How to Choose the Right Necklace Length
Getting a new necklace from the jewellery store is one of the most exciting things a person can purchase. However, while buying a necklace is exciting, one thing most people usually forget to take into consideration is the necklace's length. Most people concentrate on the necklace designs and do not get to pick the right necklace length to match their body types..
You must realize that different necklace lengths work for different persons, and depending on the occasion during which they opt to don said necklaces.. It is necessary to consider standard necklace lengths that go beyond your personality style or outfits that you choose to wear. Why should you consider what is the perfect necklace length when you only want a pendant that matches your outfit? Here's why.
Although most people do not realize it, the right necklace length speaks volumes about your personal style and fashion tastes. Wearing the wrong necklace lengths could throw you off course, especially when attending formal meetings or occasions. That said, there are about five different necklace lengths for females and four different lengths for men. How do you pick the best necklace length to further showcase your personality and your aura?
Don't worry; our handy guide will show you how to pick jewelry that fits your body shape and will undoubtedly boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Things to Consider When Picking the Best Necklace Lengths
The first thing you need to know before picking any necklace is the different lengths of these necklaces and how they affect your look.
Standard Necklace Lengths for Women
Women's necklaces usually have even-inch lengths. You can consult our chart to learn the appropriate chain length for your body shape.
Choker-length necklaces fit like a choker and wrap closely around the neck. Choker necklaces are usually 14 inches. The 16" necklace falls around the base of the neck and looks like a collar. For petite women, 16-inch necklaces hang loosely around the neck and fall just below the collar bone. On plus-size women, 16" necklaces look more like choker-length necklaces.
One of the most common necklace lengths donned by women, is the 18” inch necklace. This length sits elegantly on your collarbone. On the other hand, the 20" necklace falls just below your collarbone. A 22-inch necklace falls above the top of your bust. Women can leverage these standard necklace lengths depending on their size and personal tastes.
Necklace Lengths for Men
As we stated earlier, men only have four lengths to choose from . An 18-inch necklace sits at the base of the neck for smaller neck sizes, while the 20-inch necklace goes all the way to the collarbone. For average men, the 20-inch necklace is the most common choice. The 22" necklace goes a few inches below the collarbone, while the 24" option hangs just above the sternum.
Necklace Length Chart
Necklace Length |
Necklace Position (Women) |
Length Men |
Position (Men) |
14” |
Choker around the neck |
18” |
Base of neck |
16” |
Collar-like around the neck |
20” |
Collarbone |
18” |
Sits on the collarbone |
22” |
Below Collarbone (few inches) |
20” |
Below collarbone |
24” |
Above sternum |
22” |
Above or on the bust |
- |
- |
How to Pick the Right Necklace Length When Shopping for Gifts
The right necklace highlights your outfits in ways in unimaginable ways; positively of course!. If worn correctly, your necklace could become the focal point of your overall allure. Hence, it is essential to consider the necklace's length and how it will complement your full body shape.
Neck Size
The first thing you have to do is to measure your neck before you buy any necklace, especially a choker necklace. The easiest way to measure your neck is to gently wrap a soft measuring tape around your neck. You must add two inches to whatever value you obtained from your neck measurements to ensure that you will not choke when using 16 inches choker necklaces. If you add four inches to that figure, you could get a name necklace, usually attached to an 18-inch chain necklace. Note that chokers are only ideal for people with long necks. Short-necked individuals should not use choker-length necklaces.
Your Height
Another essential factor you must consider before picking a necklace chain length is your height. If you are below 5'4", it would be best to use 16 to 20-inch necklaces. A long necklace usually overwhelms a small stature. On the other hand, if you are 5'7" or above, you can leverage any chain-length necklace. A longer rope-length necklace accentuates your frame.
Body Type
When it comes to necklaces, you must remember that people usually admire your necklace to the point where it ends. Hence, it is essential to avoid wearing longer or shorter necklaces if you don't want people looking at the point, or the part where the necklace ends. If you have a smaller bust, it is best to wear a long thin chain or a long layered chain. You must avoid necklaces that sit just below your breast line if you have a full figure. Instead, you can don a necklace that sits slightly higher up your body, such as18 to 22-inch necklaces.
Face Shape
Did you know that the proper necklace design helps to bring out the shape of your face? A necklace helps accentuate your best facial features and when looking at your face, people start gazing at a more attractive person. You must avoid short necklaces if you have a round face. A short necklace or choker will further display the roundness of your face.
If you have an oval-shaped face, you can wear practically any necklace, including standard lengths, to match your evening wear. For a long-shaped face, you may decide to go with a shorter necklace to create an illusion of fullness while balancing out the narrow chin. Longer lengths make it more difficult to manage the shape of your face..
What are the necklace types?
There are many necklace types you will encounter while shopping. You will have your assortment of princess necklaces, rope necklaces, pendants, choker, and collar necklaces. You will also find the matinee length necklace, bib, multi-chain, and locket necklaces as part of your necklace choices. Beaded necklaces, religious or meaningful pendants, pearl necklaces and opera-length necklaces are just some types of necklaces you could include as part of your jewelry collection. The princess-length necklace is one of the most popular necklace lengths available in the market.
How to measure necklace length
You can always view the necklace length chart to determine the length of your necklace. If you want to measure the length of your necklace, you can start by using a soft tape to measure the circumference of your neck. You can then add two inches for more space.
We have created a perfect jewellery measurement tape Lil Meter to make the process of measuring for different types of jewelleries as easy as possible!
Is the Necklace Length Position Essential While shopping?
You need to consider the necklace size and position if you want to accentuate your figure. Princess necklaces, round necklaces, long necklaces and necklace designs of varying lengths, all have a role to play when considering the position of your neckline. You cannot use an inappropriate necklace if you have a sweetheart neckline dress. Additionally, it would be wrong to use long necklaces for high necklines. You can use a long necklace for an unbuttoned shirt, but you cannot use a necklace of flattering length if the shape of your face is incompatible with it.
Which is the most popular necklace length?
Although there are different necklace lengths, the most common one is the 18-inch necklace.
Is it safe to buy your necklace online?
While some people feel it is unsafe to purchase necklaces online, you can leverage reputable brands like Lil Milano to get the best available necklace lengths at affordable rates. The brand has various necklace sizes, and is eagerly waiting for you to make your choice. Ensure to always pick your necklaces from trusted sources to avoid issues.