The most popular necklace length is 18 inches, which sits just below the collarbone on most women and suits almost every neckline. 16 inches sits at the base of the neck, 20 to 22 inches falls a little lower for open necklines, and 24 inches and longer reach the chest. Men's chains usually start at 20 inches. For layering, space necklaces about 2 inches apart.
Necklace length changes the whole look: the same pendant reads delicate at the collarbone and bold at the chest. Here is where standard lengths sit and how to choose.
Necklace length chart (women)
| Length | Name | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| 14 in (35 cm) | Collar | Snug around the neck |
| 16 in (40 cm) | Choker | Base of the neck |
| 18 in (45 cm) | Princess | Just below the collarbone |
| 20 in (50 cm) | Matinee (short) | A few inches below the collarbone |
| 22 in (55 cm) | Matinee | Top of the chest |
| 24 in (60 cm) | Matinee (long) | Upper chest |
| 30 to 36 in (75 to 90 cm) | Opera | Around the bust or below |
These positions assume an average neck size. If your neck is larger, each length sits higher, so go up 2 inches.
Men’s chain lengths
| Length | Where it sits |
|---|---|
| 18 in | Base of the neck, close-fitting |
| 20 in | At the collarbone; the most common men’s length |
| 22 in | Just below the collarbone |
| 24 in | Upper chest; good with pendants |
| 30 in | Mid-chest, usually worn under a shirt |
Matching length to neckline
- Crew neck and high necklines: 16 inches over the top, or a long 30-inch chain that clears the collar.
- V-neck: a pendant on 18 to 20 inches that echoes the V.
- Scoop and sweetheart: 16 to 18 inches to frame the neckline.
- Off-the-shoulder and strapless: chokers and 16-inch chains.
- Button-down shirts: 18 to 20 inches inside an open collar.
How to layer necklaces
- Space lengths about 2 inches apart, for example 16, 18 and 20 inches.
- Mix textures: a fine chain, a beaded or paperclip chain and a pendant.
- Put the heaviest piece lowest so it pulls the stack into place.
- Keep metals consistent, or mix on purpose with at least two pieces of each tone.
- Use a layering clasp or separator if chains keep tangling.
Pendants and adjustable chains
A pendant hangs below the chain, so measure to the bottom of the pendant when choosing length. Many chains have an extender or adjustable slider (often 16 to 18 inches or 18 to 20 inches), which is the easiest way to buy a gift when you aren’t sure of size.
Common questions
What is the most popular necklace length?
18 inches. It sits just below the collarbone on most women, works with most necklines and is the standard length for pendants.
What length necklace should a man wear?
Most men's chains are 20 to 24 inches. 20 inches sits at the collarbone, 22 inches just below it, and 24 inches suits pendants worn over or under a shirt.
How do I measure my necklace length?
Lay a string around your neck where you want the necklace to sit, mark the point where the ends meet, and measure the string flat. Pendants hang below the chain, so allow for the pendant's height.