Throwing on a necklace is a simple way to elevate any look. Whether it’s a pendant necklace or a simple chain, there are so many ways to style some shine around your neck.
But with great style comes great responsibility! First, we have to figure out what length and fit are best. Keep reading to find out how…
So, you’re in the market for a new necklace but you want to make sure you’re getting the right one. You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or getting a gift for someone else, determining your necklace size is an important step. This can be said for both women and men!
In this blog, we’re going to break down how to find the perfect size for your style, measurements, and personal taste.
Standard Necklace Lengths for WomenStandard Necklace Lengths For MenFactors To Consider When Choosing The Right Necklace For YouEveryone wants their necklace to fit as if it were tailor-made! Consider the following factors when shopping so your jewelry will feel like it was made for you:
It might seem obvious, but yes, the width of your neck is the most important measurement to consider when necklace shopping. Same with rings and bracelets, necklaces are not always one-size-fits-all! Make sure you consider how you want your necklace to fit around your neck before you commit.
Keep reading to learn how to measure your neck size and determine your ideal necklace length.
When shopping for a necklace, you’re probably not thinking about how tall you are- but it may be a good idea to start!
Generally speaking, the taller you are, the longer your necklace should be.
If your height is below average, longer necklaces may be less complimentary. Oftentimes, long necklaces overwhelm shorter people.
Similarly, if you are of above-average height, short necklaces might get completely lost.
We all want to wear a chain that both complements our looks and shows off our beautiful jewelry.
If you are 5 feet tall or under, look for a necklace that is anywhere from 16 to 20 inches long.
If you are between 5’4 to 5’7, most necklaces of standard length will suit you wonderfully.
And if you are above average height, look for necklaces that are at least 20 inches long.
Keep in mind that these are all guidelines. If you are 6 feet tall and want to wear a choker, please do so! If you are 5 feet tall and want to wear a necklace that falls to your waist- don’t let anyone stop you!
Wear what makes you feel best.
Just like clothes shopping, you’ll want to consider your body type when shopping for a new necklace.
If you want to accentuate certain features, jewelry has the magical ability to do so!
For example, if you want to accentuate your hips, a long and thin necklace may help. If you want to slim your hips, a thicker and shorter necklace may work better.
The same can be said for men. If you have broad shoulders, opt for a shorter and thicker chain. If you have narrow shoulders, opt for a chain that is thinner and longer.
Play around with different lengths of chains and see what works best for you!
Certain necklaces can make a face appear wider, rounder, shorter, or longer. Depending on your own face shape, you are likely to prefer one length to another.
For example, if you have a round face that you would like to appear longer, it’s best to choose a necklace that will emphasize the length of your face. A necklace that is 20’’ to 24’’ long will bring the eye down and effortlessly slim your face.
If you have a square or more angular face, a short necklace will soften your sharp angles while elongating your neck.
It’s really that simple!
When shopping for a new piece of jewelry (especially one that you will want to wear for many years to come), it’s a good idea to determine what look you want to achieve.
Ask yourself this: Do I want a minimalist, everyday look? Or do I want a necklace for special occasions?
This will help you figure out whether you want a standard-length necklace that you can simply throw on, a necklace that you can easily layer with other pieces, or one that you’ll save for important events.
Keep your lifestyle in mind, as well! If your chain is very long, it may not be great to wear while keeping active. And if your chain is very short, it may not go with the types of tops you normally wear.
Once you decide on the look you want (everyday, casual, special, layered, etc.), finding the optimal length will be that much easier!
How To Measure Your Desired Necklace SizeDetermining your ideal necklace length is an easy process. Here are the steps to do so:
You can follow this method as well:
It’s that easy!
FAQsDeciding between these two lengths can be tricky. It really depends on your specific measurements and preferences. The 18’’ necklace is the standard for women and is considered a classic go-to. When in doubt, opt for the 18’’. This length is ideal for pendant necklaces as it will land right below the collar of a crew neck t-shirt, making sure it gets seen!
Not exactly! While the 18’’ necklace is shorter than alternatives, this length is not likely to sit close to your neck. Generally, the 18’’ necklace will sit just below your collarbone.
