How to Measure Necklace Length: A Complete Guide

Choosing the right necklace length is essential to complement your style, no matter what look you’re going for. 

Whether you’re buying a necklace for yourself or as a gift, understanding how to measure necklace length ensures comfort, balance, and elegance. 

Read on to understand every detail you need, from standard necklace lengths to techniques for measuring necklace length.

Rope chain necklace from bubs & sass

Standard Necklace Lengths Explained

Necklaces come in a wide range of lengths, and each falls differently depending on body shape, neck size, and personal style. 

Here are the standard necklace lengths:

• 14 inches (Collar): Fits tightly around the neck and works best with open necklines.
  

• 16 inches (Choker): Rests at the base of the throat and pairs well with almost every outfit.
  

• 18 inches (Princess): The most popular length, falling just below the collarbone.
  

• 24 inches (Matinee): Lies at the top of the bust, offering a versatile option for formal and casual looks.
  

• 30 inches (Opera): Reaches the center of the bust or slightly below, often worn as a statement piece.
  

• 30+ inches (Rope or Lariat): Extra-long necklaces that can be styled in various ways, often doubled or knotted.
  

How to Measure Your Neck for Necklace Length

To select the right necklace, start with accurate neck measurements:

1. Use a Soft Measuring Tape
   Wrap it gently around the base of your neck where a necklace would rest.
   

2. Add Extra Length
   

• For a choker, add 2 inches to your neck measurement.
  

• For longer necklaces, add 4–6 inches depending on the style and comfort.
  

3. Alternative Method
   If you don’t have a tape measure, use a string or ribbon. Place it around your neck, mark the point where it overlaps, and measure it against a ruler.
   

Measuring a Necklace You Already Own

If you have a favorite necklace and want the same fit for a new one:

• Lay the Necklace Flat
  Place it on a flat surface and measure from end to end, including the clasp.
  

• For Adjustable Necklaces
  Measure the shortest and longest wear lengths possible on the necklace, so you know the full range of wear.
  

How Necklace Length Looks on Different Necklines

The way a necklace falls depends greatly on the neckline of your clothing. Understanding this pairing ensures the perfect match:

• V-Neck Tops: Best with pendant necklaces that mimic the shape of the neckline.
  

• Crew Neck Shirts: Pair with longer chains like matinee or opera lengths.
  

• Strapless or Off-Shoulder Dresses: Work beautifully with chokers or collar necklaces.
  

• Button-Down Shirts: A princess length necklace sits perfectly between the open collar.
  

Necklace Lengths for Different Body Types

Body proportions influence how a necklace sits:

• Petite Frames: Shorter lengths (16–18 inches) avoid overwhelming the neckline.
  

• Fuller Figures: Longer chains (20–24 inches) provide balance and elongate the appearance.
  

• Tall Builds: Opera or rope lengths enhance vertical lines and complement the frame.

Fresh water pearl/ crystal lariat necklaces from bubs & sass

Necklace Lengths for Men

Measuring necklace length is slightly different for men’s necklaces, although, standard lengths still apply.

Here’s a reference:

• 18 inches: Sits at the base of the neck, typically for smaller builds.
  

• 20 inches: Rests on the collarbone, the most common men’s length.
  

• 22 inches: Falls below the collarbone and works well with pendants.
  

• 24 inches: Rests at the middle of the chest, often chosen for bold styles.
  

Pro tip: Chains should fall neatly above or below the neckline. Therefore, when measuring, men should also consider shirt styles.

Flat snake chain necklace with extension from bubs & sass

Tips for Choosing the Right Necklace Length

• Face Shape
  Shorter necklaces highlight angular features, while longer chains soften round faces.
  

• Layering
  Combining multiple lengths, such as a choker with a matinee necklace, creates depth and style.
  

• Pendant Drop
  If adding a pendant, include its length when calculating total necklace drop.
  

• Comfort
  Ensure the necklace sits comfortably without tugging, especially when worn for long hours.
  

Necklace Length Chart for Quick Reference

How to Measure Necklace Length for Layering

Choosing the right lengths while layering necklaces prevents tangling and ensures balance. 

How to measure necklace length: 

1. Select a Base Length
   Start with a choker or princess length as your foundation.
   

2. Add 2–4 Inches for Each Layer
   Create space between necklaces so they do not overlap awkwardly.
   

3. Mix Textures and Pendants
   Combining plain chains with statement pendants gives dimension to the look.
   

Customizing Necklace Lengths

Sometimes standard lengths do not suit everyone. 

In such cases:

• Take your necklace to a professional jeweler
  Many necklaces can be shortened or extended by adding chain links. Or, you can buy necklaces that already have extensions. 

Sun ray necklace with extensions from bubs & sass

• Use extender chains
  These allow flexibility by adding 2-4 inches to any necklace.
  

• Custom Orders
  If you wear a unique size, custom-length necklaces can be crafted for a precise fit.
  

Final Thoughts

A well-measured necklace enhances not only an outfit but also amplifies your personal style. By understanding standard necklace sizes, how to measure accurately, and which lengths suit different face shapes, body types, and necklines you can select necklaces that offer a flattering look and fit for every occasion. 

Buy the best necklaces made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or brass, and gold or silver plated, from a wide range of selection only at bubs & sass.