This guide shows exactly where each length falls, which length suits your neckline, and how to measure at home in two minutes, even if you're buying it as a gift.
What Necklace Length Should I Get?
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Not sure? Choose 18". It's the most popular necklace length for women and sits just below the collarbone.
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Buying for a man? Choose 20" to 22". 22" is the safest gift length for most men.
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Wearing a pendant? Add about an inch. The pendant hangs below the chain.
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For a child, such as a First Communion, choose 14" to 16".
Necklace Length Chart: Where Does Each Length Sit?
A 16" necklace sits at the base of the neck, an 18" necklace sits just below the collarbone, and each extra 2 inches drops the chain about 2 inches lower.
|
Length |
Where it sits on women |
Where it sits on men |
Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
|
14" |
High on the neck, like a choker |
Too short for most men |
Chokers, children |
|
16" |
At the base of the neck, on the collarbone |
Snug at the base of the neck |
Dainty chains, a short layer |
|
18" |
Just below the collarbone (most popular) |
At the base of the neck |
Everyday wear, pendants, a first chain |
|
20" |
A few inches below the collarbone |
At the collarbone |
Pendants, open necklines, a second layer |
|
22" |
Near the top of the bust |
Just below the collarbone (most popular) |
Longer layers, men's chains |
|
24" |
At the bust line |
Mid-chest |
Wearing over clothing, men's chains with pendants |
Where a chain falls also depends on your neck size and build: on a larger neck, each length sits a little higher. Adjustable chokers (13" to 17") sit closer to the neck than any fixed length.
How Do I Measure My Necklace Length at Home?
The easiest way to find your necklace length is to measure a necklace you already like, or to wrap a string around your neck where you want the chain to fall.
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Measure a necklace you already own. Lay it flat with the clasp closed and measure from end to end with a ruler or tape measure.
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Or use a string. Wrap a piece of string or a phone charger cable around your neck where you'd like the chain to sit. Mark the point where it meets, then lay it flat and measure.
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Round to the nearest standard length. Chains usually come in 2-inch steps: 16", 18", 20", 22" and 24".
What Length Should I Buy as a Gift?
If you can't measure without spoiling the surprise, these lengths fit most people:
|
Buying for |
Safe length |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
A woman |
18" |
Sits just below the collarbone on most women |
|
A man |
22" |
Sits just below the collarbone on most men |
|
A teen |
16" to 18" |
Fits a smaller neck without feeling tight |
|
A child |
14" to 16" |
Sits neatly without hanging too low |
|
Anyone, with a pendant |
One size up from the above |
Gives the pendant room to hang |
For a man, another trick: add about 4 inches to his shirt collar size. A 16" collar usually suits a 20" chain.
What Necklace Length Goes With My Neckline?
The best necklace length for a neckline is one that sits above it or follows its shape, rather than getting lost under the fabric.
|
Neckline |
Best length |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
Crew neck or T-shirt |
16" to 18" |
Sits above the neckline instead of fighting it |
|
V-neck |
18" to 20", ideally with a pendant |
Follows the V shape |
|
Scoop neck |
16" to 18" |
Fills the open space |
|
Button-up shirt, open collar |
18" to 20" |
Sits in the open collar |
|
Strapless or off-the-shoulder |
16" or a choker |
Frames the neck and shoulders |
|
Turtleneck or high neck |
22" to 24", worn over the top |
Shows the chain over the fabric |
Does a Pendant Change the Length I Need?
Yes. A pendant hangs below the chain, so it sits about half an inch to an inch and a half lower than the chain itself, depending on its size. If you want a pendant to rest at a certain spot, such as just below the collarbone, choose a chain about an inch shorter than you would without it.
What Lengths Should I Use for Layering?
When you layer necklaces, leave about 2 inches between each one so they sit apart and don't tangle.
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Two layers: 16" + 18"
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Three layers: 14" choker + 16" + 18"
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With a pendant: 16" plain chain + 18" or 20" chain with the pendant
Put the heaviest chain at the longest length so it pulls the stack down instead of tangling it.
What Lengths Does JewelHeart Offer?
Most JewelHeart chains come in 16", 18", 20", 22" and 24". Many dainty styles also come in 14", our chokers adjust from 13", and Figaro chains go up to 28". Each product page lists the lengths available for that chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most popular necklace length for women?
18" is the most popular necklace length for women. It sits just below the collarbone and works with most necklines and pendants.
2. What length chain should a man wear?
Most men wear a 20" or 22" chain. 22" sits just below the collarbone on most men and is the safest length for a gift.
3. What's the difference between an 18" and a 20" necklace?
An 18" necklace sits just below the collarbone. A 20" necklace sits about two inches lower, which gives a pendant more room and suits open necklines.
4. Is a 16" necklace too short?
Not for most women. A 16" necklace sits at the base of the neck. On a larger neck it can feel snug, so 18" is the safer choice if you're unsure.
5. What length necklace is best for a child?
14" to 16" suits most young children, for example for a First Communion cross. A 16" chain in 10K gold is a durable choice.
6. How do I know my neck size?
Wrap a soft tape measure or a string around the base of your neck and measure it. Choose a necklace at least 2 inches longer than your neck size so it sits comfortably.
Why JewelHeart California?
Every JewelHeart chain is genuine 10K or 14K gold, stamped for authenticity. Every order ships free within the US in a JewelHeart gift box, and if the length isn't right, our 30-day return policy has you covered.
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