Necklace Length Guide: How to Choose the Right Necklace Length (With Chart)

The right necklace length depends on where you want the piece to sit: high on the neck, at the collarbone, on the chest or lower. Most women's necklaces fall between about 14 and 24 inches, and a few inches can change the whole look. This necklace length guide includes a simple chart, explains how to measure yourself at home and shows how to pick a length for your neckline, your outfit and your layered stack.

Necklace Length Chart: Where Each Length Sits

Use this chart as a starting point. Where a necklace actually falls depends on your neck size, your build and the size of the pendant, so treat each spot as approximate.

If you are unsure, an 18-inch necklace is a safe choice. It sits near the collarbone on most people and works with almost any top.

How to Measure Your Necklace Length at Home

You don't need special tools. Two quick methods work well:

1. Use a string. Wrap a piece of string or a phone charging cable around your neck and let it hang to where you want the necklace to sit. Mark the spot, lay the string flat and measure it with a ruler or tape measure.
2. Measure a necklace you already love. Unclasp it, lay it out straight and measure from end to end. Buy the same length, or go two inches longer or shorter to change the look.

Keep two things in mind. A larger pendant pulls the chain down and makes it look a bit longer. And a choker should feel comfortable, not tight, so leave room to slip a finger under it.

How to Choose the Right Necklace Length for Your Neckline

A simple rule is to leave some space between the necklace and the edge of your top, so the two don't compete.

• Crew neck or high round neck: Go short (a choker sitting above the neckline) or long (20 inches or more, resting on the fabric).
• V-neck: A pendant on an 18 to 20 inch chain follows the V nicely.
• Scoop neck: Collarbone lengths around 16 to 18 inches fill the open space.
• Off-the-shoulder and strapless: Chokers and short necklaces show off the neck and shoulders.
• Turtleneck or chunky sweater: Longer chains of 24 inches or more look best over thick knits.
• Button-down shirt: Wear a short chain under an open collar, or a longer piece over a buttoned shirt.

Does neck size or body shape matter?

Yes, a little. The same 16-inch necklace can sit like a choker on one person and like a collar on another. If your neck is on the fuller side, add an inch or two to the lengths in the chart. Adjustable necklaces help a lot here, because you can move the clasp to the spot that feels right.

Necklace Lengths for Layering

Layering looks best when each necklace has its own space. A good rule is to keep about 2 inches between each layer, for example 16, 18 and 20 inches. Start with your shortest piece, then add longer ones, and mix one bold or textured chain with finer ones so the stack doesn't look busy. For more ideas, see our guide on how to layer necklaces like a pro, or browse ready-made looks in our layered necklaces collection.

Necklaces at WoW! Gotta Have It! by Length

Here are in-stock necklaces from our store, sorted from shortest to longest. Every length listed comes from the product's own description, and most of these are adjustable.

• 14.5 inches, adjustable: Multicolor Butterfly Floating Necklace. Butterfly charms on an ultra-fine, invisible cord, from our Jersey Shore Jewelry line. A playful choker for off-the-shoulder tops and sundresses.
• 16 inches, adjustable: Brown Cube Floating Necklace. Brown cube beads on a clear line in a choker style that sits close to the collarbone. Also from the Jersey Shore Jewelry line.
• 18 inches, adjustable: Gold-Plated O-Ring Link Choker. Oversized gold-plated aluminum O-rings in a chunky chain. A bold piece to wear alone or layer with finer chains.
• 19 inches, adjustable: Gold-Tone Open Heart Pendant Necklace. A polished open heart, available in gold-tone and silver-tone. An easy everyday length.
• 20 inches, adjustable: Crescent Moon & Star Drop Necklace. Silver-plated with AAA cubic zirconia crystals. Wear it alone or as a lower layer.
• 24 inches, adjustable: Geometric & Star Layered Necklace Set. A 3-piece unisex set you can wear together or split up.

You can see every style in our full necklaces collection. Every order ships free in the US, arrives in a gift box and comes with 90-day returns, so you can try a length and still have time to decide.

Quick Tips for Buying Necklaces Online

• Check the listed length in the product description, not only the photo. Photos can make a chain look longer or shorter than it is.
• Look for "adjustable." An adjustable necklace gives you a range instead of one fixed spot.
• Think about the pendant. A heavy or large pendant sits lower than a light charm on the same chain.
• Buying a gift? Choose 18 inches if you don't know the person's size. It is the most forgiving length.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular necklace length?

18 inches is often called the standard length for women's necklaces. It usually sits at or just below the collarbone and works with most necklines, which makes it a safe pick for everyday wear and for gifts.

Is a 16-inch or 18-inch necklace better?

It depends on the look you want. A 16-inch necklace sits higher, close to the base of the neck, and works well with open necklines. An 18-inch necklace sits a little lower and is more versatile. If you plan to layer, wear both together.

How long is a choker necklace?

Most chokers are about 14 to 16 inches long and sit around the base of the neck. Many are adjustable, so you can loosen them for comfort. A choker should never feel tight.

What necklace length is best for layering?

Choose lengths about 2 inches apart, such as 16, 18 and 20 inches, so each necklace sits on its own and the chains are less likely to overlap. Start with two layers and add a third once you like the balance.