Buying a new necklace is exciting but before rushing into any purchase it is important to factor in not only the look of the pendant but the length of the chain. It is necessary to consider the chain length that fits factors beyond your outfit and personal style. Necklaces or chains come in industry standard lengths; five different lengths for women, and four for men.This handy guide will assist you selecting the right necklace length that will best showcase your jewelry, accentuate your best features, suit your body type, and frame your face. When worn correctly, jewelry can draw people to look at your best assets and focus away attention from the features you would rather not flaunt. Our chains do not include the size of the pendant, you need to take into consideration between 1-2 inches when selecting it.
The first step is it to learn where different necklace lengths fall on the body for either men or women. This will assist you in choosing which chain length you desire.
Women’s necklaces are standardly sold in even-inch lengths. Follow this chart to learn where each necklace length falls on the average woman’s body.
Necklace LengthPosition on the Body14" NecklaceFits like a choker and wraps closely around the neck16" NecklaceFalls perfectly around the base of the neck like a collar. On a petite woman it hangs loosely around the neck and falls just at the collarbone. On a plus size women it might sit more like a choker.18" NecklaceA common choice for women that sits elegantly on the collarbone.20" NecklaceWill fall just below the collarbone.22" NecklaceFalls at or just above the top of the bustFollow this guide to see where different chain lengths fall on the average size male.
Necklace LengthPosition on the Body18" NecklaceSits at the base of the neck (for smaller neck sizes).20" NecklaceReaches the collarbone (most common length for average men).22" NecklaceFalls a few inches below the collarbone.24" NecklaceReaches just above the sternum.The right necklace can really pull any outfit together and be the focal point of a woman’s body. It is therefore important to consider how the length of the necklace will compliment your body. When selecting the correct chain length for your necklace it is important to consider such features as your neck, your height, your body type and your face shape.
Neck Size
If possible, take the time to measure your neck before purchasing any necklace and most importantly a choker. The easiest way to measure your neck is to gently take a soft measuring tape and wrap it closely around your neck. Whatever your neck measurement is, add two inches to that and that’s a comfortable length for chokers which are usually sized at 16 inches; add four inches to that and that’s a great length for a pendant or name necklace which is usually attached on an 18-inch chain for women. Chokers work best for people with long necks while short necked individuals are better off staying away from it.
Height
Your height is another factor to consider when choosing the perfect necklace chain to flatter your body type. Women below 5’4” look best in 16 to 20 inch necklace lengths. A long necklace tends to overwhelm a smaller frame. Women who fall between the height of 5’4” to 5’7” can wear necklace of any length. Taller women who are 5’7” or above can wear any length necklace. Longer chain style necklaces look best on taller women as they accentuate a tall frame.
Body Type
In terms of necklaces, remember that people’s eyes will stop at the point where your necklace ends so if you don’t want them looking at that part then, avoid necklaces that end there. For women with smaller bust, a long thin chain or long layered chains would look great on you. The kind of necklace that sits below the breast line should be avoided by full figured women as this length necklace will not hang properly. Instead, try a necklace that sits slightly higher on the body, such as an 18- to 22-inch necklace.
Face Shape
Another purpose of necklaces aside from being an accessory is that it actually helps frame your face. As with the body type, a necklace can help you accentuate your strongest facial features and alter the way your face is perceived by others.
Women with round faces should avoid short necklaces or chokers as they will accentuate the roundness of her face.
Those with oval shaped faces can take advantage of any necklace fad since they can wear almost any shape, length or type of necklace.
For those with a long-shape face who may want to broaden and soften the shape of their faces, should wear shorter necklaces. Short, round necklaces will keep from adding length. Look for choker and princess necklaces, measuring between 16” – 18”.
Heart shaped faces look great with chokers or any short necklace as they create an illusion of fullness and balance out a narrow chin.
Choosing the right necklace is similar to shopping for the perfect pair of jeans. It’s important to consider what flatters your body type and not jump to buy solely based on what’s currently on trend. At oNecklace we feature a range of chain lengths and styles of necklaces you are sure to love. Better yet, they are all personalizable!
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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