Necklaces are one of the most classic pieces of jewelry that you can pair with any outfit. Whether you're heading out for an evening out or a casual coffee date, a necklace can make a huge impact on your overall look.
Determining what chain length you need for any necklace you purchase is important. In a necklace length chart, you'll typically see around five different chain lengths for women and four different chain lengths for men.
Having the correct necklace length will accentuate your features and frame your face.
This guide will go over a necklace size chart and how to determine the length you need when buying a necklace.
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Standard Chain Lengths for Women
When you shop for women's necklaces, you'll notice they come in even-inch lengths. The necklace chart below will detail where each length will fall on a woman's body when measuring necklace lengths:
- 14 inch Chain: Wraps closely around a person's neck and fits as a choker would
- 16 inch Chain: Falls like a collar around the base of the wearer's neck
- 18 inch Chain: Sits on the collarbone
- 20 inch Chain: Sits below the collarbone
- 22 inch Chain: Falls around or above the bust
Knowing where each length lands on the average woman will help you determine which length you want to purchase for yourself.
Standard Chain Lengths for Men
If you're shopping for a necklace for the man in your life, it's also good to know how necklaces fit on the average man. Check out our length chart below:
- 18 inch Chain: Lands at the base of the man's neck
- 20 inch Chain: Sits on the collarbone
- 22 inch Chain: Hangs two to three inches below the collarbone
- 24 inch Chain: Sits above the sternum
These specifications are based on an average-sized man. If the individual is smaller or larger than average, that will affect where the chain sits.
How to Choose the Correct Chain Necklace Length
A necklace can be the focal point of your entire outfit, making it important to think about how the necklace's length will compliment your entire body. You need to take into account different things like your height, neck, face shape, and body type.
Height
Women shorter than 5 feet 4 inches should look at necklaces 16-20 inches in length. Longer necklace chains tend to overwhelm those with a smaller frame. If you're between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 7 inches, a necklace of any length will flatter your figure.
Women that are taller than 5 feet 7 inches can also wear any length of a necklace chain. Keep in mind that longer chains look great on taller women since they'll accentuate their frame.
Neck Size
Measure your neck before you purchase a necklace or choker. You can do this by using a soft measuring tape and wrapping it around your neck.
Take that measurement and add 2 inches to it. That length will be a comfortable size for chokers. Chokers are usually flattering for those who have longer necks.
For name or pendant necklaces, add 4 inches to your neck's measurement. Those typically come in 18-inch chains.
Face Shape
Necklaces help frame your face in addition to being a fun accessory. They can help accentuate whatever your strongest facial features are.
If you have a round face, avoid chokers or short necklaces. Those necklace styles tend to accentuate the face's roundness.
For those with oval faces, you can wear any style, type, or length of a necklace.
Individuals with a long-shaped face might want to soften or broaden their face's shape. You should look for shorter necklaces since they don't add length.
Chokers or short necklaces look wonderful for those with heart-shaped faces. They create the illusion of fullness and help balance out the person's narrow chin.
How to Style an Outfit With Necklaces
Styling your outfit with the right type of jewelry will tie your whole look together. Different necklace styles go better with various types of clothing or scenarios.
Chokers
Chokers look great with a wide variety of clothing. They especially look great with a crew, boat, or off-the-shoulder necklines. If you don't like tighter necklaces or have a larger frame, this type of necklace might not work for you.
Princess or Standard
This length is one of the most commonly purchased ones as it sits on the wearer's collarbone. It works well with many different types of outfits.
If it's a pendant necklace that creates a V-shape, then it'll look wonderful with a sweetheart, surplice, or v-neck neckline outfit.
Matinee
A matinee necklace is perfect for casual or business wear. It works wonderfully with higher necklines or over a collared shirt. If you have a larger neck or are taller, this should be your go-to size.
Opera
This length pairs well with high necklines, such as boat necks or turtle necks. It's also a great choice for elegant evening wear. Depending upon your build and the length of the necklace, you might be able to wrap it around your neck more than once to create a double-stranded choker or collar.
Rope
Rope necklaces are those that are longer than an opera-sized one. They're intended to get wrapped around the wearer's neck multiple times. You can also fold the necklace in half and have one of the ends looped through the necklace's fold to create a lariat.
Layering Multiple Necklaces
To elevate your outfit, you can layer multiple necklaces that are different lengths. It's entirely up to you how you decide to mix and match your necklaces. They can be made from different materials and also be a combination of pendants, chokers, and other styles.
Review Our Necklace Length Chart Before Your Next Purchase
Before making your next purchase, be sure to review our necklace length chart. You not only want to choose a chain length that'll flatter your form but one that will complement your outfit as well.
For more jewelry styling tips, check out one of our other articles.