A 20’’ necklace may be too long for some but perfect for others. If you are on the shorter side, this length may be a touch too long. However, if you are taller, this necklace will be perfect!
To Wrap UpChanging up your personal style, even slightly, can help you uncover a whole new personality! And trying out different necklace lengths is the perfect way to do so.
Whether you have a gemstone hanging around your neck or links of gold, there is the perfect length out there for you.
Keep experimenting and playing with different styles and lengths- you’ll look great no matter what.
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Short Answer: The average chain length for women is 18 Inches. If you are unsure of what chain length to get, this is the place to start, as 18″ is the most common chain necklace length for most women.
We’ve all been there: when you discover the perfect necklace while shopping and eagerly try it on … only to discover that it doesn’t quite fit you like the dummy. Gold Chains are stunning and prominent pieces of personal expression. They delicately hug the wearer’s neckline or smoothly flow down to make a statement or compliment an outfit.
Purchasing a new necklace, such as for example, box chain necklaces, is thrilling, but before making a buying decision, consider not only the appearance of the chain but also the length of the chain. Consider the chain length that complements variables other than your dress and personal style.
Chains come in various lengths that affect how they suit each individual. Not only this, but everyone’s body is unique, and some chains may fit some people better than others.
Women’s necklaces are worn at various lengths depending on the style of the necklace as well as the statement you want to make. The same style necklace appears very different when worn short at your round collar and longer down the front of your dress.
Before purchasing a necklace, measure around your neck with a piece of yarn or string laid at the length you want your necklace to be. There’s no need to do any extra math because necklace lengths already include the extra length added by the clasp.
Then simply measure the yarn or string against a tape measure to get your desired length.
If you’re shopping for a gift and don’t know the recipient’s neck size, go with an 18″ necklace. 18 Inches is the average length for women and can be worn in various styles.
There are six size categories for women’s necklace lengths to pick from, with some differences amongst jewelers. This necklace length guide includes common names and an indication of where each chain should be worn on the body.
16 Inch
This Choker or Bib length falls at the base of the neck, just above the collarbone like a collar, on most adult women. In the hollow of your neck, a little pendant would nestle. For petite women, this length will fall within the collarbone and hang lightly around her neck. This length will encircle the neck like a choker for plus-size women.
This length is generally not worn with pendants unless they are very few pendants or focal pieces in the middle of the necklace, as is customary with this length (e.g., a tiny cross as the focal point). This length is also common for decorative necklaces without a central focal point, such as a necklace with natural stones.
18 Inch
The average length for most women’s necklaces is 18 inches, also known as the princess chain length. This is right below the collarbone for the average woman. This length may be higher for larger women, fitting more like a 16″ necklace.
If the necklace has a pendant, it is best to measure yourself to check where this length falls on you and whether it will keep the pendant on top of your shirt.
20-22 Inch
The Matinee chain length of 20-22 inches is ideal for pendants or elegant necklaces without a pendant. This length keeps the pendant on top of round-collared tops and looks great with a v-neck, boatneck, or almost any other style of top.
This length is above the bosom for most women, but depending on your body form, it may fall at the top of your bosom. This necklace length is also used while wearing a necklace under your shirt.
24 Inch
Depending on your unique size and body form, this length lies at the bottom of the sternum, somewhere on/in your bosom. If you intend to wear it over your tops, it’s wise to confirm where this length will fall on you.
A huge bosom may not look good with this necklace length unless you’re wearing a blouse with a deep neckline and want the necklace to fall at your cleavage.
30 Inch
The 30-inch length of the chain, also called Opera, works nicely with most high necklines, including turtlenecks and high boat necks. It’s also a sophisticated choice for evening attire. Depending on the length and your build, you may be able to wrap an opera length around your neck many times to create a double-stranded collar necklace or choker.
You can discover the ideal fit for you wherever you go now that you know about necklace lengths. Everyone is unique, and these variances make fashion so inspiring. March to the beat of your rhythm and select the best chain length for women that is right for you because only you know what will complement your particular style the best.
Category: Gold Chains, Gold Necklaces, Jewelry Education, Jewelry Guide, Womens Jewelry