45 cm, 60 cm, 80 cm (17.7, 23.6, 31.5 in)… On a product page, a necklace length doesn't tell you much until you know where it will fall on you. Yet it makes all the difference: the same pendant looks delicate on the collarbones and much bolder in the middle of the chest. Here's how to choose the right necklace length, with a size chart, tips based on your neck and neckline, and an easy way to measure at home.
Women's necklace length chart
These guidelines are for a woman of average build: on a wider neck or a fuller bust, the necklace will sit a little higher.
| Length | Common name | Where it falls |
|---|---|---|
| 30 to 35 cm (11.8 to 13.8 in) | Tight choker | Snug at the base of the neck |
| 35 to 40 cm (13.8 to 15.7 in) | Choker | At the base of the neck, above the collarbones |
| 40 to 45 cm (15.7 to 17.7 in) | Standard necklace ("princess") | On the collarbones or just below |
| 45 to 55 cm (17.7 to 21.7 in) | Mid-length necklace | Between the collarbones and the top of the chest |
| 55 to 70 cm (21.7 to 27.6 in) | Long necklace ("matinee") | On the upper chest |
| 70 to 90 cm (27.6 to 35.4 in) | Long necklace ("opera") | Below the bust |
| Over 90 cm (35.4 in) | Extra-long necklace ("rope") | At the waist, or wrapped twice |
The most common necklace length for women is 45 cm (about 18 in): it falls just below the collarbones, shows with most necklines and suits almost every body type. If you're unsure, it's the safest choice.
How to measure the right length at home
- Grab a piece of string (or a necklace you already love wearing).
- Place it around your neck and let it fall to where you want the necklace to sit, in front of a mirror.
- Mark where the ends meet with a pen, then measure the string flat with a tape measure or ruler.
If you already have a necklace that fits you well, simply measure it flat, clasp included: that's the most reliable reference.
Remember the extender: many fashion necklaces have a small 5 cm (2 in) chain at the clasp. So a "40 + 5 cm" necklace can be worn anywhere from 40 to 45 cm (15.7 to 17.7 in). It's very handy for adjusting to a neckline or for layering.
Which length for your neck and body type?
- Long, slender neck: you can wear anything, and chokers especially flatter your neck.
- Short neck or round face: go for necklaces of 45 cm (17.7 in) and longer, a Y necklace or a long necklace. Their vertical line visually lengthens the neck and silhouette. Avoid very tight chokers.
- Fuller bust: a necklace that stops above the chest (40 to 50 cm, 15.7 to 19.7 in) or a long necklace that falls well below is more flattering than a pendant resting right on the bust.
- Petite: a very long necklace can "cut" the silhouette; a mid-length necklace (50 to 60 cm, 19.7 to 23.6 in) is often more balanced.
Which length for your neckline?
Often, it's the outfit that decides. The necklace shouldn't disappear under the fabric or float right on the collar seam.
- Crew neck or tee: a choker above the neckline, or a long necklace over your top.
- V-neck: a 45 to 50 cm (17.7 to 19.7 in) necklace with a pendant, or a Y necklace that echoes the shape of the neckline.
- Square neck or strapless: a choker or a standard necklace (40-45 cm, 15.7-17.7 in) that rests on the skin.
- Boat neck: a long necklace, worn over the top.
- Button-down shirt: open, a dainty 45 cm (17.7 in) necklace; buttoned up, a long necklace over it.
- Turtleneck: the playground of long necklaces, worn over the knit.
Length by necklace type
Pendant necklace
A small pendant sits best on the collarbones (42 to 45 cm, 16.5 to 17.7 in) to stay visible and delicate. A larger pendant or a medallion is worn lower (50 to 60 cm, 19.7 to 23.6 in) so it doesn't weigh down the neck. All our tips are in our guide to pendant necklaces for women.
Choker
Between 35 and 40 cm (13.8 and 15.7 in), it should rest at the base of the neck without squeezing. See our complete choker necklace guide.
Y necklace
The part that goes around the neck usually measures 40 to 45 cm (15.7 to 17.7 in), and the "drop" falls a few centimeters (an inch or two) into the neckline. Learn all about the Y necklace.
Long necklace
From about 70 cm (27.6 in). It's worn over clothes and can be wrapped twice for a multi-strand look. Our long necklace guide tells you everything.
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View productLayering several lengths
So that two or three necklaces don't tangle and all stay visible, leave at least 5 cm (2 in) between each length. An easy combination: a 40 cm (15.7 in) choker, a 45 to 50 cm (17.7 to 19.7 in) pendant chain and a 60 cm (23.6 in) long necklace. And if you don't want to juggle, multi-strand necklaces give you the look with a single clasp.
More tips in our article how to layer jewelry.
FAQ
What is the standard necklace length for women?
45 cm (about 18 in). It's the most common length: it falls just below the collarbones and works with most necklines.
Is a 40 cm (16 in) necklace short?
Yes, fairly: it sits at the base of the neck or on the collarbones, like a choker. If it has a 5 cm (2 in) extender, you can wear it a little lower.
What chain length for a pendant?
42 to 45 cm (16.5 to 17.7 in) for a small pendant worn every day, 50 cm (19.7 in) and longer for a larger pendant or to wear it over clothing.
At what length does a necklace count as a long necklace?
Generally from 70 cm (27.6 in). Between 55 and 70 cm (21.7 and 27.6 in), it's more of a mid-long necklace.
What about men?
Men's chains are a bit longer: 50 to 55 cm (19.7 to 21.7 in) on average, to fall below the collarbones.
Once you've found the right length, all that's left is choosing your style: our guide how to choose a necklace for your style will help you find yours, and in our necklace collection, be sure to check the length (and extender) in each product description. Our necklaces are shipped with care from Aix-en-Provence, France, with free shipping to the USA.
