Buying a new necklace is an exciting experience, but it's essential to consider the length of the chain in addition to the pendant's appearance. The right chain length can enhance your jewelry, highlight your best features, and complement your body type and face shape. This guide will help you select the ideal necklace length to showcase your jewelry beautifully.
Necklace Length Guide
Understanding where different necklace lengths fall on the body is the first step in choosing the right chain length. Here are the standard lengths for women and men:
Standard Necklace Lengths for Women
- 14" Necklace: Fits like a choker, wrapping closely around the neck.
- 16" Necklace: Sits at the base of the neck like a collar. It may hang loosely around the neck on petite women and sit more like a choker on plus-size women.
- 18" Necklace: A popular choice that rests elegantly on the collarbone.
- 20" Necklace: Falls just below the collarbone.
- 22" Necklace: Reaches the top of the bust.
Standard Necklace Lengths for Men
- 18" Necklace: Sits at the base of the neck, suitable for smaller neck sizes.
- 20" Necklace: Reaches the collarbone, the most common length for men.
- 22" Necklace: Falls a few inches below the collarbone.
- 24" Necklace: Reaches just above the sternum.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Necklace Length
Several factors influence the ideal necklace length for you, including neck size, height, body type, and face shape.
Neck Size
Measure your neck before purchasing a necklace, especially a choker. Use a soft measuring tape to wrap around your neck gently. Add two inches to your neck measurement for a comfortable choker length, typically 16 inches. For a pendant or name necklace, add four inches to your neck measurement, resulting in an 18-inch chain.
Height
Your height can affect how a necklace looks on you. Women under 5'4" look best in 16 to 20-inch necklaces, while those between 5'4" and 5'7" can wear any length. Taller women (5'7" and above) can also wear any length, with longer chains accentuating their height.
Body Type
Consider where you want people's eyes to focus. For smaller busts, long thin chains or layered chains work well. Full-figured women should avoid necklaces that sit below the breast line and opt for 18 to 22-inch lengths instead.
Face Shape
Necklaces can frame your face and highlight your best features. Here are some tips based on face shape:
- Round Faces: Avoid short necklaces or chokers to prevent accentuating roundness.
- Oval Faces: Almost any necklace length or style works well.
- Long Faces: Shorter necklaces, like chokers or princess lengths (16-18 inches), can broaden and soften the face.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Chokers or short necklaces create an illusion of fullness, balancing a narrow chin.
Choosing the right necklace length is similar to finding the perfect pair of jeans. Consider what flatters your body type rather than just following trends. With a variety of chain lengths and styles available, you're sure to find a necklace that suits you perfectly.
