Have you been browsing for necklaces?
Now you are probably trying to make one of the most important decisions before you add the necklace to your cart — "What length necklace should I choose?" — because most necklace chain styles are available in different lengths. How do you visualise how different necklace lengths and sizes look on you? Not to worry! We have covered all your necklace questions here!
Which necklace length is right?
Allow us to guide you to your perfect necklace length. In this guide, we will tell you about necklace lengths and types. You will also learn how to measure yourself for the right necklace length.
Before you choose a necklace length, you should know that the exact resting length of your necklace will vary with body type, height, neck and torso length. The look will also vary with your style and the necklines of the clothing you wear.
Your facial bone structure and body shape and proportions matter too
A short Princess length necklace without pointed pendants is more flattering to a heart-shaped face and medium-length (Matinee) chains with pendants work for round faces.
Personal style: the look and styling you are aiming for
How you style your look will depend on the necklace-length position. Your choice of necklace designs and chain lengths will depend on this.
Layering: Everybody loves layering necklaces. One of the top rules of layering several necklaces is to layer them in graduating lengths. Are you opting for the layered look with many chains in different lengths, or is it only a single chain that you want?
With or without a pendant? Do you want to wear a pendant on your chain? If yes, then you will need to consider the total length of the chain plus the pendant length.
Necklines and necklace lengths
The right length necklace makes all the difference in complementing the neckline styles of your clothing. Short necklace lengths are best worn with scoop necks and medium chains with organic pendants are sexy with plunging-neckline dresses and tops. Medium and long-length necklace chains are stylish with high necklines. Sweeten your look in a sweetheart neckline with a solitaire pendant or a heart locket. Show off your slender neck in a choker necklace and wear it with off-the-shoulder tops for a chic look.
Collar and Choker length necklaces 30.5-40cm or 14-16”
As the name suggests collar styles fit higher around the neck and chokers rest closely around the base of your neck. The right-sized choker necklace should fit comfortably, leaving a finger-room between the chain and your neck. Both collar and choker chains give off a retro-classic 90s vibe and look alluring on long slender necks and pixie-cut hairstyles.
Short or Princess Necklace: 40-47cm or 18-20”
A short necklace is designed to fall perfectly just below the base of the neck, resting around the collarbone. On petite women, this necklace will hang comfortably in position, however, on plus-size women, it might look more like a choker. So this size chain is best worn by petite or slim women.
Medium or Matinee Necklace: 47-60cm or ~20-24”
The Matinee necklace sits beautifully on your chest pointing gracefully towards your cleavage. A medium-length necklace is ideal if you are of moderate height and have a fuller body type.
Long or Opera necklace: 60-75cm or 28-34”
Best worn by tall willowy women, this necklace can bear a medallion pendant and other statement pieces. Depending on the length and your build you may also be able to wear an opera length like a layered choker and princess chain.
Very long or Rope necklace: 85-100cm or 36-42”
Wear your rope necklaces to create an illusion of layering in double or triple tiers. Or knot it by folding it in half around your neck to form a stylish lariat knot.
Online necklace length charts show the total lengths of the necklace measured in either centimetres or inches (1” = 2.5cm). There are two easy ways to measure the desired necklace length.
1. Measure the length of your favourite necklace
Step 1: Place your open necklace on a table.
Step 2: Using the centimetre/inch edge of a ruler, measure from the outer edge of the clasp to the other end of the necklace.
2. Measure for necklace lengths on your body
Step 1: Stand before a mirror. Hold a flexible measuring tape, a piece of long string or ribbon around your neck joining both ends at the point where you want your necklace to rest.
If you would like to wear a pendant on that chain, then do consider the additional pendant length when considering the endpoint of the chain.
Step 2: Note the length in centimetres or inches (use a ruler to measure the string/ribbon).
Now that you've found the right length, explore necklaces designed to fit beautifully.
Because body size and proportions matter when styling jewellery, the ideal necklace lengths will vary based on body size, shape and proportions. For this reason, men's necklace length charts start at longer chain lengths than women's.
The average necklace length for women ranges between 40cm-45cm (16-18 inches).
The average necklace length for men ranges between 55cm-63cm (20-25 inches).
Necklace size fact: most necklaces are adjustable by 1 inch or 2-3 cm, so if you choose a 16-inch long necklace, it is most likely adjustable to 18 inches.
If you need personal guidance
Have no worries when you shop online for necklaces at thejewelleryroom.com. We guide and help customers all over the world on a daily basis, and our jewellery experts will do whatever it takes to find the perfect fit and size for the jewellery you're looking for.
And please remember, if you are still in doubt, you can shop safely with us. We guarantee that you can always exchange your purchase within 30 days.
Love, Charlotte & Pernille
Standard necklace lengths for women typically range from 40cm (16") to 50cm (20"), resting near the collarbone or just below. For men, standard chains are generally longer, often starting at 50cm (20") to sit comfortably at the chest. Choosing a longer length for men helps the jewellery sit naturally against broader frames.
Consider your neckline when selecting a chain. Shorter lengths like 40cm (16") work beautifully with open collars or scoop necks, while longer chains of 60cm (24") or more are ideal for wearing over turtlenecks or knitwear. If you plan to add a heavy pendant, select a slightly longer chain to allow for the extra drop.
Most of our necklaces are measured in centimetres, but you can easily convert them using standard increments. A 45cm (18") chain is a classic versatile fit for most shoppers. If you prefer a longer look, a 60cm (24") chain usually sits mid-chest.
Stand in front of a mirror and wrap a piece of soft string around your neck at the exact point you want the chain to sit. Measure that string against a ruler to find your length. For a comfortable fit that is not too snug, we recommend adding 2cm (0.8") to 5cm (2") to your base neck measurement.
For women, the 45cm (18") length is the most sought-after choice because it sits elegantly on the collarbone. For men, the 50cm (20") chain is the most popular standard size. Both of these lengths are excellent starting points if you are buying a gift or looking for a daily staple.
