How To Determine/Measure The Right Necklace Length:
1. Measure Your Existing Necklace
If you already have a necklace whose length you like, you can measure it to help determine which size to choose. There are two ways to measure a necklace.
- Measure Full Length. Lay the necklace down on a flat surface in a straight line. Measure it from one end of the clasp to the other and note down the length.
- Measure When Closed. With the necklace clasp closed, lay it down on a flat surface and measure its length from end to end. Next, double that measurement and note it down.
2. If you don’t have a necklace to use as reference, you can use a tape measure or a piece of string to determine the perfect length.
- Use Flexible Tape Measure. Place the flexible tape measure around your neck like a necklace, adjust it to the desired length, and note down the measurement.
- Use a String. Place a piece of string around your neck like a necklace, adjust it to the desired length, and mark where the string ends meet with a pen or a marker. Next, measure the string and note the length.
3. Use our Necklace Length Guides below.
Women’s Standard Necklace Sizes
14″ Necklace – Fits most like a choker and wraps closely around the neck. (~35cm)
16″ Necklace – Falls perfectly around the base of the neck like a collar. On a petite woman it hangs loosely around the neck and falls just at the collarbone while for plus size women it might sit more like a choker. (~40cm)
18″ Necklace – A common choice for women that sits elegantly on the collarbone. (~45cm)
20″ Necklace – Will fall a few inches below the collarbone and allow a little more breathing room. Perfect for a low, plunging neckline or if you want to wear it over a turtleneck. (~51cm)
22″ Necklace – Falls at or above a low neckline. (~56cm)
24″ Necklace – Falls below any neckline but above the bustline. (~61cm)
36″ Necklace and more – Common with pearl strands and will hang below the bosom. They can be worn as a single strand or doubled over for a double-strand necklace with a layered look.
The value of 1 inch is approximately equal to 2.54 centimetres. To convert inches to the centimetre values, multiply the given inch value by 2.54 cm.
Men’s Standard Necklace Sizes
18″ Necklace – A shorter length that falls just around the base of the neck. Popular for beaded necklaces so they can sit above a crew neck t-shirt (for smaller neck sizes). (~45cm)
20″ Necklace – A common length for men which falls right at the collarbone (most common length for average men). (~51cm)
22″ Necklace – Falls a few inches below a collar bone and can be worn over or under a shirt. This is a common length for chains because they offer more breathing room. (~56cm)
24″ Necklace – Extra long and is commonly used to keep religious or meaningful pendants under the shirt and closer to the heart. Reaches just above the sternum. (~61cm)
*Please keep in mind that these are all approximations for an average woman’s or man’s height and size. Larger people will need longer lengths and petite ones will need shorter lengths.
Choosing the Right Necklace Length for the Female Body
The right necklace can really pull any outfit together and be the focal point of a woman’s body. It is therefore important to consider how the length of the necklace will compliment your body. When selecting the correct chain length for your necklace it is important to consider such features as your neck, your height, your body type and your face shape.
Neck Size
If possible, take the time to measure your neck before purchasing any necklace and most importantly a choker. The easiest way to measure your neck is to gently take a soft measuring tape and wrap it closely around your neck as explained above on how to measure accurately. Whatever your neck measurement is, add two inches to that and that’s a comfortable length for chokers which are usually sized at 16 inches; add four inches to that and that’s a great length for a pendant which is usually attached on an 18-inch chain for women. Chokers work best for people with long necks while short necked individuals are better off staying away from it.
Height
Your height is another factor to consider when choosing the perfect necklace chain to flatter your body type. Women below 5’4” look best in 16 to 20 inch necklace lengths. A long necklace tends to overwhelm a smaller frame. Women who fall between the height of 5’4” to 5’7” can wear necklace of any length. Taller women who are 5’7” or above can wear any length necklace. Longer chain style necklaces look best on taller women as they accentuate a tall frame.
Body Type
In terms of necklaces, remember that people’s eyes will stop at the point where your necklace ends so if you don’t want them looking at that part then, avoid necklaces that end there. For women with smaller bust, a long thin chain or long layered chains would look great on you. The kind of necklace that sits below the breast line should be avoided by full figured women as this length necklace will not hang properly. Instead, try a necklace that sits slightly higher on the body, such as an 18- to 22-inch necklace.
Face Shape
Another purpose of necklaces aside from being an accessory is that it actually helps frame your face. As with the body type, a necklace can help you accentuate your strongest facial features and alter the way your face is perceived by others.
Women with round faces should avoid short necklaces or chokers as they will accentuate the roundness of her face.
Those with oval shaped faces can take advantage of any necklace fad since they can wear almost any shape, length or type of necklace.
For those with a long-shape face who may want to broaden and soften the shape of their faces, should wear shorter necklaces. Short, round necklaces will keep from adding length. Look for choker and princess necklaces, measuring between 16” – 18”.
Choosing the right necklace is similar to shopping for the perfect pair of jeans. It’s important to consider what flatters your body type and not just buy only what’s currently on trend!