint of your necklace.
Step #2: With a ruler, measure the string or ribbon and note down the length.
Necklace Lengths for Body Types: How to Find the Perfect One for You
Believe it or not, your body type plays a huge role when it comes to selecting the perfect necklace for women.
For instance, women with larger busts should opt for short necklace lengths (shorter than 24”) as longer necklace lengths won’t rest comfortably on their bodies. However, longer, layered necklaces look better on women with smaller busts.
Similarly, women with shorter necks should avoid choker length necklaces as this will make their neckline look shorter. On the other hand, chokers are great options for anyone with long, thin necks as they can bring proportion to their face and neckline.
Mentioned below are the different necklace lengths that suit each body type:
1) For a Pear-Shaped Body
Women with this body type are typically smaller on the top and larger at the bottom. If that’s you, we suggest aiming for necklaces that give the illusion of broader shoulders.
This basically includes lengths between 18” and 24” as they rest right above your bust and draw eyes upward.
2) For an Athletic Body
Sporting an athletic build? Congrats – You’ve got the green light for pretty much any type of necklace. That said, do note that longer necklaces can elongate your body even more.
3) For an Hourglass Body Shape
Accentuate your curves by opting for necklaces that rest on your décolletage.
4) For an Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Want to draw attention away from your broad shoulders? Use long necklaces which guide eyes to your waist and celebrate the smallest part of your body.
The Best Necklace Length for Different Necklines
Ever wonder what necklace to wear with what neckline? The answers mentioned below are sure to help:
1) Choker Necklace
TBH, chokers go with almost everything! That said, they look especially good when paired with boat, off-the-shoulder and crew necklines.
2) Princess Necklace
The beauty of this necklace chain length lies in the fact that it flatters most outfits. What’s more, if your necklace features a pendant that makes a V shape then it’s guaranteed to complement outfits with V-neck, sweetheart or surplice necklines.
3) Matinee Necklace
While it can be flaunted with almost any outfit, this type of necklace looks especially beautiful when paired with collared shirts and higher necklines.
4) Opera Necklace
Ideal for high necklines like turtle necks and boat necks, this type of necklace should be your go-to for evening wear.
5) Rope Necklace
Best suited to high necklines that create an upside-down V, like halter necks or turtlenecks, rope necklaces are a great option because they don’t compete with high collars.
Want to add a personal spin to your sparkler? You can’t go wrong with our custom name necklaces. From selecting your favorite font style to adding the perfect charm, these beauties can be customized to reflect your style.
Feeling a little anxious? Read our article titled ‘Here’s Why Everyone Needs a Comfort Necklace in Their Life Right Now!‘
Up Next: What Are the Different Types of Necklace and Pendant Settings?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the standard necklace lengths?
The standard necklace lengths range between 14 and 40 inches.
Q2. How do I choose the right necklace length?
The best way to do this is to consider your outfit’s neckline and your body type when making your pick.
Q3. What’s the average necklace length for men?
For men, the average chain length typically ranges from 20-25 inches.
Q4. What’s the average necklace length for women?
For women, the average chain length usually ranges between 16 and 20 inches with 18 inches being the most popular.
