Your complete guide to necklace lengths and sizing

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or buying a gift for someone else, navigating necklace lengths can be challenging.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to measure necklace length and the key things to consider before choosing one. Our handy necklace size guide will also help you the next time you’re in the jewellers.

How to measure necklace length

When choosing the right necklace length, it helps to have an idea of how each length will look on you, especially if you’re buying online. To measure necklace length at home, all you’ll need is:

• A tape measure, ribbon, or string
• A ruler

To find out the length of necklace that you prefer:

1. Hold the string, ribbon, or tape measure around your neck.

2. Adjust the length until you find where you would like your necklace to sit, remembering to keep hold of the point on the string where the two ends meet.

3. Then, simply read the tape measure or measure the ribbon or string with a ruler, and you have your preferred necklace length.

Alternatively, if you own a necklace already that you like the length of but aren’t sure of the size, you can lay the necklace out in a line and measure this with a ruler. Don’t forget to measure from the preferred link you use when fastening the chain to the clasp, including the clasp, in your measurement.

Necklace lengths guide

Necklace lengths can vary massively, so to help give you a better understanding, we’ve put together some information on the sizes people often choose, the different lengths that are available, and where each one sits on the chest and body.

Women's necklace length chart

Necklace lengths for women are often split into one of five categories:

• Collar (12-13 inches): The smallest of the necklace lengths, a collar necklace is close-fitting and often sits part way up the neck rather than hanging on your chest.
• Choker: (14-16 inches): You’ve likely heard of choker necklaces before. They usually sit close to the base of your neck and work perfectly for layering with longer necklaces.
• Princess (17-19 inches): Princess necklaces sit level with your collar bones and are usually 18 inches in length.
• Matinee (20-24 inches): Sits between the breastbone and collarbone.
• Opera (28-36 inches): Due to their length, opera necklaces are very versatile as they can be worn at full length, tied in a knot, or wrapped twice around the neck for a layered look. 

What is the average women's necklace length?

The most popular necklace length chosen by women is 18 inches, or the princess size.

Men's necklace length chart

Necklace lengths for men are often recommended based on your collar size, and they come in the following sizes: 

• 18 inches: An 18-inch necklace is best suited to men with a smaller collar size (15 inches or less) and falls at the base of the neck. 
• 20 inches: Popular with men that have a 16–17-inch collar measurement, a 20-inch necklace will sit level with the collar bone.
• 22 inches: Best suited to men with a larger neck size (17-inch collar or higher), this necklace length will sit slightly below the collarbone.
• 24 inches: A necklace this length sits just above the sternum and is popular with those who want to wear a pendant, such as a dog tag or cross.
• 30 inches: The longest option for men, these necklaces sit in the middle of the chest.

What is the average men's necklace length?

The most common necklace chain length for men is 20 inches.

How to choose the right necklace length

Before you decide what size necklace you want, there are several factors to consider, particularly if you’re buying online:

• Body shape and height: Remember that necklaces will sit differently from person to person. You may want to try multiple sizes first to find the length that suits you best, depending on your height and body shape.
• Outfits, necklines and layering: Plan for the outfits and necklines you want to wear the necklace with, as not every necklace length will suit some of the necklines in your wardrobe. The same can be said if you wish to layer your new necklace with those you already have at home.
• Necklace style: The style of the necklace will also affect how the chain sits on the body, if you want to wear it with a pendant or you’re planning on buying a chunky necklace, this can weigh the necklace down and should be factored in when choosing the right size.

How to layer necklaces

If you’re thinking of buying more than one necklace, why not buy different necklace lengths and layer them? The best way to do this is to pick styles that differ slightly, creating a contrast and enhancing the layering effect.

You might choose a plain chain choker to match a longer pendant necklace and add some beads for variation. You could also experiment with different jewellery colours and textures—the opportunities are endless, and there’s no wrong way to do it!

Specialist jewellery insurance through Ripe

Once you’ve picked out the necklace you want to buy, you may want to consider getting insurance to protect it while you’re out and about.

With specialist jewellery insurance through Ripe, you can get cover for valuables such as necklaces worth up to a total of £30,000 to protect against theft, loss and accidental damage in the UK and worldwide. Policies can be tailored to meet your specific needs, so you’ll never pay for unnecessary cover.

Find out more about specialist jewellery insurance or get an online quote today.