How to Choose the Right Necklace Length for You
Keyword(s): necklace length
A gorgeous necklace can transform any outfit. Whether you choose a simple strand of pearls or a show-stopping diamond pendant, it can elevate your ensemble in minutes.
While you may have lots of different necklaces in your jewelry collection, have you ever stopped to consider the necklace length that will look best on you? There are a few different factors that can determine the answer, and it helps to know all of your options before you decide.
From trendy, 14-inch chokers to traditional 18-inch pendants and long statement necklaces that span 30 inches and beyond, there are certainly many styles to choose from. Today, we're sharing a quick guide to help you measure correctly and buy a necklace in confidence!
Understanding Necklace Length Options
For the most part, necklaces range from 14 inches to 36 inches in length. While there are some styles that will be smaller and others that will drop longer, this is the typical range that most will fall into.
As you shop for one, your personal style should be top of mind. Think about the length that you'd feel most comfortable wearing, and allow that to start your buying journey.
For instance, you may prefer a choker that doesn't interfere with your outfit or a dainty pendant that sits near your collarbone. Or, you may decide to dress up a basic top with an ultra-long chain that drops to your midsection. There isn't a right or wrong choice, but it does help to plan ahead.
You may even decide to invest in a collection of necklaces in different lengths, and then wear them all at once for a stylish, on-trend stacked look! Let's take a look at the standard sizes that you'll see when you begin to browse.
Standard Length Categories
For both men and women, most necklaces will fall into one of the following standard length categories:
- 14-inch
- 16-inch
- 18-inch
- 20-inch
- 22-inch
- 24-inch
- 30-inch
- 36-inch
Keep in mind that your body type will determine exactly where the necklace falls on you. For example, a 22-inch pendant might rest just below the collarbone on one wearer, but fall closer to the sternum on another. Let's review each length in greater detail.
14-Inch Necklaces
A 14-inch necklace is usually defined as a choker. This is the smallest standard necklace size available and is designed to fit snugly around the wearer's neck. You can wear one on your own to make a bold style statement or pair it with a longer chain to make elegant layers.
Our Small Swarovski Crystal Single Ball Choker is a great example. Featuring gorgeous Swarovski crystals arranged in a pave style on a small bead, it's a beautiful way to stand out.
16-Inch Necklaces
A little longer than 14-inch chokers, 16-inch necklaces are designed to fall just above your collarbone. This is the shortest necklace you can choose without selecting a choker. These also pair well with other, longer necklaces.
Take a look at our Bella Sparkling Silver Necklace, for instance. This 16-inch stunner features genuine Italian design and craftsmanship with diamond-cut facets and an enhanced clasp. If you want to make it a little longer, there's also a versatile length extender that can add two inches to the length!
18-Inch Necklaces
If you're looking for an everyday necklace that will go with nearly every outfit in your closet, then you can't go wrong with an 18-inch option. This is the length that's considered average for most necklaces, in any style.
These necklaces will fit right below your clavicle and may include a pendant so you can dress them up or down. For a simple yet dazzling option, we love our Alessia Paperclip Toggle Necklace. Available in both gold and silver, you can wear it with the unique toggle clasp in the front, or move it to the back for a more polished look.
20-Inch Necklaces
For most women's styles, a 20-inch necklace is considered slightly longer than usual. However, this is the shortest length offered for most men's chains.
This necklace style will fall a few inches below the collarbone. Some shorter, choker-style necklaces may include adjustable toggle options to extend the chain to 20 inches. Our 20-Inch Italian Sterling Silver Milano Twist Adjustable Chain is a beautiful example.
22-Inch Necklaces
Do you love necklaces that fall between your clavicle and sternum? This is a great, versatile length that looks especially vibrant over blouses or sweaters with a higher neckline. Most 22-inch necklaces feature a central pendant to create a center point and visual interest.
Our Italian Sterling Silver Diamond Cut Link Adjustable Chain allows you to take your necklace from 14 inches to 22 inches with just one simple move. Featuring a simple yet sophisticated fluted design, you can wear it alone or with an added pendant.
24-Inch Necklaces
A 24-inch necklace will fall right at the top of your ribcage. This is typically the longest that a single-strand necklace will go. From here, styles will usually begin doubling or even tripling over. Pair these with shorter options to create a stack, or pick an eye-catching style that can hold its own.
Adjustable from 14 inches to 24 inches, our Italian Light Grano Wheat Adjustable Chain is a great pick!
30-Inch and 36-Inch Necklaces
While you can certainly rock a 30-inch chain as a single strand, it will nearly reach the stomach of most wearers. If you prefer a slightly shorter look, you can double it up and make both strands shorter. Or, you can choose to keep one strand long and make the other more choker-length.
Looking for a versatile 30-inch style you can loop into a new look whenever you want? Our 30-inch Italian Sterling Silver Adjustable Popcorn Bombe Chain is a great place to start!
If you want to go even longer, you can also invest in a 36-inch necklace. The longest style that most jewelry makers will offer, these normally fall beyond the belly button of most people. The longest style we offer is our Sterling Silver Snake Chain, which is available in 30-inch and 36-inch options.
Measuring Your Necklace
When you purchase a new necklace, the retailer should be able to tell you exactly how long it is. However, you may have a few in your current collection that you're unsure about.
If that's the case, there are a few different ways to measure the length. These include:
- Using a string on a flat surface
- Using a tape measure on a flat surface
- Using a flexible tape measure around your neck
If you have a necklace in a length you love, measure it! Then, use those dimensions to help you narrow your options as you purchase a necklace to complement it.
How to Choose the Right Necklace Length
As mentioned, when you're ready to buy a necklace, there isn't a right or wrong length to choose! The style that will look best on you is the one you love, and that makes you feel the most confident.
That said, if you're not sure which style to choose for your new necklace, there are a few factors that can help you decide. Let's take a look.
Neck Size
You might not think too much about the size of your neck on a regular basis, but it can affect how different necklaces look on you. If your neck is narrow, then even the shortest length, such as a choker, might fall beyond your collarbone. If your neck is thicker, then it will make the necklace look shorter.
Think about where you want the necklace to fall, and choose your length accordingly. If you know your neck is thin and narrow, then we suggest sizing down, and vice versa if it's a little wider.
Not sure how to measure your neck size? Here's a quick guide to help you get started!
Height
Your height can also influence where a necklace falls on your body. If you're average height, then you can go by the descriptions listed above. However, people who are taller than average may prefer a longer necklace, as a short one may fall too high on them.
On the other hand, individuals with shorter statures may prefer shorter chains to complement their petite frame.
Your Clothes
When you have a few different necklace lengths to choose from, then you can make sure you always have the right accessory to pull your look together! As you're adding your jewelry, pay attention to the style of shirt you're wearing.
If it has a plunging neckline, then you may want a mid-length pendant that can fall to the middle and fill in the space. At the same time, longer styles also look gorgeous when layered on top of a high-necked sweater or T-shirt. You can also stack multiple styles together to create a fuller look.
The most common combination for stacking is a 16-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch necklace, all worn at the same time.
Find Your New Favorite Necklace Today
At Roma Designer Jewelry, we're proud to carry many different styles of fine jewelry. Once you know your desired necklace length, feel free to shop our full collection to see more of our beautiful pieces.
We offer more than 100 one-of-a-kind, timeless necklaces featuring gorgeous elements such as Swarovski crystals, Roman glass, and much more. Shop our entire necklace section today to find your new favorite!
